Elkton resident Virginia Woerner claimed a $40,000 prize as the June 2 winner in the $2 Million VaxCash Promotion.
Retiree looking forward to spending time with family again
A Cecil County woman is the latest winner to claim a $40,000 prize in the $2 Million VaxCash Promotion. Selected in the June 2 drawing, Elkton resident Virginia Woerner became eligible after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination in April.
Woerner said she was surprised when she received a call from a Maryland Department of Health representative telling her that she had won a VaxCash prize. The Cecil County retiree used to work for a local medical supply manufacturer that produced hypodermic needles. Now, a shot in the arm has brought prize money and a chance to get back to things she loves.
The 73-year-old enjoys bass fishing and spending time with her grandkids, but during the pandemic she has been isolated, staying home and separated from family. Being able to share important moments with her family was the reason the Elkton resident sought out the COVID-19 vaccine.
During the pandemic, Woerner and her family have celebrated life’s milestones both remotely and at a distance, like when her family recently assembled on her front lawn to wish her a happy birthday. As enjoyable as those moments have been, nothing beats gathering together.
“You have to take steps to save yourself and save your family,” said Woerner.
Although she’s thrilled by the win, Woerner said she doesn’t yet know what she will do with the prize money.
“I’m a girl that believes in just living on the necessities,” she said. “I won’t have to do that when the prize money arrives.”
The VaxCash Promotion, announced by Governor Larry Hogan on May 20, is a collaboration of the Maryland Lottery and the Maryland Department of Health, aimed at incentivizing Marylanders who have not yet received their COVID-19 vaccinations while rewarding those who have. All Maryland residents 18 and older who have received a COVID-19 shot at a non-Federal facility in Maryland at any time are automatically entered into daily drawings being held from May 25 through July 4.
Each day through July 3, one winner will receive a $40,000 prize, and the promotion culminates on the Fourth of July when one winner will receive a $400,000 prize.
