Georgia construction worker collects $50M Mega Millions win

Dec 2, 2012, 8:23 am (85 comments)

Mega Millions

By Todd Northrop

A 55-year-old Thomasville construction worker is getting ready to build a new life after winning a $50 million Mega Millions lottery jackpot.

"Honey, we won the lotto!" That's what Zippy Vonier, 55, announced to his wife Wednesday morning after discovering that he won $50 million.

"My wife was brushing her teeth, and I told her to come in and sit down," said Vonier, a Thomasville resident. "She was just kind of shocked."

Vonier won by matching all of the winning numbers in Tuesday's Mega Millions drawing.

The jackpot increased from an advertised $49 million to $50 million after final sales were tallied. Vonier selected the cash option and will receive $38,197,097 before taxes.

Vonier bought the jackpot-winning ticket at Susie Q's #0001, located at 13091 U.S. Highway 319 N. in Thomasville. Georgia Lottery officials presented Vonier with a ceremonial check at the store Friday.

The winning numbers from Tuesday's drawing were 5, 12, 26, 42, and 49, with Mega Ball number 24.

"We got the numbers from a random Quik Pik years ago, and we just kept playing the same numbers," Vonier explained.

Vonier and his wife, Betty Jo, have two children and three grandchildren. The construction worker said the family will pay bills then take their time deciding the next step.

"We're not going to do much right now," he said. "Just sit back and weigh our options."

News story photo(Click to display full-size in gallery)

Lottery Post Staff

Comments

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Congrats! Zippy & Betty Jo Party

BuyLow's avatarBuyLow

Looks like a "Quik Pik" was recycled into a self pick.  It's a new hybrid number type we can discuss....LOL!

 

Best Wishes to the Winners!!

mcginnin56

Another QP saves the day, just in the nick of time.   Dance

Thank God for QP's, where would we be without you. What?

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Dec 2, 2012

Another QP saves the day, just in the nick of time.   Dance

Thank God for QP's, where would we be without you. What?

We would be standing in line behind people checking boxes at the check out counter.......Yes Nod

Nikkicute's avatarNikkicute

Nice job on sticking to those numbers for years!

Good things come to those who wait.

and wait...and wait....lol hey, it paid off lol

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Dec 2, 2012

Another QP saves the day, just in the nick of time.   Dance

Thank God for QP's, where would we be without you. What?

Too bad it wasn't a losing QP turned self pick.........

Nikkicute's avatarNikkicute

Another contruction worker wins the lotto? Cool !!!!Cheers

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by BuyLow on Dec 2, 2012

Looks like a "Quik Pik" was recycled into a self pick.  It's a new hybrid number type we can discuss....LOL!

 

Best Wishes to the Winners!!

I have re-played QPs but never for an extended period......

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on Dec 2, 2012

Congrats! Zippy & Betty Jo Party

                    Party

sully16's avatarsully16

Just goes to show you brushing your teeth has many wonderful benefits,

Congrats to Zippy ans BettyJo, enjoy!

LottoGuyBC's avatarLottoGuyBC

Congrats to the Winners Cheers

Original Bey's avatarOriginal Bey

Nice early retirement package!!!

 

BananaBanana

 

Congrats to the lucky couple

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by sully16 on Dec 2, 2012

Just goes to show you brushing your teeth has many wonderful benefits,

Congrats to Zippy ans BettyJo, enjoy!

I will forever associate brushing my teeth with "I will win the JP someday" lol. lol.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by sully16 on Dec 2, 2012

Just goes to show you brushing your teeth has many wonderful benefits,

Congrats to Zippy ans BettyJo, enjoy!

WAIT..... this explains why people in Tennessee never win a JP........What?

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on Dec 2, 2012

WAIT..... this explains why people in Tennessee never win a JP........What?

