Calgarian Alfonso Buonomo's first reaction to learning he'd won a Lotto 6/49 windfall was to go grocery shopping.
Now, he can go shopping with $16.3 million, the biggest Lotto 6/49 win in the city in six years.
When Buonomo checked his $4 lottery ticket for the Jan. 2 draw, at the Creekside Co-op gas bar at 11994 Symons Valley Rd. N.W. where he purchased it, he had a hard time believing he was a millionaire many times over.
"I actually thought the prize amount was a bar code number when I first scanned the ticket," he said.
Rather than hurry home with the news, a shocked Buonomo, 38, opted to complete his initial mission for the trip — buying groceries.
Choosing the winning numbers — 13, 18, 19, 36, 37, and 43 — that landed him $16,319,280 won't immediately change his life, said Buonomo, who plans to continue working.
He's even resisted advice from his brother-in-law to purchase a Lamborghini.
"I'd be happy with a new motorcycle and a second vehicle," he said.
Buonomo's score is the largest windfall in Calgary since a $40-million record win in 2013, said Western Canada Lottery spokesman Kevin van Egdom.
"This one had been carried over five or six draws in a row," van Egdom said of the lottery amount that begins at $5 million.
The big winner said he wants to take it slow and ensure he makes the most of his sudden wealth.
"I have a lot to learn about how to manage this much money," said Buonomo.
"I want to be smart, learn how to invest it properly and let it snowball. This is a fresh start for us."
His first move, he said, will be to pay off his mortgage.
(Click to display full-size in gallery)
He could have been blinded by greed, but he wasn't!
https://artofthinkingsmart.com/lessons-from-lottery-winners/
Groceries are important !! Gotta get that done first. Don't want the significant-other upset(learned that lesson along time ago). Sounds as if this gentleman has his act together. Have a wonderful life A.B. and enjoy your wealth
Exactly CD. Alphonso checked the ticket, said ," hmm" before stashing it in a section of his wallet & went about his business. Walking through those aisles gave him time to centralize on what he & the Mrs are going to do in the very near future.BTW- have been down that road of " you forgot the milk, didn't you?"
Congrats on the win!
CD, it doesn't say anywhere in the article that he is married or has a girlfriend. It only mentions a brother-in-law, but that could be his sister's husband. Plus, the picture is of him alone.
Only inclination of a significant other is the very last sentence... a fresh start for us.
That was my thinking BD,well that and the rush right home with the news,2nd vehicle and a motorcycle....Guess he could mean for his sister and her hubby... Still a great start to the New Year
Tax-Free in Calgary, Canada! Congrats.
5 or 6 rolls to 16 Million! I remember when the Michigan game was that good...sigh...
"I actually thought the prize amount was a bar code number when I first scanned the ticket," he said.
LOL
He's even resisted advice from his brother-in-law to purchase a Lamborghini.
Good! This sounds like someone who will be asking for money, so be sure to say no to that as well.
First things first, we’re out of coffee. Can I write a check? Haha
A Lamborghini would a lot of fun zipping along the roads in those Canadian winters.
https://autoweek.com/article/car-reviews/2015-lamborghini-huracan-lp-610-4-ice-drive-raging-bull-versus-frozen-swedish?fbclid=IwAR0FYc17tZmUuPnmC7tmuOuvQmvhz0Ie6rBW39uLNRWf60XftjsHAeth1aY
"Rather than hurry home with the news, a shocked Buonomo, 38, opted to complete his initial mission for the trip — buying groceries."
Very sensible. Even if you have millions of dollars coming in the near future, you still need to eat tomorrow.
When you gotta eat, you gotta eat!