$78 million lottery winner sold in Paso Robles
November 2, 2011
Mary Booker, left, who sold the winning ticket, with store owner Sarah Atwal, center, and employee Vicki Thomason.
There was unbridled joy Wednesday at Paso Robles’ suddenly-most popular service station, 1-Stop Food and Convenience at 7th and Spring streets, as news of a $78 million lottery winner spread through the quiet downtown neighborhood.
Although the big winner is not yet known, employee Mary Booker, who sold the lucky ticket, said she is excited for the store’s owners Paul and Sarah Atwal.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am for Paul and Sarah,” Booker said.
The Atwals, who have owned the business for a decade, will share in the win to the tune of $390,000, said Marc Bossu, the California Lottery’s district sales representative. Bossu was busily hanging “winner” signs around the establishment as people from the neighborhood crowded into the small store.
“I’ve had this job for ten years and this is my first winner, too. ” Bossu said. “It couldn’t have happened to nicer people. The Atwals are so hard working. I’m very pleased.”
Booker said she sold the winning ticket at 2 p.m. on Nov. 1. That is a particularly busy hour in the store and there were numerous lottery ticket sales at around that time, she added.
“I hope it makes this person’s life better,” Booker said of the big winner.
Lottery officials will announce the name of the new multimillionaire after he or she comes forward.
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