Family of 17 to share $25 million lottery prize
For decades, Flossie Endreson played the lottery with the dream of buying bungalows at Jersey Shore, where most of the family lived.
But the 85-year-old woman died in 2004 without ever striking it rich.
Her children decided to start a family lottery fund in her memory with the money leftover from the funeral collection.
Lady Luck was finally with the Endresons this month and the 17 siblings, aged between 53 and 76, struck the US$20.1 million (S$25m) jackpot.
They have opted for a lump sum payment of US$14 million, which works out to about US$10 million after taxes, reported CNN.
The family had bought a US$1 quick pick Pick-6 Lotto ticket.
Split the loot
While they didn't revealed how they were splitting the money, the family said the winnings would be divided between the 17 siblings plus three other family members, reported NJ.com.
How are they planning to spend the money?
One sibling, Mrs Marie McHenry, a retiree, said she was going to treat herself to a feast.
"My husband and I are going to pack two suitcases, throw them into the truck of our car and just drive down the coast to all of the best places to eat fresh seafood," she said.
Another sibling, Mr John Endreson, whose house was destroyed in Hurricane Sandy, said the money would help him rebuild his life, reported NJ.com.
"It was quite tough. And believe me when I say this, the hardest part was seeing other people that were devastated," he said.
"I was able to redo my house and to help my family, my brothers. I was quite fortunate and I just feel so lucky.
"And this was just the icing on the cake. I depleted my savings, and now things are looking up pretty good thanks to the state of New Jersey and my mom."
Sources: CNN, NJ.com
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