Desiree Fortini-Craft did not collect her $25 million reward right away after winning the Massachusetts State Lottery’s “Billion Dollar Extravaganza” $50 quick game. She chose to spend her holiday time in Aruba instead. But not after she scratched her winning ticket and hid it in a safe place before flying away.
According to WFXT-TV, this was not Fortini-Craft’s first time claiming a win, since she won a $1 million lottery in 2006. That could have explained her ostensibly calm demeanor after winning the $25 million.
According to a December 1 release from the Massachusetts Lottery, Fortini-Craft purchased her winning ticket at Baker Street Market, 419 Baker St. in West Roxbury. She claimed she scratched her winning ticket a few weeks before leaving for Aruba on vacation.
When asked what she plans to do with the $16,250,000 (before taxes) one-time payment, Fortini-Craft said she plans to pay off her three daughters’ education loans, make some large family purchases, and buy a new car.
She also said, “they want to enjoy life, they are hard workers, and they plan on having a really good Christmas in Aruba.”