News writer, Interviewer
New Year's Day turned into a life-changing day for three lottery players in Michigan. The "Breakfast Club" lottery club, named after their shared love of starting their day with a ticket, claimed the largest Powerball prize ever won in the state – an incredible $842.4 million jackpot!
The winning ticket was purchased at the Food Castle of Grand Blanc and matched all the numbers drawn on January 1st, 2024.
Initially unaware of their win, a club member saw the news reports and checked their numbers on his phone. The excitement was real – so real, he dropped his phone!
They went to work that day, but as Attorney Mark Harder, representing The Breakfast Club, shared:
As you can imagine, the club members have felt so many emotions since realizing their ticket was 'the one.' They've been elated and overwhelmed, thrilled, and nervous. They've gone from shock and sleepless nights to giving careful thought as to how this once-in-a-lifetime event will transform their lives.
Careful planning for the future
This win allows them to retire early, travel the world, and share their good fortune with loved ones and worthy causes.
A club member said it best:
This prize will positively affect our family for generations to come. Up until now, we have led a comfortable life and anticipated retiring someday. Now, we're not financially bound to a specific timetable. The world – and our opportunities – have opened up in some incredible ways. This has been life changing for us.
Record-breaking win, positive impact
This win wasn't just life-changing for the club members. The Food Castle of Grand Blanc, where the winning ticket was sold, received a $50,000 bonus commission. They're giving back every penny to their employees and the community.
Bill Nannoshi, owner of Food Castle of Grand Blanc, said:
Selling the winning Powerball ticket has been great for our business. We are going to donate every penny of the $50,000 to our employees and community.
The Michigan Lottery also benefits from big jackpots. Schools across the state have received over $1 billion from lottery proceeds in each of the last five years. The Breakfast Club's win is the second-largest lottery prize ever won in Michigan, falling just short of the record-breaking $1.05 billion Mega Millions jackpot won in January 2021.
Want to play? Here's how!
Powerball tickets can be purchased for $2 at Michigan Lottery retailers or online. You can also add Power Play to multiply non-jackpot prizes and Double Play for a second chance to win in separate drawings.
Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. EST. You can even watch the drawings live online!
Remember, nearly all the money spent on lottery tickets goes back to the state in various forms, including public education. So, while winning a life-changing jackpot is exciting, you're also contributing to a good cause by playing. Good luck!
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