In one of the biggest lottery wins in U.S. history, The Breakfast Club, a group of three lottery players, have emerged as the lucky winners.
During a press conference on Tuesday morning, Suzanna Shkreli, the Michigan Lottery Commissioner, revealed that The Breakfast Club had emerged as the lucky winner of the $842.4 million Powerball jackpot. This jackpot is the fifth-largest ever won in Powerball history and the tenth-largest lottery jackpot in the United States. Moreover, it stands as the second-largest lottery win in Michigan’s history.
According to Shkreli, the anonymous winners of The Breakfast Club have opted for a one-time payment of $425.2 million, which amounts to around $305 million after taxes.
It has been nearly half a year since the lucky ticket was bought on the first day of the year, and the announcement has finally arrived.
The Breakfast Club, through their attorney Mark Harder, explained that they decided to delay the collection of their winnings to ensure that they have the most suitable team of advisors who can guide them in making the best decisions for their future.
According to the statement released by the winners, they are not only excited about the prospect of having an easier life but also about the opportunity to make a significant impact by supporting causes and organizations that hold a special place in their hearts. The newfound wealth is described as “life-changing,” and the winners are eager to share it with their loved ones.
According to the statement, the winners are contemplating purchasing a property in Florida as an escape from the harsh Michigan winters.
In Grand Blanc, the Food Castle convenience store was awarded $50,000 for selling the winning ticket. During the press conference held in front of the store, owner Bill Nannoshi announced that the money would be divided among the store’s employees. What’s more, the employees pledged to donate every dollar to various community causes, including local food pantries.
According to officials from Powerball, the recent win by The Breakfast Club marks the first time the game has been won on New Year’s Day since its inception in 1992. The winning numbers for the game were 12, 21, 42, 44, 49, with a Powerball of 1. Additionally, the power play was 3x.
In January 2021, a lucky winner claimed the title for the largest lottery jackpot ever won in Michigan. The staggering amount of $1.05 billion was won in the Mega Millions lottery, making it a historic moment for the state’s lottery industry.