VALRICO, Fla. — This might be the most memorable Memorial Day ever for one Valrico resident, thanks to a certain "prize patrol" pulling up to his house ready to deliver him a very big check.

  • Mike Flaherty has been entering the sweepstakes since the 1980's
  • Flaherty's first purchase? A 4-door Ford truck
  • More Good News stories

The Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol arrived at Mike Flaherty's home Friday morning with balloons, champagne, and a check for $1 million.

“Wow! I will take it every day!” Flaherty said. “I don't believe this, you're kidding, right? This is not a joke?” 

Flaherty says he’s been entering the sweepstakes since the 1980’s when he was in the Coast Guard in Puerto Rico. 

Most people think the sweepstakes has always been a hoax and that no one ever wins, but Prize Patrol Executive Director Dave Sayer says in the last 37 years, he’s given out nearly have a billion dollars.

“They've done articles about me and Santa Claus, which one has the better job.” Sayer said, “I mean, I'd rather not go down chimneys. I'd rather arrive in a van without those smelly reindeer.”

 

  

 

As for Flaherty and his family, it’s time to plan what they’re going to do with their newfound wealth.

“I'm going to get my 4-door Ford truck now,” Flaherty said. “The hell with talking about it, we're just going to make it happen. I wonder if they can get me in it before I head to Atlanta this afternoon.” 

The Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes has been going on since 1967. To learn more, visit www.pch.com.