Being down on your luck seems to be the story for many Americans these days. It is hard enough to survive but now that the economy has taken a turn for the worse, everyday living has grown increasingly harder. But for one New York couple, it has gotten a little bit easier.

Martin and Amelia Ortiz are a hard working couple in their thirties. Both have been working extremely hard and saving money so they can afford to buy a house. On a recent trip to the Palisades Center mall Mr. Ortiz decided to buy a Money Money Money instant ticket and surprisingly won $3 million.

Mr. Ortiz stated that he wants to save some money so his three children can go to college but his first priority is to buy his wife her dream house. Amelia Ortiz has said that her dream house would consist of enough room for her family to have their own bedrooms and room to spare.

The family was presented their check at the Palisades Center yesterday and Mr. Ortiz is the fourth person to play the New York lottery as a Westchester native and win more than $1 million this year. The family will receive yearly payments for the next twenty years.

When Mr. Ortiz won he was in shock and his wife had to calm him down. She then told him to check with the state lottery. Mr. Ortiz then stated for days he could not sleep and was just so surprised at his good fortune.


- 2008-10-15