Joseph Rowan collecting his prize at Sussex.

In a surprising and very nice turn of events, a North Shore Bank customer has won a grand prize in the MasterCard Priceless Surprises sweepstakes.

Joseph Rowan of Hartford said he “couldn’t believe it” when he won the giveaway, which our customers are entered in each time they use their North Shore Bank debit cards. Joseph ended up winning after purchasing a Domino’s pizza. MasterCard gives away only four grand prizes each year.

The original grand prize was a VIP trip to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Joseph instead received the cash equivalent, for a total $14,500. He and his fiancée plan to use the money to help pay for their upcoming wedding. He expressed his gratitude at a socially distanced celebration at our Sussex branch.

“It is very exciting that out of millions of entries, one of our customers was the winner,” product manager Eric Brooks said. “Being able to give out a $14,500 prize would be enjoyable under any circumstances, but knowing what our winner will be putting the money towards makes it that much better. Who would have thought that buying a pizza could end up paying for your wedding?”