Or have no teeth. Big Grin

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Dec 2, 2012

Or have no teeth. Big Grin

Having no teeth is a GOOD IDEA..... for those who dont like brushing......Sad Cheers

BuyLow's avatarBuyLow

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on Dec 2, 2012

Too bad it wasn't a losing QP turned self pick.........

Thats EXACTLY what it was!!

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by BuyLow on Dec 2, 2012

Thats EXACTLY what it was!!

OK, so it was NOT a QP....... thank goodness...... lol.

Ronnie316

Green laugh

MADDOG10's avatarMADDOG10

Congrats to the lucky couple, patience is definately a virtue in their case....!

Brcebrce

He turned it in really fast. Wonnder Why he didn't wait to see if he could claim anonymously or at least avoid press conference. I'm not sure if you can do either one of those in Georgia. I've never seen this asked, can,would you go to another state so claim anonymous?

RedStang's avatarRedStang

Quote: Originally posted by Brcebrce on Dec 2, 2012

He turned it in really fast. Wonnder Why he didn't wait to see if he could claim anonymously or at least avoid press conference. I'm not sure if you can do either one of those in Georgia. I've never seen this asked, can,would you go to another state so claim anonymous?

No but it would be nice. You would think since its national you could do that but the states use it as a advertising advantage and want their taxes.

whiteballz's avatarwhiteballz

I thought the MM winner would be able to fly under the radar with the huge Powerball jackpot getting all the attention. So much for that idea.

Piaceri

With names like Zippy and Betty Jo, how could you go wrong? I think my smile is more for their names than their win. LOL.

 

Congrats to Zippy and Betty Jo. Dance

whiteballz's avatarwhiteballz

Quote: Originally posted by Brcebrce on Dec 2, 2012

He turned it in really fast. Wonnder Why he didn't wait to see if he could claim anonymously or at least avoid press conference. I'm not sure if you can do either one of those in Georgia. I've never seen this asked, can,would you go to another state so claim anonymous?

you have to claim the winning ticket in the state you bought it. There is surveillance footage of a man from Maryland who supposedly has one of the two winning PB tickets. He will have to go to AZ where he would have bought the ticket to claim his prize.

The reason most people do the press conference is lottery employees really push the idea because it's great for their lottery sales and they get free press coverage. Also, most people don't know their rights. Depending on where the ticket was bought, it might be your right to say no to the press conference.

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

congrats!

I am waiting for the LP thread to read "59 year old disabled man from PA wins $50,000,000 Jackpot!"

No press conference!

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Dec 2, 2012

Or have no teeth. Big Grin

i thought that was KY  Green laugh

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on Dec 2, 2012

i thought that was KY  Green laugh

Ky to.  Big Grin

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Dec 2, 2012

Ky to.  Big Grin

Ky and TN are bed fellows.......Wink

Factorem's avatarFactorem

Quote: Originally posted by sully16 on Dec 2, 2012

Just goes to show you brushing your teeth has many wonderful benefits,

Congrats to Zippy ans BettyJo, enjoy!

Yeah.

Now I am going to see what it will take to convince my community's water supply department to consider adding fluoride to the city's drinking water, all in support of healthy living and healthy teeth for everyone.

Congratulations to the Voniers!

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on Dec 2, 2012

Ky and TN are bed fellows.......Wink

As long as their not fellows in bed.  Wink

Factorem's avatarFactorem

Ridge, 

Could you please, kindly oblige us with a response to Ronnie's partial declaration on the Volunteer State.

Much obliged!

 

Factorem

Factorem's avatarFactorem

Quote: Originally posted by Brcebrce on Dec 2, 2012

He turned it in really fast. Wonnder Why he didn't wait to see if he could claim anonymously or at least avoid press conference. I'm not sure if you can do either one of those in Georgia. I've never seen this asked, can,would you go to another state so claim anonymous?

These are the anonymous states DE, KS, MD, ND, OH.

GA, your state is not one of them.

No. A winner cannot go to another state to claim a prize.

