LANSING, January 5, 2006 – Mary Cross of St. Clair Shores won a $10,000 Mega Millions prize.  Cross matched four white balls and the Mega ball to win the prize.

The Mega Millions prize structure changed beginning with the June 24 drawing when California became part of the Mega Millions game.  The previous prize for matching four white balls and the Mega ball was $5,000.

Cross was very excited when she saw her numbers come up during a television broadcast.  She double checked her numbers on the Lottery’s Web site just to make sure her eyes weren’t playing tricks on her.  Cross picked her own numbers based on birthdays.  She plans to use the money to pay bills.  The lucky winner enjoys traveling and knitting in her free time.

The winning own pick ticket was purchased at Lakeshore Market, 7023 Lakeshore Rd., in Lexington.

Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game in Michigan, California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington.  Wagers cost $1 each and tickets may be purchased at more than 10,000 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

All proceeds from the Lottery are contributed to the state School Aid Fund which supports kindergarten through 12th grade public education in Michigan.  In fiscal year 2005, the contribution was $667.6 million.

For additional information, please visit the Lottery’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/lottery.

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