Imagine heading out just to get your car washed and coming home a millionaire. That’s exactly what happened to one Illinois dad, who never expected a routine stop to turn into a life-changing moment.
This Chicago father of five, who prefers to keep his name private, decided to pick up a Powerball ticket on August 9 while his car was getting cleaned. He had no special strategy in mind—just a gut feeling that he wanted to play where the big money was. And boy, did that decision pay off.
When the numbers rolled out—7, 14, 23, 24, and 60—he realized he had matched all five. That meant a cool $1 million prize, plus a little kicker of $4 for also landing the Powerball. Altogether, he scored $1,000,004.
The funny part? He didn’t even have to convince himself. The realization hit instantly. But his wife? She needed a second. “At first, she thought I was joking,” he admitted. “Then the first words out of her mouth were, ‘We’re going to Disney World!’”
And she wasn’t kidding. Disney is officially on the family calendar. Along with his wife, their three adult kids, and the couple’s youngest child, the whole crew showed up at Illinois Lottery Headquarters to claim their prize. They even posed proudly with their oversized check under the family nickname “Malongo.”
But this win is more than just about vacations and giant checks. The dad said their bigger goal is to use the money to ease future pressures, especially when it comes to supporting their children’s education. “A few years from now, we hope we’re all less stressed and just happy,” he shared.
Here are some highlights from this unexpected windfall:
-
The Lucky Spot: He bought the ticket while stopping at a car wash—talk about turning errands into opportunity!
-
Winning Numbers: 7, 14, 23, 24, and 60 matched perfectly, landing him the million-dollar jackpot.
-
Bonus Prize: On top of the $1 million, he also picked up an extra $4 for matching the Powerball.
-
Family Celebration: His wife and kids joined him to claim the winnings, making it a true family milestone.
-
Future Plans: Disney trip, education funds for the children, and a focus on reducing stress.
There’s another winner in this story too—the Exxon Mobil station that sold the lucky ticket. Under Illinois Lottery rules, the retailer pockets a $10,000 bonus, equal to one percent of the prize total. Not a bad day at the gas station, either.
What makes this story so appealing is the mix of ordinary and extraordinary. One second, it’s a typical weekend errand. The next, it’s a million-dollar moment. The father laughed as he described it: “I just went to wash my car, and now look at us.”
For the Malongo family, this prize isn’t just about money—it’s about breathing room, opportunities, and shared memories. Whether it’s seeing Cinderella’s castle in Florida or helping their kids chase down future dreams, the win represents a little less worry and a whole lot more possibility.
Login