Maryland's latest jackpot winner, Ellwood August "Bunky" Bartlett, claimed his share of the $330 million Mega Millions winnings at lottery headquarters in Baltimore yesterday afternoon. The soon-to-be retired Dundalk accountant was greeted by Maryland Lottery Director Buddy W. Roogow.
"This is Bunky Bartlett, our new Mega Millions winner," Roogow announced to reporters. Bartlett was one of four jackpot winners. The other three winning tickets were purchased in New Jersey, Virginia and Texas.
Bartlett announced over the weekend that he had a winning ticket, which was purchased at Walther Liquors in Nottingham by his wife, Denise. Bartlett handed over the ticket to lottery officials, and in seconds the machine validated it. Only problem: Bartlett had left his license and Social Security card outside in his car. Roogow laughed and said that wouldn't be a problem. (Bartlett later produced his identification.)
Bartlett, 40, declared his intent to take a lump sum of about $48.6 million, or $32.6 million after taxes, rather than an annuity, which would pay him $3.7 million a year until 2032. Lottery officials said the winner would receive his check in seven to 10 days.
Bartlett said he won't live extravagantly. He'll still shop at Wal-Mart and eat at McDonalds, he said, and has no plans to give away the money outside of family.
The Wicca devotee has also said he wants to help improve a New Age gift shop he considers his spiritual home and focus on teaching. Wicca is a nature-based religion.
Bartlett, flanked by his son, Ryan, 21, and daughter, Ashley, 18, was calm about his huge windfall, but he acknowledged, "When we read off the numbers, I did scream a little, and I did tear up."
Quote: Originally posted by HEYPHILLIP on Sep 5, 2007
OH PLEASE!!! looking at people like this that are lottery winners makes me wonder more and more this lottery is FIXED!!!!!!!
LOL, a little sad and jealous we didn't win the jackpot are we? Ya, you didn't win so they must have rigged it! They rigged it so all those balls would come out so Bunky would be the winner!
" Bartlett's Home Improvment " would like to congratulate you on your winning ticket!!!!!! We would also like a shot at building you a new custom home. We're a small company , but we can handle big jobs! How about giving us a chance??? Besides , we're family.
You go Bunky !!! Enjoy !!!!!
Easy on the Mickey D's though......
Great work Bunky! How do you go from a name of August, to Bunky?
I love that first pic. He looks about ready to burst!
Huge congratulations Bunky and family!!!!!!
I just want to know what kind of spell he used to win.
Congratulations to Bunky! Hopefully, my turn is next!
OH PLEASE!!! looking at people like this that are lottery winners makes me wonder more and more this lottery is FIXED!!!!!!!
LOL, a little sad and jealous we didn't win the jackpot are we? Ya, you didn't win so they must have rigged it! They rigged it so all those balls would come out so Bunky would be the winner!
Good for you Bunky! Congrats and good luck!
(can't help it, but every time I see his pic I think of that movie Animal House)
You go bunkster....
Good luck in your lifestyle...
Aw come on, looks has nothing to do with luck......!
Congratulations to Bunky and his family. Good luck to them all.
(Now let me win the Multi-Match tonight
)
litebets
Hey Bunky !
" Bartlett's Home Improvment " would like to congratulate you on your winning ticket!!!!!! We would also like a shot at building you a new custom home. We're a small company , but we can handle big jobs! How about giving us a chance??? Besides , we're family.
Take Care ,
Elwood C. Bartlett (Butch)
William D. Bartlett (Billy)
443-413-3742
Good for Bunky! I hope he has a great life!
Hey...I was thinking the same thing...lol
Congrats Bunky, looks like a nice guy...
So please tell me, where do I sign up for Wiccan lessons???
(just kidding JC, just kidding! hold back the lightning bolts...)