A young mother of two got an early mother's day gift today when she found out she hit last night's $77,500 LOTTO jackpot. The winner is 25-year-old Pearl Valdez who works as a store clerk in Dangriga. She matched all five numbers and when she found out this morning, she and her boyfriend hopped on the first bus to Belize City. She picked up her check at the LOTTO Office this Afternoon and you won't believe how she picked her 5 winning numbers.
Keith Swift,
How did you choose the numbers?
Pearl Valdez,
"Well the numbers I usually buy 'power mints' and whenever I see the numbers I usually write them down and buy them. That is how I got the numbers, from a power mint."
Keith Swift,
What will you do with the money?
Pearl Valdez,
"I don't really know yet but it'll go to good use."
Keith Swift,
How do you feel that your girlfriend has won a lot of money?
Rhyne Gabourel, Boyfriend of LOTTO Winner
"I feel good for her, she deserves it. She works hard, she deserves the money."
Keith Swift,
You will help her spend it of course.
Rhyne Gabourel,
"Of courser you know, on the side."
After taxes, Valdez took home $65,875. The jackpot for Saturday's draw has rolled back to $50,000.
