It’s time to celebrate National Lottery Week, lucky wins, life-changing moments, and the story behind ticket winners.
And just like the moment of Armando Vidal, a former Santa Clarita resident who was homeless in Santa Luis Obispo before winning the $1 million jackpot in April, there are only a few stories that combine hope and difficulties.
From misfortune to jackpot winners, Vidal won $1 million after he decided to buy two triple Red777 scrackers at Sandy’s Deli and Liquor, where he was his regular clients. To safely insist on his jackpot, store manager Wilson Summeron accompanied Vidal on a road trip to Fresno’s California Lottery Office.
After moving from Santa Clarita to Santa Maria, Vidal said the injury caused him to lose his job and made him homeless in 2008. He then decides to move to the central coast in an attempt to recover his living situation.
After playing two games with Scratchers, I asked how Vidal felt he had first won $200, then $100,000, before chatting and winning a big Samaan.
“I was right?” Vidal said. “And that’s what I learned I’ve won $1 million.”
Vidal is currently working to use the winning proceeds to secure a home with beds, a few dogs, and he also plans to invest his prize money and maintain cash. After his victory in April, Vidal went viral on an Instagram video, but plans to remain unremarkable in the future.
