Auburn musician scores $50,000 Lottery win

Published 10:43 am Thursday, June 11, 2015

Nicholas Deonigi of Auburn is excited to fuel his career as a musician thanks to his $50,000 Lottery win claimed on May 26.

Deonigi purchased a “Lucky 13” Scratch ticket from Preston General Store (30365 SE High Point Way) in Preston on his way to play golf with some friends.

“I had a show the night before, I was pretty tired and wanted to stop at the store to get some coffee,” Deonigi shared with Lottery officials. “I saw the Lottery machine and thought, ‘what the heck,’ because I’ve won smaller amounts playing before.”

Deonigi said he scratched the ticket when he got back in the car with his friends.

“When I first realized I won, I had my friend sitting next to me double-check the ticket to make sure I wasn’t seeing things,” Deonigi said. “Once he verified the win, I shared the news with the group and said, “I just won $50,000 – I guess golf is on me!'”

The singer/songwriter also shared that this win will help his make his favorite hobby a bit more significant.

“I just release a record actually, this win couldn’t have come at a better time! I’ll use most of the money to invest in my art,” Deonigi said.

Proceeds from Washington’s Lottery benefit the Washington Opportunity Pathways Account, providing grants to college students statewide.

To learn more about Washington’s Lottery, its beneficiaries and to review all up-to-date winning numbers, please visit www.walottery.com.