A Soft Drink Craving Lands Jefferson City Couple $10,000

A desire for a soft drink has landed a Jefferson City couple a $10,000 Missouri Lottery prize. Mark and Khristy Schepers, both of Jefferson City, purchased their winning “Happy Holidays” Scratchers ticket on Nov. 16 at Stacy’s Market, 6821 Business 50 W., in Jefferson City.

“She wanted a soda, so we stopped in. We were looking at the Scratchers tickets at the counter, and she said, ‘You want to get some?’” described Mark.

The couple focused on the new holiday-themed Scratchers tickets, and purchased four of the $2 “Happy Holidays” tickets.

“It was just on a whim,” continued Mark.

The parents of four divided the tickets between each other and scratched them the next morning. Khristy uncovered the $10,000 prize on one of her tickets.

“Mark, there’s something wrong here,” said Mark, recalling his wife’s reaction. “After it sunk in for a bit, she started crying.”

The couple plans to put the money in the bank and use it to pay some upcoming bills.

“This isn’t some vast fortune, but it’s a heck of a nice Christmas present,” concluded Mark.

“Happy Holidays” is a $2 holiday-themed Scratchers ticket introduced on Oct. 19. The ticket offers more than $5 million in prizes, including $200,000 in remaining top-tier prizes. All holiday-themed Scratchers tickets are eligible for entry in the “Hollywood Holiday” second-chance promotion, where players have the chance to win one of four trips to Hollywood and other prizes.

(Courtesy of Missouri Lottery)