Haya Freitekh of Waxhaw has a seriously upgraded bank balance after a lucky stop at a Marvin grocery store. The Union County resident scratched an $8 Million Money Maker ticket. After choosing the lump-sum option and going through the required state and federal withholdings, she left lottery headquarters with $3,456,494. She bought the $50 ticket at the Publix on Providence Road South in Marvin and completed her claim this week.
According to the NC Education Lottery, Freitekh arrived at the lottery's Raleigh claim center Tuesday and chose the $4.8 million lump-sum payout instead of $400,000 a year for 20 years. The agency's announcement lists the prize amount, her payment choice and the final payout after withholdings.
Where the Ticket Was Bought
Freitekh's winning ticket was purchased at the Publix on Providence Road South in Marvin, turning a routine grocery run into a life-changing moment. As reported by WCCB Charlotte, Freitekh is a Waxhaw resident who completed her claim at the state's lottery office this week.
About the "8 Million Money Maker" Game
The $8 Million Money Maker scratch-off debuted in December 2024 as a $50 instant game with five $8 million top prizes and ten $100,000 prizes, a structure noted by WSOC-TV. The station reports that one $8 million prize and four $100,000 prizes remain unclaimed following Freitekh’s claim.
Prizes of $100,000 or more must be claimed in person at lottery headquarters, and the NC Education Lottery's claim page explains the steps winners should follow to complete a large prize claim. Per the NC Education Lottery, winners are urged to review payout choices carefully and consider professional tax and financial guidance before finalizing public plans.