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

The article reads:  "Honey, we won the lotto!" That's what Zippy Vonier, 55, announced to his wife Wednesday morning after discovering that he won $50 million.

And yet Zippy's wife's, Betty Jo, name appears no where on the publicity check!  Hum. Dupe Alert

Congratulations on the big jackpot win though!

whiteballz's avatarwhiteballz

Quote: Originally posted by HaveABall on Dec 2, 2012

The article reads:  "Honey, we won the lotto!" That's what Zippy Vonier, 55, announced to his wife Wednesday morning after discovering that he won $50 million.

And yet Zippy's wife's, Betty Jo, name appears no where on the publicity check!  Hum. Dupe Alert

Congratulations on the big jackpot win though!

It doesn't really matter her name is not on the novelty check. If you are married, your spouse get's half.

dallascowboyfan's avatardallascowboyfan

Congratulations to the winners......love the name Zippy.....

Ronnie316

Love the names too.... Zippy and Rippy..... very catchy......

rock_nc's avatarrock_nc

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on Dec 2, 2012

Love the names too.... Zippy and Rippy..... very catchy......

I Agree!

Dynomitemike

Sometimes Lady Luck does pick the right people. I always say " I hope that it is someone who needs it and someone who can hadle it. I hope that Mr. Vonier has his team of Professionals together and this wil last many generations to come. The Vonier can now enjoy their retirement and their 3 grandchildren.

I know thats what I would do with 38m, as long as my ex-wife didn't find out.

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by Dynomitemike on Dec 2, 2012

Sometimes Lady Luck does pick the right people. I always say " I hope that it is someone who needs it and someone who can hadle it. I hope that Mr. Vonier has his team of Professionals together and this wil last many generations to come. The Vonier can now enjoy their retirement and their 3 grandchildren.

I know thats what I would do with 38m, as long as my ex-wife didn't find out.

Oh all ex-wives will find out.

Not a matter of if, but when.

golfer1960's avatargolfer1960

Quote: Originally posted by Piaceri on Dec 2, 2012

With names like Zippy and Betty Jo, how could you go wrong? I think my smile is more for their names than their win. LOL.

 

Congrats to Zippy and Betty Jo. Dance

You have a nice smile Pia!

golfer1960's avatargolfer1960

Quote: Originally posted by BuyLow on Dec 2, 2012

Looks like a "Quik Pik" was recycled into a self pick.  It's a new hybrid number type we can discuss....LOL!

 

Best Wishes to the Winners!!

Quik Pic wins again (sort of)!!!!!

Where you at self picks?

Brcebrce

Quote: Originally posted by Factorem on Dec 2, 2012

These are the anonymous states DE, KS, MD, ND, OH.

GA, your state is not one of them.

No. A winner cannot go to another state to claim a prize.

Well cam you claim in trust,partnership,or LLC? I'be googled the question no concrete answers

Factorem's avatarFactorem

Quote: Originally posted by Brcebrce on Dec 2, 2012

Well cam you claim in trust,partnership,or LLC? I'be googled the question no concrete answers

In general most states do allow the claiming of large prizes by use of the instruments that you have cited. Several states for the record, have paid out jackpot prizes to the trustees of trusts, and representatives of partnerships and LLCs over the years.

However, the lottery rules of some states may limit, or even exclude the use of such instruments as a trust to claim a prize.

None of these instruments by name alone guarantees anonymity, but what can help ensure anonymity is the manner the business arrangement of the trust is organized and what is in the corporation's organizing documents.

Regardless, all ever filed claims papers are subject to FOIA or open records and typically, only to the extents of the FOIA or open records rules of the applicable states.

jamella724

Vonier couple are great person with big heart, that's why they won the MM $50 million jackpot.  I believe that if a person does good to his/her fellowmen, it will be returned in something...that's what happened to this couple...They are good peopleand I congratulate them and wish them happiness with their winnings.

