More information has emerged this past week about the $1.5 billion dollar Mega Millions jackpot winner who came forward to claim her prize last week. She has chosen to remain anonymous.
Last October, the record breaking Mega Millions jackpot captivated the nation. Millions of people held their breath as the winning numbers were revealed. We soon learned that the winning ticket had been sold in Greenville, South Carolina.
The winner, through Media Release issued by her lawyer Jason Kurland, tells the story of how the ticket was purchased.
This South Carolinian was in town visiting Greenville, and decided to go on a scenic drive during some down time. As fate would have it, her drive took her past the KC Mart, where the signs showing the incredibly large jackpot caught her eye. She decided to take a chance and purchase a ticket, never once thinking she had the slightest chance to win.
After checking her ticket the morning after the drawing, she was in complete shock and disbelief. She stared motionless at the ticket for what felt like hours, then came the jumping and screams of joy.
The winner spent time researching experienced professionals to help preserve her anonymity and manage her newfound wealth. “I hired a team with experience handling large jackpot winners,” the winner said. “I want to make sure I make all of the right decisions, which is why I have taken this amount of time to collect my prize.”
“Words can’t describe the feeling of such incredible luck,” the winner said. “I do realize that such good fortune carries a tremendous social responsibility, and it gives me a unique opportunity to assist, support and contribute to charities and causes that are close to my heart.”
Jason Kurland announced that the winner would like to begin her philanthropic endeavors and show her appreciation to the State of South Carolina and the City of Simpsonville by providing charitable donations to the following organizations:
- Ronald McDonald House of Charities of Columbia, SC
- One SC Fund – for Hurricane Florence Relief
- In The Middle, Columbia, SC
- City of Simpsonville Art Center
- American Red Cross Alabama Region – Tornado Relief Fund
As anyone could imagine, this is a life-changing moment, and while winning such a large sum is undoubtedly a blessing, it comes with its own set of risks and challenges. In this age of social media, where you can find information on just about anybody, including where someone lives and works, safety is a significant concern.
The winner noted that she is thankful that South Carolina allows lottery winners to claim their prize anonymously and sincerely hopes that her wish to remain anonymous is respected so that she can live a life of relative normalcy, free of fear.
Kurland added, “The South Carolina Education Lottery staff was extremely professional and dutiful through each phase of the claim process. Their handling of the extensive detail and challenges associated with the anonymity of the winner was exceptional and I am grateful for their efforts.”
