Man who helped with post-Sandy cleanup in NJ wins $100,000

Nov 13, 2012, 9:22 pm (14 comments)

New Jersey Lottery

NEW YORK — While most people are frustrated by the problems created by Superstorm Sandy, one volunteer had an unexpected windfall.

He hit the lottery jackpot because he came to serve in the storm.

John Turner is now back home in the southern Chicago suburb of Chicago Heights, but he'll never forget what he saw on the East Coast.

"We saw houses moved down the streets, vehicles turned over," Turner told CBS 2's Kristine Johnson.

The 38-year-old Turner runs a water removal business called National Catastrophe Solutions of Chicago. He and his staff cleaned up homes flooded by Superstorm Sandy, including some for free for homeowners who had lost everything.

"Some people didn't have insurance coverage. Some people never would have expected this. It's one of those 100 years deals," Turner said.

It was last Sunday after a hard day of cleanup that Turner bought a New Jersey lottery scratch-off ticket. With a flick of the wrist, he became $100,000 richer.

Turner said he was in utter shock.

"Like this is not happening. Like this is not real," Turner said.

"He couldn't believe it. He wanted a lot of confirmation from us and just called a lot of family and told everybody the good news," Joshua Rivera, one of Turner's employees, said.

In a statement, the state's lottery director said: "We are very grateful that John has given his time and skills to help the people dealing with the challenges brought on by Sandy and that New Jersey is giving a memorable thank you back to him."

The jackpot, after taxes, comes to about $70,000, which Turner hopes to invest in his business, give to his church and donate to a family that is in need.

"He deserves it. He's a good-hearted man. I couldn't think of anybody better to win it than John," Rivera said.

Turner, who was born in New Jersey, said his thoughts are still with those struggling after Sandy.

"It's a saddening situation. It's really, really sad. So we hope they get back to normal as quickly as possible," Turner said.

Turner said he will be back to the Tri-State Area next week to once again help in the recovery effort.

CBS

Comments

Original Bey's avatarOriginal Bey

A teenager CLEANS his room and finds his way into riches. Now a man helps in the after storm CLEAN UP and winds up rich also? I'm sensing a trend here!

Nikkicute's avatarNikkicute

Wonderful!!!! That's a blessing for him! Big Smile how nice!

emilyg's avataremilyg

Good Karma!

weshar75's avatarweshar75

Quote: Originally posted by emilyg on Nov 13, 2012

Good Karma!

Nice win for someone who deserves to win a nice sum of money.  Congrats!-weshar75

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mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by Original Bey on Nov 13, 2012

A teenager CLEANS his room and finds his way into riches. Now a man helps in the after storm CLEAN UP and winds up rich also? I'm sensing a trend here!

People who clean for a living are cleaning up.   Wink    Hyper

MADDOG10's avatarMADDOG10

Thats what you call Good Karma.  Congrats Mr.Turner

jamella724

His good deeds were paid off, and he deserves it... He helped others with his hearts and not with anything else to return the favor.  I admire him so much...

LottoGuyBC's avatarLottoGuyBC

Well Done Cheers

dallascowboyfan's avatardallascowboyfan

Congratulations Mr. Turner.....Hurray!

dr65's avatardr65

One of the best ways to be rewarded is to give first and with no strings attached.

Someone said trending, I hope the trend of giving continues. Help when you can and

don't expect great returns. They will come when you're not looking for them.

Congratulations winner!

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by dr65 on Nov 15, 2012

One of the best ways to be rewarded is to give first and with no strings attached.

Someone said trending, I hope the trend of giving continues. Help when you can and

don't expect great returns. They will come when you're not looking for them.

Congratulations winner!

I Agree!   Words of wisdom dr65!

Slick Nick's avatarSlick Nick

Everyone deserves a chance to win.Hyper

sully16's avatarsully16

That was anice thing to do and now Karma came back and rewarded him, Congrats and enjoy.

Slick Nick's avatarSlick Nick

I thought the same thing Sully.Wink

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