Includes video report
A Powerball winner in Iowa this week donated $500,000 of her prize to a group supporting disabled veterans.
Lerynne West, who was part of a group sharing an-almost $700 million jackpot, announced the donation on the "Ellen DeGeneres Show" Wednesday.
West said she was donating the money to the Travis Mills Foundation, a group based in Hallowell, Maine, and that three of her brothers served in the military and that her father was a Vietnam War veteran.
"It's very important to me that we never forget the sacrifices our soldiers and families make for our country," she said.
West's share of the prize was just under $343.9 million.
The 51-year-old said earlier this month that she decided to buy the ticket while stopping at a convenience store for coffee and a slice of pizza. When she came forward to collect the prize at a news conference, she talked about wanting to use some of the money "to impact others."
"I know the responsibility that I have to do good with this money," she said, according to NBC News. "And my life has changed forever. I plan to make thoughtful and responsible decisions on giving to my friends and my family and setting up so that my grandchildren will all have a college education."
West also started a foundation in memory of her grandson, who died after being born prematurely.
VIDEO: Watch the TV appearance
I applaud you Lerynne for helping out us Veterans. It is much appreciated and paying it forward makes this another feel good story of the week.
From Lerynne West's Callum Foundation to the Travis Mills Foundation. The disabled veterans across the World will thank her for such wonderful generosity.
$500,000.00 will go far and it is a sizable gift. Thank You Lerynne West!
Now she wants fame so she is accepting offers from tv shows
She was invited & accepted the invitation to go on the Ellen Show. She also showed up " bearing gifts." Absolutely nothing wrong with that, given that she is helping others in need. Recall that she faced the cameras when she won.Unlike the Robinson family from Tenn that flew to NY to parade their status on national television,they invited themselves to the party.
Thank you for helping our veterans, pretty good tax write off as well.
It's a lot of money. I hope she does a lot of good things with it.
Good start with $500 k to US Vets
The New Yorker she split the jackpot with is also single and about in her age range. Maybe they should get together.
I think she has handled everything flawlessly. A perfect role model if you want to do good for others and have to claim publicly. This tv visit will bring attention to her foundation and encourage other major winners to create a foundation.
Nice Story and great job to her for helping vets. I have family members who served.
There's many positive stories donating $$$ to those
who needs it . Let's not forget "smaller donations " .
People helping buying groceries , gasoline , fast food ,
the list goes on and on !!! Giving 24/7 , 365 days a week.
Buying gasoline ?
Food should be top priority