Winner From Erin Used Power Play to Double His Prize

NASHVILLE – When Benjamin Pendergrass checked his phone’s text message for the winning numbers from Saturday night’s Powerball drawing, he did a double take. Then a triple take. Once he realized his ticket matched five of the six winning numbers, he and co-workers on the late shift “started dancing all around!” It’s easy to see why: His lucky ticket, purchased at Wells Market in Erin, Houston County, was worth $2 million.

“It was hard to believe,” said Mr. Pendergrass, who lives in Erin and works nearby at Tennessee Valley Authority. “When I started realizing I had matched more than a couple numbers, I was just happy I would win something. I couldn’t believe it when the numbers kept matching, right on up until the Powerball.”

Matching the five white ball numbers begins as a $1 million prize. Since he added the Powerball “Power Play” option for an extra dollar, the prize was doubled.

Needless to say, Mr. Pendergrass and his wife Lori, who came to the Lottery’s Nashville headquarters this morning to claim the prize, are thrilled at their good fortune. Initial plans include paying off their mortgage.

Basic Quick Facts:
• The ticket was purchased at Wells Market, 6565 Hwy. 13, in Erin.
• The retailer will receive $5,000 for selling the ticket.
• Ticket matched five of six Powerball numbers drawn on Saturday, February 28
• This is the 157th ticket sold worth $1 million or more since the Lottery began in January 2004.
• The Tennessee Education Lottery Corp. has generated more than $3.2 billion for education programs since ticket sales begin in January 2004, including funds for over 900,000 scholarships and grants.
• Lottery players have won more than $7.9 billion in prizes since inception.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery

The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Lottery ticket sales fund specific education programs, including college scholarships, after-school programs and the new Tennessee Promise initiative.

Since the Lottery began selling tickets on Jan. 20, 2004, it has raised more than $3.2 billion for these programs. In addition to the educational beneficiaries, players have won over $7.9 billion in prizes and Lottery retailer partners have earned over $822 million in retailer commissions.