The summer solstice brought more than just the longest day of the year to one Californian who snagged a $10 million prize from a Scratchers ticket. Barley Bin Liquor, a staple in the Whittier community, sold the lucky ticket, a boon not just for the winner but for the store itself. Owned by brothers Raymond and Tony Boulos, the family-run shop will receive a $50,000 bonus for their role in the win, according to KTLA.
Having been owned by their father Leon for decades, the store sits at the heart of the neighborhood. "I see adults that I used to know as children," Raymond Boulos told KTLA. "They were 8 years old, and now they are in their 30s. It’s the kind of place that people, once they come here, they never leave." These brothers plan to reinvest the bonus back into their store, continuing a legacy of community and fellowship in Whittier.
Further cementing the store's auspicious reputation, this marks the second significant lottery win for Barley Bin Liquor this year, a customer having won $750,000 from a Mystery Crossword Scratchers ticket back in March, reported by KTLA. The streak of good fortune has fostered a sense of celebration and camaraderie among the locals.
While the identity of the new multimillionaire remains a mystery, awaiting the completion of the standard claims process that includes a vetting by California Lottery law enforcement officers to affirm authenticity, the community's sentiment is palpable. "As longtime Whittier residents, we are proud of the community we have that calls us their local corner store," Tony Boulos expressed in an interview acquired by FOX LA. This sentiment is echoed by California Lottery spokesperson Daniel Kelly, who said, "We want to send a big thank you to all our players who support California public schools every time they play," as obtained by FOX LA.
The California Lottery was established in 1985 and has since generated over $46 billion in funding for the state's public schools and universities, combining moments of personal triumph with a beneficial impact on educational facilities statewide, as noted by KTLA.
