October 23, 2012 -- Moments after scratching a top prize winning “Win for Life 18th Edition” ticket during his lunch break, 47-year old welder and steel fabricator, Steven Elam of Oxford, immediately called his wife to share the incredible news…he had won a red-hot lottery prize worth an amazing $5,000 a month for life.  

“With a matching pair of 7’s, I thought I won at least $3.  When I saw the ‘Win for Life’ prize symbol, I called my wife and told her to sit down—‘WE HIT WIN FOR LIFE!’  The rest is history!” Elam told Lottery officials with a laugh.

Win for Life is one of the CT Lottery’s most popular instant games offered because the value of its top prize is based on the longevity of its winners.  The top prize will provide Elam $5,000 a month, every month, for the rest of his life.

Arriving at CT Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill late Friday afternoon, Elam’s ticket was officially confirmed a winner and he accepted the first of many monthly prize checks for $3,415 (value after taxes).

“I’m going to meet with a financial planner, but I’m still going to work,” Elam said.  Elam’s wife, Jacqueline, was equally excited about their big win.  “This is surreal,” she said with a shake of her head.  “The first order is to become totally debt free.”  

For selling Elam his top prize winning Win for Life 18th Edition ticket, Southford Package Store, located at 1481 Southford Road in Southbury, will receive a $10,000 bonus check from the CT Lottery.