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Clarkston woman facing homelessness wins Michigan lottery prize

Posted at 2:35 PM, Jan 23, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-23 14:36:48-05

LANSING, Mich. – A Clarkston woman wasn’t so “lucky” over parts of her life, but now she is.

Shawna Donnelly matched the five white balls drawn in the Lucky For Life drawing on January 15 in Michigan to win $25,000 a year for life.  Donnelly, 50, told the Michigan Lottery that she had been facing homelessness.

“The last year has been the most difficult of my life,” Donnelly told the lottery that was shared in a press release.  “I’ve been taking care of my mom full-time, and it’s hard to make ends meet. Winning this prize couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Donnelly claimed her prize Monday in Lansing.  She chose to take her winnings in a one-time lump sum payment of $390,000 instead of annuity payments for 20 years or life, whichever is greater.

Donnelly told the lottery she plans to buy a new home and car and then save the rest.