BOISE, Idaho ÔÇô For many, the road of life is often filled with both hardships and blessings. For Anthony Castro of Boise, his road to Idaho was particularly difficult. As a 19 year-old teenager in New York City, Castro was shot in the head and survived. After witnessing the 9-11 attacks, Castro followed his instincts and decided to leave New York City for a calmer life, a more spiritual life better suited to him. He found his way to Boise in 2003 with no job and very little money. He lived in a shelter while putting his life in order. He married, had a daughter, got divorced, and always worked a couple of jobs to get by.

Seven years after arriving in the Treasure Valley, though, Castro found himself sitting in the Winner's Lobby at the Idaho Lottery holding an Idaho Millions Scratch GameTM winning ticket worth $250,000.

"After so much turmoil in my life, and loss of my mother a year ago, this is truly a blessing for me," said a humbled Castro. "My dreams, everyone's dreams, are coming true."

Castro, now an insurance agent who is moving to Portland at the end of the week for work, bought his winning ticket from the Jacksons store located on the corner of Maple Grove and Ustick in Boise.

"Sha-wow! This is amazing," added Castro when he received his winning check. "I'm going to set up a trust account for my six-year-old daughter, donate to my church, and then use the rest to get a townhouse in Portland."

For their part in selling the winning ticket, Jacksons Food Stores will receive a bonus worth $20,000.

By claiming this prize, Castro becomes the 50th winner in Idaho Lottery history to claim at least $250,000 or more.

Idaho Millions debuted in Idaho Lottery retail locations on September 28, 2009. Castro's win is the second top prize claimed on the game with four $250,000 prizes still available.

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