N.J. school board member claims $211.7M Powerball jackpot

Apr 16, 2010, 10:38 am (45 comments)

Powerball

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — A Morristown, New Jersey, school board member has come forward as the winner of the March 13 $211.7 million Powerball jackpot, the third largest single-ticket lottery payout in New Jersey.

Sandra McNeil is a middle-aged mother, said her attorney, Perry A. Pittenger of Scotch Plains. She was employed before the Powerball win, but has since taken a leave of absence from her job.

She has been serving part time as a member of the Morris School District school board for four years.

McNeil, whose main occupation was not disclosed, chose the cash option when she purchased her ticket, meaning she will receive about $101.6 million before federal and state withholding taxes are taken out.

"I give God all the glory for this blessing that He has given to me," McNeil said in a statement released by the New Jersey Lottery Commission. "He has seen and knows the highs and lows of my life, and knows the good I have done, and the good I hope I can continue to accomplish in His name."

The payout for a single lottery ticket is only surpassed by a $258 million win by Harold and Helen Lerner of Rutherford in 2005 and a $216 million jackpot won by a group of 10 Chubb employes in 2009.

McNeill bought her winning ticket at Gene's II Deli in Morris Plains, a popular lottery vendor on Speedwell Avenue. The jackpot had been growing since Feb. 10, and McNeil's win marked the first time a jackpot-winning Powerball ticket had been purchased in New Jersey since the state started offering the game on Jan. 31.

McNeil's win also marks the first time one state has ever sold the only winning ticket for both a Powerball jackpot and a Mega Millions jackpot, said Dominick DeMarco, a spokesman for the New Jersey Lottery Commission.

McNeil, who issued her statement through her attorney, said she planned to use her winnings to make sure her children were comfortable and could continue their education. Pittenger said McNeil waited the month after winning to consult with her lawyer, financial planner and accountant, as well as members of her family.

Although McNeil said she appreciated the attention of the Powerball win, she said she hoped to live her life quietly.

"I was a private person before God blessed me so generously, and that is how I wish to remain," she said.

Thanks to petergrfn for the tip.

Star-Ledger

Comments

THRUST's avatarTHRUST

Sweet win! Thumbs Up


Good for her. Smiley

McCaskey

'Although McNeil said she appreciated the attention of the Powerball win, she said she hoped to live her life quietly'...

 

Might be hard to live quietly now that her name's out there. Do NJ winners have to disclose their identity?

Lucky4Life's avatarLucky4Life

I give God all the glory for this blessing that He has given to me

 

I thought God didn't believe in gambling...

THRUST's avatarTHRUST

Why can't you just be happy for her...why all the negativity?

Roll Eyes

Lucky4Life's avatarLucky4Life

Quote: Originally posted by THRUST on Apr 16, 2010

Why can't you just be happy for her...why all the negativity?

Roll Eyes

because it wasn't me LOL

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Quote: Originally posted by Lucky4Life on Apr 16, 2010

I give God all the glory for this blessing that He has given to me

 

I thought God didn't believe in gambling...

She was expressing her beliefs not those of her God.

Starr920

Congratulations to Ms. McNeil - a very nice win indeed!!!

I wish her and her family all the best Lep

McCaskey

I'm certainly happy for her.

Was just curious if she had the option to remain unidentified. That's the way to go if you can.

ThatScaryChick's avatarThatScaryChick

Congrats, to Mrs. McNeil on her win! Smile

And no McCaskey, I don't believe that NJ allows someone to claim their winnings anonymously.

Todd's avatarTodd

Quote: Originally posted by Lucky4Life on Apr 16, 2010

I give God all the glory for this blessing that He has given to me

 

I thought God didn't believe in gambling...

That is a common misconception started by people who aren't religious.  There is nothing in the Bible that opposes gambling, and in fact there is hinting at the use of lotteries in the Bible.

It is refreshing to hear people like this fortunate winner make sure to mention the one thing that transcends their Earthly wealth.

dingo's avatardingo

Quote: Originally posted by Lucky4Life on Apr 16, 2010

I give God all the glory for this blessing that He has given to me

 

I thought God didn't believe in gambling...

I Agree!

petergrfn

Good for this lady....I hope she can quietly get away and not make too many mistakes....I was also glad to see that she Thanked GOD!  Not for her win...but for the opportunity to DO GOOD with her win....

LckyLary

1. I bet nobody remembered who the Lerners were, until it was just mentioned here.

2. Notice that when I yelled for the winner to come forward, they did.

3. And IT'S NOT ME so people can now stop asking and I don't have to worry that I misplaced the winning ticket. I'll play at Gene's for the next one but you watch the next winner will be at Stop & Shop where I didn't play!

grave

Quote: Originally posted by LckyLary on Apr 16, 2010

1. I bet nobody remembered who the Lerners were, until it was just mentioned here.

2. Notice that when I yelled for the winner to come forward, they did.

3. And IT'S NOT ME so people can now stop asking and I don't have to worry that I misplaced the winning ticket. I'll play at Gene's for the next one but you watch the next winner will be at Stop & Shop where I didn't play!

lol wow!!!

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