Officials from the Pennsylvania Lottery today presented a commemorative check to a recent winner of a $1 million Scratch-Off called Merry Money Match. The check presentation was held at Cue-Nique, 505 Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, where the winning ticket was sold. The retailer will earn a $5,000 selling bonus.
The lucky winner, Chris Moppin of Dauphin County, is a lifelong Harrisburg resident, and has worked for the Harrisburg Senators, a professional Minor League Baseball team, since 1987, most recently as the team’s clubhouse manager.
“When I scratched the ticket, I could not comprehend the numbers,” said Moppin. “When I got home and looked again, I saw that it was the $1 million winner. I kept scanning it over and over again because I could not believe it. It was overwhelming and such a nice surprise.”
Moppin said his family was initially skeptical when he shared the news.
“When I first told them I won, they didn’t believe me,” he said. “I have three daughters and two sons, and it took a little convincing.”
Moppin said he plans to use his prize to take his five grandchildren on a trip to Disney World and retire in about two years.
“I’m 59, so it is time to start taking it easy, and put some money away for a nest egg, and travel a little. I will probably work another year or two, but it is nice to know this win gives me options,” he added.
As clubhouse manager, Moppin plays a key behind-the-scenes role for the Senators.
“My job is to make sure the players are taken care of, clean laundry, meals, everything they need,” he said. “During the season, it can be an 18-hour day, but if you love baseball, it’s enjoyable work. In the offseason, we are painting, fixing things up, and getting everything ready for the next season.”
Moppin said he has been a loyal customer of Cue-Nique for years.
“That is the only place I play the Lottery in the city,” he said.
“We are incredibly excited to have sold this $1 million-winning ticket,” said Anne Marie Jacoby, owner of Cue-Nique. “This is our second $1 million win in about 20 years. We are a mom-and-pop shop that has been here for 30 years, and it is wonderful to see one of our longtime customers win such a life-changing prize. The publicity has been great for our store. Most importantly, we are just so happy for Chris.”
“We are thrilled to see a hardworking Pennsylvanian like Chris win this incredible prize,” said Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne. “This is a great reminder that players all across the Commonwealth win life-changing Lottery prizes every day. We also want to thank our retail partners like Cue-Nique, whose support helps the Lottery continue generating critical funding for programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians in all 67 counties.”
“On behalf of the Pennsylvania Lottery, I would like to congratulate Chris on this exciting win,” said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. “After decades of dedication to his community and his team, it is wonderful to see him celebrate a grand slam win of his own. We hope this prize helps him create lasting memories with his family.”
