Million Dollar Replay Semi-Finalists Attended Grand Prize Drawing

TRENTON (Mar. 9, 2018) – New Jersey Lottery’s Million Dollar Replay Grand Prize Drawing was held today at Asbury Park Convention Hall, where more than $1,500,000 in prizes were awarded to contest semi-finalists. Today’s top prize winner was Suzanna Valluzzi of Hazlet in Monmouth County. The winner was present at the event (watched the event online) as their name was called out as New Jersey Lottery’s newest millionaire. Fourteen other Lottery players also received prizes ranging from $100,000 to $10,000 as part of the Grand Prize Drawing.  

Throughout 2017, New Jersey Lottery players all over the state submitted their non-winning instant tickets online for a second chance to win big prizes. Each quarter, 100 names were selected and awarded a $250 prize, as well as entry to today’s Grand Prize Drawing. Fifteen prizes were awarded along with seven $1,000 door prizes and eight gift baskets. Guests also enjoyed a faux money cash grab booth with opportunities to win more prizes.  

New Jersey Lottery Acting Executive Director John M. White welcomed guests and assisted in the drawing. “This is the seventh year that Million Dollar Replay has provided New Jersey Lottery players second chances to win big cash prizes with previously non-winning tickets.”  

Erica Young, Lottery Ambassador, greeted guests and signed photos before hosting the drawing. Master of Ceremonies Derek DeAngelis returned again this year bringing entertainment throughout with great jokes and color commentary as prizes were awarded. Erica Young and Kaitlyn Cunning, drawing hostesses, conducted the drawing under the observation of Mercadien, P.C. Certified Public Accountants until the official results were achieved and the 15 finalists were selected. 

Winner Stories: Million Dollar Replay’s $1,000,000 winner, Suzanne Valluzzi of Hazlet, was present at the event when her name was called. Suzanne, almost too stunned to stand up, looked to her husband, Rocco, as he got up and cheered for her. As she got up to hug her husband and claim her prize, she admitted she felt like she might faint from the excitement of her $1,000,000 win.  

The crowd applauded as the two went up and celebrated their win. As Suzanne and Rocco tried to wrap their heads around the win, they decided that their first priority with the money would be to make sure their son’s college fund is taken care of, followed by catching up on current debts and putting the rest towards savings. After they are all settled in with their winnings, they plan to take a well-deserved vacation. Congratulations to Suzanne and Rocco as well as all the other winners from today!