A Palos Hills resident is celebrating a life-changing lottery win after purchasing a $50 scratch-off ticket inspired by the memory of his late father.
John, who goes by the nickname ‘Music Man,’ claimed a $1 million top prize on the Illinois Lottery’s Millionaire Club Instant Ticket.
“I wasn’t that shocked, but I was excited,” said John. “I could feel my father’s presence with me when I walked into the store—that felt like a sign.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Jewel-Osco, located at 7329 S. Cass Ave. in Darien.
According to John, this isn’t his first lottery win.
In October, he won $50,000 on a $10 Holiday Bucks ticket— coinciding with the anniversary of his father’s passing. He recalled a meaningful moment that followed.
“After lighting a candle and saying a prayer, I saw a flock of geese passing by,” he said. “My father was a bird hunter, so it felt symbolic—like good fortune. Then I scratched the ticket and won.”
Months later, still thinking of his father, John purchased the $50 ticket that secured his place among the Illinois Lottery’s million-dollar winners.
“After I scanned the ticket to confirm the win, I immediately shared the news with my sister and mother,” he said. “They were thrilled!”
John plans to use his winnings to invest in new equipment, including a guitar.
“All thanks to my father, I might even open up a recording studio,” he said with a smile.
The retailer that sold the winning ticket will receive a bonus of 1 percent of the prize amount, totalling $10,000.