#megamillions Georgia family claims $133M Mega Millions jackpot

September 19th, 2008

ATLANTA "“ A Carrollton, Georgia family has claimed the $133 million jackpot for the August 29 Mega Millions drawing. Claiming as Carrollton SHM LLC are: Frank Mack Skinner, his wife Phyllis Daniell Skinner, daughters Lori Ann Higgs and Angela Skinner Murray, and son Jeffery Mack Skinner.

"It's becoming more of a reality," said Mack Skinner, 60. "We are elated and grateful. We are grateful for our good fortune."

According to Skinner, the family waited a few weeks to claim "so we could contact our professional advisors."

Phyllis Skinner, 60, purchased the family's Quik Pik ticket at Mableton Chevron, 1450 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Mableton, Georgia

"The ticket was purchased by Phyllis, which is unusual because she rarely buys tickets but did so that evening," Skinner explained. "Over the years individual members of the family have all bought tickets representing the family, and it evolved into a tradition."

Winning numbers for the Aug. 29 Mega Millions drawing were: 21-25-26-50-51 and the Mega Ball was 22.

The jackpot amount increased from an advertised $132 million to $133 million as a result of strong sales. Carrollton SHM selected the cash option and will receive $82,200,247 before taxes.

The family is still determining future plans.

"Obviously it will have significant effects on everyone's lives," Skinner said. "The LLC will have opportunity to make significant investments in the future."

With all Georgia Lottery profits going to education in Georgia, Skinner considers the Georgia Lottery to be a great benefit.

"Anytime a student is given an opportunity for an education and advancement, we all benefit. We believe the lottery, played in moderation and within the financial limitation of individuals, is and will continue to be a great benefit to students and therefore the future of this country."

Any Georgia Lottery retailer who sells a winning Mega Millions jackpot ticket can earn the $25,000 retailer incentive bonus payment. If more than one winning jackpot ticket is sold in Georgia, the retailer selling the winning tickets will share the $25,000 retailer incentive bonus. Mableton Chevron will receive the $25,000 retailer incentive bonus.

As with all other Georgia Lottery games, proceeds from Mega Millions will benefit education in the state of Georgia. Since its first year, the Georgia Lottery Corporation has returned over $10.1 billion to the state of Georgia for education. All Georgia Lottery profits go to pay for specific educational programs including Georgia's HOPE Scholarship Program and Georgia's Pre-K Program. More than 1.1 million students have received HOPE, and more than 940,000 4-year-olds have attended the statewide, voluntary prekindergarten program.

For more information on the Georgia Lottery Corporation and Mega Millions, please visit:www.galottery.com and www.megamillions.comPlay Responsibly "“ It's All About Fun!

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