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106-Year-Old Wisconsinite Strikes Slot Machine Jackpot as She Celebrates Birthday
In a heartwarming twist of fate, Serafina “Sarah” Papia Peterson, a resilient Wisconsinite celebrating her 106th birthday, found herself walking away with not just one, but two jackpots at the renowned Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee.
An Unexpected Birthday Surprise: From $1K Jackpot to $2K
On a fortuitous Wednesday last week, Serafina “Sarah” Peterson, at the remarkable age of 106, had an unforgettable brush with luck at the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. She managed to hit a noteworthy $1,000 jackpot while enjoying the thrill of the slots.
The news of her win quickly reached the ears of casino management, leaving them exhilarated. However, the story took a heartwarming turn when the casino’s CEO, Dominic Ortiz, decided to make her milestone birthday even more extraordinary. He chose to double her winnings, turning her $1,000 jackpot into a heartening $2,000 surprise.
A Birthday to Remember: Gratitude and Celebration
Upon hearing of the surprise jackpot boost, Serafina Peterson, brimming with happiness, expressed her joy, stating, “I’m happy to win this money. I don’t know what I’m going to do with it, but I’m going to make a good choice,” as she shared her delight with Milwaukee TV station WISN.
However, the unexpected windfall was the result of an accident. Serafina’s niece, Marge Larson, revealed that her aunt had unintentionally pressed 400 instead of the intended 50 on the slot machine. The serendipitous error led to the magical moment when the word “jackpot” illuminated the screen, as recalled by Larson.
Peterson, a loyal patron of the casino, has been celebrating her birthdays at the gaming property for years. Casino CEO Dominic Ortiz expressed his gratitude for her continued patronage, saying, “We’ve welcomed Sarah every year for her birthday and are grateful that she and her family celebrate with us.”
The birthday festivities were adorned with special touches, including a custom-baked cake from the casino and a celebratory sash worn by the birthday girl. As a token of appreciation, Cream City Coffee gifted her a cozy sweatshirt. Sharing her secrets to longevity, Peterson attributed her remarkable age to her healthy habits, including abstaining from smoking and alcohol. She also credited her beloved dog, Happy, for being her faithful companion and source of vitality.
Reflecting on a Life Well-Lived
Amidst the warmth of family and caregivers, Serafina Peterson expressed her gratitude for the love she receives. She spoke with genuine fondness, saying, “That’s what means a lot. That they love me. Everybody loves me and I love them too.” Approaching life with contentment, Peterson shared her sentiment succinctly, stating, “I’ve lived a good life, that’s all I can say.”
A Milwaukee resident for her entire life, Serafina Peterson, now residing in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, marveled at the unexpected joy of crossing the century mark and reaching her 106th year.
