Easthampton man hits lucky streak

EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - There's a saying, it's better to be born lucky than rich.  In David Czarnik's case, he's now both.  That’s because the Easthampton resident won a million dollars, for the second time.  And where he bought the ticket, may have helped his chances.

Many call it the "lucky" store.

“At Christmas I won $500 on a $5 ticket, the holiday gift. And on this one I think I won a $100,” said Daniel Corbett of Easthampton.

Out of 7,400 lottery agents, the College Highway Variety store tops in sales.  In fact, they're sixth in the region.  Last year's lottery sales were $3.5 million, more than half of that came back in winnings.  And on Monday, David Czarnik of Easthampton won $1 million dollars after buying a “50X The Cash” ticket.

This isn't the first time he’s won it big.  A picture from a $1 million winning scratch ticket, dating back to 2008, is still displayed in the store.  It was during the month of October that year, when he won his first million.

Easthampton Historian Billy Sullivan says his father built the store in the late 60s.  Since then, five multi-million-dollar-winning scratch tickets have been sold.  The oldest dating back to 1984, a “Megabuck” ticket for $3.1 million.  He calls it the luck of the Irish.

“Many, many, many other [winners],” said Sullivan while pointing at the store’s wall of fame. “$10,000 dollars [there], $10,000 dollars [there]. I think we just had another $10,000 dollar winner [this month]. So it's quite lucky I think,” said Sullivan.

Czarnik chose the cash option, which after taxes will come out to $650,000. Now many are rushing the store hoping that lucky streak rubs off on them.

“It's pretty cool. I'd like to be able to do that,” said Danny Parent, a longtime customer.  More than a decade ago, Parent won $2,500 after buying a $1 scratch ticket.

The store will receive a $10,000 commission for selling the million dollar ticket.