When Alberta James of Machesney Park, Ill. arrived home from work tired and soaked from the rain last week, she listened to a garbled message on her answering machine from her best friend about the Lottery. At the time, Alberta had no idea that her life was about to change.
"When I called my friend back she said, 'Oh my God, you're rich. One winner has a $7 million ticket they bought from Vince's, and I'm sure it's you!'" said James. She didn't believe her friend: "You dream about it, but you never think it could happen to you," added James.
James has been the primary care-taker of her 84-year old father for the last 13 years and puts him in charge of checking their tickets. She sent him upstairs to verify the winning Lotto numbers against their ticket and sure enough their Quick Pick numbers of 8-14-22-36-44-52 were an identical match. "He calmly walked downstairs and into the kitchen and said, 'Do you mind if I shake the hand of a millionaire?'"
"My cheeks hurt. This smile will never leave my face, I wake up smiling, I go to sleep smiling — I am so happy!" James works as a rural mail carrier for Rural Craft and said that she won't be working there much longer. "This brings new meaning to the phrase shop 'til you drop.'"
James has yet to make any substantial plans for her winnings, although she has retained the services of a financial advisor. "I don't know why God blessed me with this money, but he did and I hope I live up to his expectations."
Although she has never won a major jackpot before, James plays Lotto weekly and plays the same numbers.
"It's so exciting to know that the Illinois Lottery has changed someone's life and what great timing with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday," said Illinois Lottery Superintendent Carolyn Adams. "Alberta has seven million more reasons to be thankful this year."
She purchased her winning Lotto ticket at Vince's Liquor & Tobacco at 7901 N. Alpine in Loves Park, Ill. Vince's Liquor & Tobacco is a historic retailer because it is one of the original retailers who signed up to sell Lottery tickets when it was founded in 1974. They will receive a one percent bonus of $70,000 for selling the winning ticket.
Maybe her 84-year-old father will talk her into choosing lump sum. AFAIK Illinois is like Florida in that the 60-day clock starts with the DRAWING. I don't know if the 60-day period has changed since we now know who she is.
Quote: Originally posted by CASH Only on Nov 18, 2006
Maybe her 84-year-old father will talk her into choosing lump sum. AFAIK Illinois is like Florida in that the 60-day clock starts with the DRAWING. I don't know if the 60-day period has changed since we now know who she is.
Cash-The link to the article up above says that she took the lump sum and already has a financial adviser.-weshar75
Quote: Originally posted by CASH Only on Nov 18, 2006
Maybe her 84-year-old father will talk her into choosing lump sum. AFAIK Illinois is like Florida in that the 60-day clock starts with the DRAWING. I don't know if the 60-day period has changed since we now know who she is.
Lump sum means odds are that she'll be dead broke in 5 years. Unfortunately.
Cash, you're right. IL is like FL. I won't complain if I win a jackpot, but I think 90 days would be better. The IRS also has a rule about collecting money, but I think the decision has to be made within 60 days of the claim, not the draw. A previous article said the winner was seeking financial advice before they announced her name, so whatever she does, she's at least gotten professional counseling.
Coin Toss, I'm not saying it's a good or bad financial decision, but many people with children and grandchildren invest their money in annuities with a 10 year payout so they won't spend it all at once when they die. 26 years is a long time to wait for your money however. By the way, she's only 55. (another article) I'm 55 and my Dad is 92. Many people 55 might look at getting a steady flow of income for 26 years as a good, solid retirement package. I don't think it would be that unusual. I used to yell out "lump sum only" but I'm not so sure any more. I'll let you know when I win the $9 million jackpot on Wed.
Good to hear someone will be having a nice Thanksgiving and Christmas
what I didnt understand is how the article referenced that the winning ticket
was a quick pick but later stated that the woman plays weekly and uses the same
numbers??? The same numbers cant be a quick pick, HMMMMM
makes you wonder if this is made up with errors like that
I agree. Here is a different story from her local newspaper.
http://www.rrstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061118/NEWS0104/111180027
inittowin thank you for that link
I just have doubts about the integrity of the lottery sometimes
I would like to be lucky like Alberta and win tonight's Oregon Megabucks for $7 million. Congrats to Alberta and here family!-weshar75
Maybe her 84-year-old father will talk her into choosing lump sum. AFAIK Illinois is like Florida in that the 60-day clock starts with the DRAWING. I don't know if the 60-day period has changed since we now know who she is.
Cash-The link to the article up above says that she took the lump sum and already has a financial adviser.-weshar75
Lump sum means odds are that she'll be dead broke in 5 years. Unfortunately.
nc6string
It say her father is 84, so let's say she's 64. Do you really expect someone in their 60's to take an annuity, not to take the cash?
Cash, you're right. IL is like FL. I won't complain if I win a jackpot, but I think 90 days would be better. The IRS also has a rule about collecting money, but I think the decision has to be made within 60 days of the claim, not the draw. A previous article said the winner was seeking financial advice before they announced her name, so whatever she does, she's at least gotten professional counseling.
Coin Toss, I'm not saying it's a good or bad financial decision, but many people with children and grandchildren invest their money in annuities with a 10 year payout so they won't spend it all at once when they die. 26 years is a long time to wait for your money however. By the way, she's only 55. (another article) I'm 55 and my Dad is 92. Many people 55 might look at getting a steady flow of income for 26 years as a good, solid retirement package. I don't think it would be that unusual. I used to yell out "lump sum only" but I'm not so sure any more. I'll let you know when I win the $9 million jackpot on Wed.
Well, we've also got to consider that Mayan 12-21-2012 Prpohecy....
Google that one!