Brcebrce

Quote: Originally posted by Factorem on Dec 3, 2012

In general most states do allow the claiming of large prizes by use of the instruments that you have cited. Several states for the record, have paid out jackpot prizes to the trustees of trusts, and representatives of partnerships and LLCs over the years.

However, the lottery rules of some states may limit, or even exclude the use of such instruments as a trust to claim a prize.

None of these instruments by name alone guarantees anonymity, but what can help ensure anonymity is the manner the business arrangement of the trust is organized and what is in the corporation's organizing documents.

Regardless, all ever filed claims papers are subject to FOIA or open records and typically, only to the extents of the FOIA or open records rules of the applicable states.

I never thought that it was public record. It's a little overboard for some, but you can play hot potato with a few trusts and "liquidate" it to our in your accounts. Would this be worth the effort? A blind trust costs $2500, at least that's the number I've seen.

LotteryInOK

Has he turned in his ticket yet?

ressuccess's avatarressuccess

Why did the Mega Millions Jackpot was revised upward to $50 million when someone won this jackpot in Georgia?

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by ressuccess on Dec 3, 2012

Why did the Mega Millions Jackpot was revised upward to $50 million when someone won this jackpot in Georgia?

A quick visit to USA MEGA...... www.usamega.com Patriot 

tells me the JP for tomorrow night is $13million.

Ronnie316

Power ball re-set at $40 million and is now $50 million for Wed. night draw......

Marin54

to rite

Ronnie316

I'm off to see the Wizard, the wonderful wizard of ODDS..........  Yes Nod

Ronnie316

Im falling asleep here...... I think I need to go unclog a toilet or something........

Ronnie316

                       Sleep

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on Dec 3, 2012

                       Sleep

Perhaps another 50 posts first. What?

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Dec 3, 2012

Perhaps another 50 posts first. What?

Im feeling dazed and confussed as it is..........Crazy

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on Dec 3, 2012

Im feeling dazed and confussed as it is..........Crazy

Sounds like a Jimi Hendrix  song!  Guitar

Ronnie316

I cant keep my eyes open......Bed

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Dec 3, 2012

Sounds like a Jimi Hendrix  song!  Guitar

Yeah.... Purple DAZED, all in my brain..... lol.

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on Dec 3, 2012

I cant keep my eyes open......Bed

Now your dazed and asleep.  Yawn

Ronnie316

The $587 million JP was won with a $10 QP.

 

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on Dec 3, 2012

The $587 million JP was won with a $10 QP.

 

Wonder if you get to keep the original ticket, after it has been verified. What?

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Dec 3, 2012

Wonder if you get to keep the original ticket, after it has been verified. What?

NO you don't sorryNo No

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on Dec 3, 2012

NO you don't sorryNo No

How would you know, did you win a jackpot recently. What?

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Dec 3, 2012

How would you know, did you win a jackpot recently. What?

 SayingNothingSmiley.gif photo

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on Dec 3, 2012

 SayingNothingSmiley.gif photo

Pumpkin  I understand now!

CinCin

I'd always either purchased Powerball or Carolina 5 lottery tickets, but just an hour ago, I purchased my very first Mega Millions ticket. I never do quick picks, but it was spur of the moment (at the register), so I opted for a MM quick pic for tomorrow night. Wish I'd picked my own numbers now because after reviewing the past 25 drawn numbers, my quick pick numbers are SUCKY! Anyway..Congrats to Zippy and Betty Jo!! I love it when people who appear to be next door neighbors win!!!

fwlawrence's avatarfwlawrence

So Zippy, are you having fun yet?

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by fwlawrence on Dec 3, 2012

So Zippy, are you having fun yet?

Hey you and CinCin have the same hair stylist!  Hippy

KY Floyd's avatarKY Floyd

Quote: Originally posted by whiteballz on Dec 2, 2012

It doesn't really matter her name is not on the novelty check. If you are married, your spouse get's half.

