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Aug 2, 2009 7:04 pm US/Eastern
Lottery Winner Loses $500,000 Scratch-Off Ticket
PALM BEACH COUNTY (CBS4) ―
One moment, he was the winner of a $500,000 Florida lottery scratch off ticket.
But the next moment, he was searching his pockets for it. He turned up empty handed, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Now, the 69-year-old retiree from Palm Beach county is hoping someone will find it and return it. The Good Samaritan, he said, would receive a cash reward.
The money was the answer to Louis Tolentino's prayers. As he was driving to a West Palm Beach satellite lottery office to collect his prize, he got lost. He stopped at a convenience store to ask for directions.
Soon after that, he discovered his Gold Rush scratch off ticket was missing. He reached into every pocket, and even tore up his hands as he covered every corner of his car. Still nothing.
"It really hurts," he said.
In his rush to collect his money, he forgot to sign the ticket which means anyone who finds it could claim it.
"I just forgot because I was so anxious to get there," he said.
He and his wife Sandra could have used the money. They're living on their Social Security benefits. Their savings were eaten up after Sandra became ill and needed the money to pay for her medical expenses.
And while they live in the gated neighborhood of Wycliffe Country Club near Wellington, they are behind on their association dues and are in jeopardy of losing their home.
"This was the thing we prayed and dreamed for," he said of the ticket. "We're not in a good way right now."
"Now I'm just hoping whoever finds it is a Good Samaritan," Tolentino said.
Source: Palm Beach Post
(Palm Beach Post)
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