Illinois' Newest Millionaire Revealed During Million Dollar Summer Finale

Illinois' Newest Millionaire Revealed During Million Dollar Summer Finale

Sixteen contestants became big winners during televised game show

OREGON, Ill., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The Illinois Lottery televised its "Million Dollar Summer" finale game show this weekend and determined Illinois' newest millionaire, O.K. Welty III, from Oregon, Ill.

"It's just so unbelievable," said Welty, who stood in disbelief when his number was drawn for the $1 million grand prize winner. "I hardly remember coming down to the center stage where Mary (his wife) and Heather (his daughter) met me. We were all in such shock; I don't think we knew what to say."

Lou Canellis, of ABC 7's "190 North" television series, hosted the 30-minute finale, helping contestants choose their play-by-play options. Excitement filled the studio as each weekly winner met with Canellis and strategically picked a number between 1 and 16. By becoming a Million Dollar Summer weekly winner, each player was guaranteed to walk away with at least $50,000. As the players took their places behind the numbered podiums, a dollar amount between $55,000 and $250,000 was revealed. Once all of the players had chosen their number, they faced a tough choice: should they keep the dollar amount awarded in round one, or continue to round two for the chance to win $1 million?

Welty was the 16th and final winner in this summer's second-chance promotion; therefore, he was the last winner to choose a number in the first round, which meant he had no choice but to pick the last remaining number, which happened to be 16. As he took his place behind podium 16, his prize amount was revealed to show he could either walk away with $55,000 or risk the additional $5,000 for the chance at $1 million. Without hesitation, Welty chose to move to the second round for a chance at going home with the grand prize.

As round two began, the easily recognizable lottery pop-up machine churned with five numbered balls to account for the five finalists who chose to go for the jackpot. The players stood behind their lucky number podiums in anticipation. Moments later, Ball No. 16 popped out on top, revealing that Welty was the $1 Million Grand Prize Winner.

In another new twist, the Lottery gave viewers at home a chance to win $10,000 through a text messaging contest. Text-in directions were aired throughout the 30-minute game show and the winners will be contacted by Lottery officials on Tuesday, October 2.

All summer, the Lottery drew weekly finalists for this record-breaking "Million Dollar Summer" promotion that included 984,070 entries. All 16 winners learned which prize they'd won during the grand finale game show that aired on ABC network affiliates across Illinois this past weekend.

"Each year's finale gives our players a chance to participate in a really fun event that brings the game experience to life for them," said Illinois Lottery Superintendent Jodie Winnett. "It also extends the value of each Lottery ticket and helps drive additional sales and profits for K-12 public education."

To learn more about "Million Dollar Summer" and the televised grand finale, visit http://www.illinoislottery.com/.

About the Illinois Lottery

Founded in 1974, the Illinois Lottery is a state agency with annual sales over $2 billion. Since its inception, the Lottery has contributed more than $14 billion to the state Common School Fund to assist K-12 public schools. Players must be at least 18 years old. For more information on the Illinois Lottery please visit our Web site at http://www.illinoislottery.com/.

Contact: Madonna Duncan (312) 255-3143 (office)
(773) 960-5829 (cell)
Courtney Hill (312) 255-3125 (office)
(312) 342-4273 (cell)

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Illinois Lottery

CONTACT: Madonna Duncan, +1-312-255-3143, cell, +1-773-960-5829, or
Courtney Hill, +1-312-255-3125, cell, +1-312-342-4273, both of the Illinois
Lottery

Web site: http://www.illinoislottery.com/

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