PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A Calvert County mother of four is planning a summer getaway with her children after a family birthdate helped deliver a $25,000 Maryland Lottery Pick 5 win.
The longtime Lottery player claimed the prize Thursday at Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore after matching the winning numbers in the May 18 midday Pick 5 drawing.
The winner, who uses the nickname “Ragdolls,” said the moment she realized she had won sparked an emotional celebration inside her kitchen with her oldest daughter.
“I’m glad to have it!” she told Lottery officials while collecting the prize.
The Maryland mom joked that some of the money would immediately help cover rising everyday expenses.
“I’m going to buy two tanks of gas and groceries for a month,” she said.
Family Birthdate Turns Into Big Lottery Payday
According to Maryland Lottery officials, the winner selected the Pick 5 numbers using a family member’s birthdate — a strategy many players use when choosing personal combinations.
The ticket connected on the May 18 midday drawing, producing a $25,000 payout.
The winner said she regularly plays Maryland Lottery games and was thrilled to finally land a major prize after years of participation.
Beyond handling bills and expenses, she said the money will also allow her children to enjoy a memorable summer vacation.
The woman’s nickname, “Ragdolls,” comes from a running joke among her co-workers.
“She and her co-workers look and feel like ragdolls at the end of a workday,” Maryland Lottery officials said.
Key Points
• A Calvert County mother won $25,000 playing Maryland Lottery Pick 5
• The winning numbers came from a family member’s birthdate
• The winner plans to use part of the money for a summer vacation with her children
Winning Ticket Sold at Prince Frederick Grocery Store
The winning ticket was purchased at the Giant grocery store located at 655 Solomon’s Island Road North in Prince Frederick.
Maryland Lottery officials did not disclose the exact winning number combination but confirmed the ticket matched the May 18 midday Pick 5 drawing.
Pick 5 remains one of Maryland Lottery’s most popular daily draw games, with many players selecting personal number combinations tied to birthdays, anniversaries, and family milestones.
For the Calvert County mother, the familiar set of numbers turned into a financial boost at a time when many families continue facing high costs for fuel, groceries, and summer travel.
Lottery officials said the winner claimed the prize just three days after the drawing and remained excited about the opportunity to create lasting memories with her children during the summer months.
