2 men scratch off $2M instant ticket with help

HAMILTON >> It’s possible Tejal Patel was the lucky charm that two local men needed to secure $2 million.

Friends Mark Nalbone, of Robbinsville, and Stefano Cifelli, of Hamilton, were scratching away on instant tickets last month at Welsh Farms on Flock Road in Hamilton when they were on a cold streak, New Jersey Lottery announced in a press release.

Another friend, Tejal Patel, of Edison, was asked by the men to join the Friday night scratching party so that she could “change the luck and bring new positive energy.” The move apparently off big . A few tickets after Patel participated, the trio scratched off a ticket revealing the $2 million Mega Cash grand prize.

Showing a true friendship, the three amigos agreed to split the payout evenly.

“As for how they will enjoy the winnings, Nalbone said that he will take a family vacation and perhaps buy his wife a new car for her birthday. Cifelli is going to Italy for a vacation and will pay off some bills and invest the rest. Patel will be adding to her children’s college fund,” NJ Lottery said in a statement.