In a recent stroke of fortune, Elena Penaloza has secured a whopping $1 million from a California Lottery Scratcher ticket, originating from a purchase she made in West Covina, as confirmed by lottery officials.
Elena Penaloza, who may have not been a fan of “The Simpsons” show’s Itchy & Scratchy, is undoubtedly singing a different tune now
The story takes a twist with a hint of superstition, just before clinching her grand win, Elena Penaloza experienced an inexplicable itchiness in her hands. Her daughter, Ariana, explained that her mother adhered to the old wives’ tale that claims itchy hands signify impending wealth. Ariana shared that her mother had sensed this omen a week prior to her victory. “She believes it was destined,” Ariana stated. Acting on fate or not, Elena Penaloza made the pivotal purchase of the victorious Diamond 8 ticket at the North Azusa Avenue’s 7-Eleven, where the life-changing million-dollar emblem hid behind the 16th square out of 20.
According to Ariana, neither she nor her mother initially grasped the gravity of their achievement, leading them to revisit the 7-Eleven the next day to scan the ticket. It was at this moment that reality struck home. “We walked home and were like ‘Oh my,’” Ariana recounted. “My mom now wants to buy a house.”
In a heartfelt twist, Elena Penaloza’s journey to the United States was propelled by a desire to provide her children with an exceptional education. Thus, her elation at discovering that proceeds from lottery ticket purchases contribute to funding public schools was palpable. Ariana conveyed her mother’s sentiment, stating, “She’s pleased that she can contribute to schoolchildren.” Elena Penaloza’s triumph places her in the company of numerous recent California Lottery champions.
Albert Miranda achieved a remarkable $5 million through 100X Scratchers, courtesy of a ticket bought at Gardena’s Trade Wind Liquor
Similarly, Rochelle Gardeley secured $5 million by participating in the 2023 Scratchers, having procured the winning ticket from Lompoc’s Cat’s Market and Deli. Over in Northern California, Tomas Herrera’s stars aligned as he pocketed $1 million via the Xtreme Multiplier Scratchers game, a ticket obtained at a Circle K/Valero gas station in Fairfield.
Itchy palms, it appears, are not to be underestimated as harbingers of luck. Recent history attests to this: earlier this year, a gentleman from North Carolina scratched his way to a $200,000 prize following an itchy encounter with a scratch-off. In a similar vein, a Kansas couple secured a $50,000 win from Powerball, reminiscent of their earlier jest about a palm-induced itch in 2021’s draw.
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