November 11, 2009-James Choice of Arverne, Queens, won $250,000 playing the New York Lottery’s Mother’s Day Instant game. 

“I stopped at the drug store to buy some cough medicine and while there, I decided to buy a Mother’s Day Lottery ticket.  When I scratched the ticket and realized I’d won $250,000, it felt like my blood pressure was going through the roof,” said Choice.  Engaged to be married, Choice said he plans to pay for his wedding with his prize.   

Choice purchased his winning ticket at Excel Drugs, 42 Thomas Boyland St., in Brooklyn.  Mother’s Day is a $5 Instant game that offers players 12 chances to win up to $250,000.  The overall odds, of winning any prize are 1:4.95. 

The New York Lottery continues to be North America's largest and most profitable Lottery, earning more than $36.7 billion in education support statewide since its founding over 40 years ago. The Lottery contributed nearly $2.54 billion in fiscal year 2008-09 to help support education in New York State, which was over 12 percent of total state education funding to local school districts. The Lottery's ongoing commitment to education also includes the awarding of more than 1,100 Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) Scholarships annually to high school students pursuing their higher education in New York State. Since 1999, the Lottery has awarded more than 11,500 scholarships representing a total commitment of almost $50 million.