Getting divorced will usually get you half. If you're married you get whatever your winning spouse wants to give you.

Of course not being given half of a $20 million lottery prize is pretty high on the list of reasons to get divorced.

KY Floyd's avatarKY Floyd

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on Dec 3, 2012

The $587 million JP was won with a $10 QP.

 

16 repeated on 3 lines. 5, 26 and 45 repeated on 2 lines. 3 consecutive numbers on one line. Isn't that the kind of ticket a lot of people complain about? Would have been rather amusing if the winner bought an already printed ticket because somebody else had refused it.

rock_nc's avatarrock_nc

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on Dec 3, 2012

NO you don't sorryNo No

I got to keep my ticket, they just cut off the bar code at the bottom of the ticket.

rock_nc's avatarrock_nc

Well lottery post members! I finally won on the mega millions last night. Checked my tickets this morning, had 4 numbers right. that's a 150.00 dollar win. Missed it by one to win 5 numbers right, missed the mega ball by one also. So I'm going to have a good birthday on the 16th. We going out to eat and buy ourself's something. First time I have won this much on a Mega Millions ticket. Hope to buy the winning numbers tonight on POWERBALL. Time to get all my money back that I have lost playing the lottery.  It was a quick pick too! SmileYou got to be in it, to win it!!! Good luck to you all!! Smile

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by rock_nc on Dec 5, 2012

Well lottery post members! I finally won on the mega millions last night. Checked my tickets this morning, had 4 numbers right. that's a 150.00 dollar win. Missed it by one to win 5 numbers right, missed the mega ball by one also. So I'm going to have a good birthday on the 16th. We going out to eat and buy ourself's something. First time I have won this much on a Mega Millions ticket. Hope to buy the winning numbers tonight on POWERBALL. Time to get all my money back that I have lost playing the lottery.  It was a quick pick too! SmileYou got to be in it, to win it!!! Good luck to you all!! Smile

Congrat's rock_nc!  Party

Did you say it was a QP. What?  BananaDanceCheers

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by rock_nc on Dec 5, 2012

Well lottery post members! I finally won on the mega millions last night. Checked my tickets this morning, had 4 numbers right. that's a 150.00 dollar win. Missed it by one to win 5 numbers right, missed the mega ball by one also. So I'm going to have a good birthday on the 16th. We going out to eat and buy ourself's something. First time I have won this much on a Mega Millions ticket. Hope to buy the winning numbers tonight on POWERBALL. Time to get all my money back that I have lost playing the lottery.  It was a quick pick too! SmileYou got to be in it, to win it!!! Good luck to you all!! Smile

I for one would like to verify your win via visual inspection of said ticket........ What?

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on Dec 5, 2012

I for one would like to verify your win via visual inspection of said ticket........ What?

He/she is from "small town" USA, shouldn't be much of a drive for you Ronnie316. What?

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Dec 5, 2012

He/she is from "small town" USA, shouldn't be much of a drive for you Ronnie316. What?

I'm leaving now my trusted friend.......

Ronnie316

Cheers

LotteryInOK

Congratulations to the couple!

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by LotteryInOK on Dec 5, 2012

Congratulations to the couple!

May they live in peace and happiness always........Yes Nod

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Dec 3, 2012

Hey you and CinCin have the same hair stylist!  Hippy

Green laughyou to can get the new dew, get yo hair did

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie316 on Dec 5, 2012

I'm leaving now my trusted friend.......

See Ya!

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on Dec 6, 2012

See Ya!

        See Ya!

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Dec 6, 2012

        See Ya!

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

Congratulations, rock_nc, on your happy MMs win!  I've been playing the MM QPs w/Megaplier for years and haven't ever matched over 3 numbers.

How long, rock_nc, have you been buying MM tickets? 

Do you buy for every draw?

If you are a small per draw gambler, do you intend to switch to playing using the "Megaplier" option?

Lurking

End of comments
Subscribe to this news story