Curtis Cruse of Delco plans to help his daughter through college after winning $1,000 a week for life.

“Knowing that she’s taken care of is probably the best part,” Cruse said.
Cruse, a factory mechanic, decided to play $1,000 A Week For Life after a co-worker won a smaller prize playing the game. He never imagined he would win the top prize.

“What are the chances?” Cruse said. “I cried, I hollered, and yelled when I found out. I just couldn’t believe it!”

Cruse claimed his prize Monday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. He had the option of receiving $1,000 a week for the rest of his life, or a cash payout of $708,000. Cruse chose the cash option. After tax withholdings the value of the prize is $490,290.

Cruse bought the winning ticket at Sam’s Pit Stop on Andrew Jackson Highway in Delco.

The game launched in February 2014 with three top prizes of $1,000 a week for life. Since all top prizes in the game have been won, the lottery has started the steps to end the game.

Ticket sales from games like $1,000 A Week For Life made it possible for the lottery to raise more than half a billion dollars for the state last year. For details on how more than $27.8 million in lottery funds have made a difference in Columbus County, click on the “For Education” section of the lottery’s website.