CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Huntersville woman is flying high after she scored a huge $700,000 lottery prize over the weekend.
"I thought I was going to have a heart attack," Donna Smith said. "I had to calm myself down."
Smith bought her lucky $10 Triple 777 ticket from the Run-In convenience store on Gilead Road Sunday morning. She said something in her mind told her it was the right ticket to buy. The Huntersville woman said she loves buying scratch-offs and has been playing the lottery for years.
After required state and federal taxes, Smith went home with $500,503.
"I'm just happy to be here," Smith told the North Carolina Education Lottery.
Smith said she plans to pay off her house and car with the winnings. She also plans to donate some to her church and help out family members who are struggling.
Playing the lottery is a form of gambling. If you are concerned about your gambling or worried about a friend, you can call the NC Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-877-718-5543. You can also contact the National Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
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