We have seen and heard it all. There are no set rules as to how people will react after winning big on a California Lottery Scratchers® game. One lucky couple from Huntington Beach is absolute proof of that.
These photos were taken the day Kendra Skwarczynski claimed the $20 Hit It Big Scratchers that won them an incredible $5 million! Her husband, Craig Skwarczynski, actually purchased two tickets at the store. He then went home and gave one to his wife. “I let her put her lucky touch on it,” he said. Boy, did she!
“I’m actually a really calm person,” Kendra said. “I just kinda passed it over to him to make sure I’m reading it right.” That’s when they say the waterworks broke out.
“I was the one flipping out and crying,” Craig said. “As soon as I saw it, I was emotional to say the least.” He then explained the primary thought that was going through his mind. “I just want my family happy and taken care of.”
In this Scratchers game winners of top prizes have the option of receiving an annuity paying $200,000 per year for 25 years, or a lump-sum cash payment of $2,900,000 (before taxes). Craig credits his wife with being the rock of their household. When asked about what they might do with the money, he said, “Get her a castle.” However, much like her reaction to winning a huge prize, his better half remains low-key. “I just want a nice simple house,” Kendra said. “I just want a simple, clean house with matching furniture.”
The winners told us they have always viewed playing the lottery as a fun hobby. They’ve won hundreds of dollars here and there, but Craig says little can compare to an emotional moment like this. “Thank you, California State Lottery, for changing our lives!”