DALE CITY, Va. —Â Virginia’s seventh $1 million Powerball jackpot winner in the past four weeks claimed his prize in Dale City.
Officials with the Virginia Lottery said Michael DeFonde, of Woodbridge, purchased his winning ticket from a BP gas station at the corner of Mapledale Avenue and Dale Boulevard.
He came to the store Tuesday to claim his prize.
More in a press release from the Virginia Lottery:
When Michael DeFonde stopped by Mapledale BP in Woodbridge and heard the exciting news that a Powerball ticket bought there had won $1 million, it never occurred to him that he might have that ticket.
âIt didnât even click,â the Woodbridge man later said.
Later that day, he and his wife checked some Powerball tickets in their house. The ticket matched the first five numbers in the December 8 Powerball drawing to win $1 million.
âI told my wife, âI think you must be wrong. That canât be us!ââ he said.
The BP store also won received a $10,000 bonus from the lottery for selling the winning ticket.
The winning numbers for that drawing were 7-23-26-40-53, and the Power Ball number was 21. He used Easy Pick and allowed the computer to randomly select the numbers on his ticket. Mr. DeFonde said he expects to use his winnings to pay bills and as a nest egg for the future.
Powerball drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. They are broadcast on TV stations across Virginia and live on valottery.com.Â
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditionsâno plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treatâit’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fĂšve (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and donât worryâthere will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But thatâs not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Yearâs wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. Weâre bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
Whatâs in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Pucciniâs âThe Girl from the Golden Westâ.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Pucciniâs masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
