The Mega Millions jackpot has ballooned to $246 million for tonight’s draw, but that’s not the lottery story getting the most media chatter. In the media spotlight right now, a retired New York school principal who won the November 4 , 2014 jackpot of $326 million! Yeah, the odds of winning are long — but someone does WIN!
Photo courtesy Mega Millions — (l-r) Carol and Harold Diamond with New York lottery official Yolanda Vega January 12, 2015
Yesterday a big ceremony in New York for retired 80 year-old elementary school principal, Harold Diamond, who won the Mega Millions $326 million jackpot. Diamond credits his wife Carol, who is a retired school teacher, for insisting they get out of the bad weather and stop for a bite to eat on Election Night. While chowing down on a Subway sandwich, Diamond decided to buy 10 Quick Pick Mega Millions tickets — and one was the jackpot winner.
Smartly, the Diamonds have been working with a financial planner since getting over the shock of winning a fortune. They took the lump sum, which is $130,676,438 after taxes. They plan to help family and give back to the community. Oh, and enjoy the rest of their retirement worry free.
Since the Diamonds won that November 4 money pot, the Mega Millions jackpot has been on a roll. It’s at least $246 million tonight. After hearing the Diamonds’ story, a lot of folks may be buying Mega Millions tickets today.
