Special Occasions bring Luck to Paola Resident

Special occasions seem to be the best time for Keith Crawford, Jr., to purchase Kansas Lottery tickets.  In February 2007, the 31-year-old Paola resident won a $75,000 top prize playing a $10 instant scratch game on his dad's birthday.  He's also won two $1,000 cash prizes playing instant scratch games on other family members' birthdays.  To top it all off, Crawford purchased a $20 Tax Free Cash instant scratch ticket last Friday, winning a $10,000 cash prize the day his fiancée, Courtney Ferris, graduated from Fort Scott State University.

"Special occasions must bring me luck," said Crawford.  "I'm starting to get quite a collection of big checks to hang on my wall."

Each time Crawford claims a lottery prize, he makes sure to get a faux oversized check to keep as a memento of his win.  After claiming his $10,000 cash prize today, he'll have one more to add to the four he already has hanging on his wall.

"We have a lot to celebrate," said Crawford.  "Courtney just graduated, I proposed to her on Saturday, and we have a baby due in August.  Winning $10,000 was a nice topper."

The Paola resident purchases instant scratch tickets two or three times a week and always plays the Lottery's $10 or $20 games.

"I seem to have the best luck with the higher priced games, plus you can win bigger prizes," said Crawford.  "I would say, so far I'm ahead."

Crawford and his fiancée Courtney, who plan to marry in September 2013, plan to invest his winnings.  The winning ticket was purchased at 5 Corners Mini Mart, located at 1124 S. Clark in Fort Scott.