Winners

Branford Mom Chooses to "Smile Anyway" with $10,000 PrizeWhen Amy Johansson of Branford decided to buy a couple CT Lottery "$100,000 Cashword 9" scratch tickets yesterday, she wasn't expecting to win a $10,000 prize that would directly benefit a cause very near and dear to her heart.

It began when Johansson scratched the "YOUR LETTERS" box on her ticket. Four of the first 18 letters Johansson revealed spelled the name ERIC, followed by the word LOVE, contained within the game's puzzle board.

Johansson, whose son, Eric, passed away at the age of 24, knew that seeing his name on the ticket was a sign of something good.

"At first I thought I won $100, and I was pretty excited. Then I looked at the ticket again and saw a few more words," Johansson said. Scanning the ticket in a Lottery ticket checker, Johansson discovered a prize far larger than her initial expectations. Her ticket was worth a hefty $10,000, the game's second-highest prize.

"This prize is a tribute to my son. I feel especially blessed to be given the funds to continue to support 'Smile Anyway' in his memory," said Johansson, who founded the non-profit organization based in Branford. "All of the [prize] will be put to good use—to help provide a structured transitional facility for young adults, to make a difference, and to save lives."

For selling the winning ticket, Branford Wine & Spirits, located at 384 E. Main St., Branford, will receive a $100 bonus from the CT Lottery.