Sometimes, Michigan really knows how to make a birthday unforgettable. For Lillian Boegner of Sanilac County, turning 60 came with more than cake and candles it came with a whopping $250,000 lottery win. And no, it wasn’t some one-in-a-million coincidence; it was a perfect storm of luck, timing, and a little online gambling adventure.
Boegner’s big day got even bigger thanks to the Michigan Lottery’s Twice as Spice online instant game. “I was on MichiganLottery.com and saw the Twice as Spice game, so I deposited $50 and gave it a try,” she told lottery officials. And give it a try she did luckily for her, that $50 transformed into a life-changing prize. “When $250,000 came up on the screen, I couldn’t believe it,” she said, noting that the milestone birthday made the win feel extra special, per People.
The 60-year-old has since collected her winnings at Michigan Lottery headquarters, and she already has plans for her newfound fortune. According to the press release, she intends to buy a car and save the rest a practical approach that shows a mix of excitement and sensibility. After all, it’s one thing to win a quarter-million dollars; it’s another to keep your head while figuring out what to do with it.
Michigan Woman’s 60th Birthday Brings Her Lottery Luck
Lillian isn’t alone in experiencing Michigan’s recent lottery generosity. Just weeks before, a 30-year-old man from Oakland County also struck it rich, taking home $1 million in the Super Raffle. His win came on the recommendation of a sibling, proving that sometimes family advice really does pay off. These wins are more than stories of luck they’re a reminder of the excitement and possibility that the lottery brings to residents every day.
It’s also worth noting the bigger picture here: proceeds from lottery tickets, including Boegner’s winning purchase, go to Michigan’s School Aid Fund. The Michigan Lottery contributed over $1 billion to the fund in fiscal year 2025 alone, meaning that while a few lucky players are winning big, the state as a whole benefits in a meaningful way.
A Dream Come True
“Time for a makeover to celebrate her birthday and winnings,” one person commented on the story. “Why can’t this be me?” said another. “This is my dream,” a third person chimed in.
For Lillian, the birthday she’ll never forget will now forever be tied to that magical moment online, in her Michigan kitchen, when $50 turned into $250,000. It’s a milestone, a celebration, and a reminder that sometimes, birthdays do bring the luck you hope for and then some.
Dylan Cook 
Lola Wheeler 
