PHOENIX (Nov. 23, 2009) — Surprise resident Janeese Cook “picked” the best birthday present for her husband Dwight Cook—a $3.1 million The Pick ticket from the Arizona Lottery. Janeese purchased the winning ticket Nov. 14, the same day as the drawing, and the eve of her husband’s birthday, which was Nov. 15.

Janeese purchased the winning ticket at the 4 Sons Food Store at 15445 W. Waddell Road in Surprise, a favorite and frequented Lottery retailer.  A few days passed until the couple checked the ticket, only to find that it matched all six numbers—5, 6, 12, 18, 23, and 37.

“When we checked the numbers on the website, we were sure there was a mistake,” said Mrs. Cook. “We still can’t believe we won.”

“Many The Pick players use their favorite numbers every time they play. Mrs. Cook chose the Quick Pick option, where the numbers were automatically selected for her,” said Jeff Hatch-Miller, the Arizona Lottery’s executive director. “What a fantastic birthday present for her husband and a great way to start the holiday season.”

The Cooks were presented with a check for $3.1 million during a press conference today at the Phoenix Lottery office. Windfall Willie, the Arizona Lottery’s mascot, presented Mr. Cook with a belated birthday cake to mark what will forever be an exceptionally memorable birthday.  The couple chose the lump sum payment and will take home $1,252,466.60 after taxes.

Players can check their numbers by logging on to arizonalottery.com or by calling the winning numbers hotlines at 480-829-PICK in Phoenix and 1-800-499-3798 in all other Arizona areas.

You must be at least 21 to purchase or redeem tickets. The Arizona Lottery reminds everyone to please play responsibly.