Sometimes the biggest surprises come when you’re just running errands. For Clifford Briggs, a retired railroad worker and proud Army veteran, a simple trip to pick up groceries at Safeway turned into a once-in-a-lifetime moment. He walked out of the store with more than just milk and bread—he also walked away with a $100,000 Maryland Lottery win.
Briggs, who has lived in Silver Spring for years, has always enjoyed trying his luck with lottery games. This time, he picked up six Double Your Money scratch-off tickets from a self-service kiosk inside the Wheaton Safeway on Georgia Avenue. He had just finished shopping when something nudged him to give the $10 tickets a shot. He had no idea that one of those slips of paper would be his golden ticket.
Back home, the scratch-off ritual began. At first, Briggs noticed he had matched numbers worth $10,000. The excitement was instant—he quickly grabbed the phone and started telling his family and friends. But that was only the beginning. As he scratched further, another $10,000 appeared… then another, and another. By the time the ticket was fully revealed, it totaled an incredible $100,000 payout.
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The first shock: A $10,000 win.
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The second surprise: Another $10,000 on the same ticket.
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The ultimate moment: Realizing it added up to six figures.
Even with the numbers staring back at him, Briggs couldn’t quite believe his eyes. Just to be sure, he made a photocopy of the ticket and headed to a nearby 7-Eleven. Scanning the ticket confirmed what he was already hoping—he was officially a $100,000 winner.
He later traveled to the Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore to claim his prize and share the full story of his lucky break. “It just kept getting bigger and bigger,” he explained, still sounding amazed as he recounted how his quiet evening at home turned into a celebration.
For Briggs, this isn’t the first time Lady Luck has smiled his way. As a regular player of scratch-offs and someone who enjoys the occasional spin at Maryland casinos, he’s had his fair share of small wins. But nothing has ever come close to this life-changing jackpot.
So, what does a $100,000 prize mean for him now? Briggs already has a plan. First, he’s going to pay off his vehicle—a practical choice that will take a weight off his shoulders. The rest of the money, he says, will go straight into savings, ensuring he can enjoy his retirement years without extra financial worry.
Speaking of retirement, Briggs knows how to make the most of his free time. He loves fishing on calm waters, hitting the golf course, and gathering with friends for card games. This win, though, adds an exciting new chapter to those everyday joys.
At the end of the day, Clifford Briggs’ story is more than just a big lottery win—it’s a reminder of how life can surprise you in the most ordinary moments. One quick decision at the grocery store turned into a six-figure reward. And for this Army veteran and hardworking retiree, it’s a well-deserved stroke of luck.
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