A Congers man is part of a group of eight co-workers who have won a $1 million New York State Lottery Powerball prize with a ticket they received for free.
The New York Lottery routinely runs promotions in which players receive a free Quick Pick ticket when they purchase a $10 Powerball ticket. The group of eight co-workers took advantage of that promotion for the Aug. 4 drawing, and the free Quick Pick ticket they received turned out to be a $1,000,000 winner.
Among the winners: Patrick Feeney of Congers.
"I usually collect everyone's money on Wednesday because that's pay day," explained Jose Benitez of Milford, PA, one of the winners. "I checked the ticket the day after the drawing, and when I realized we won a million dollars, I couldn't believe it. I immediately started calling everyone else to tell them the news."
The $1,000,000 prize is paid as a one-time lump sum payment. The group will split the prize evenly with each member receiving $125,000 before required withholding. The member's plans for their winnings include vacations, saving for retirement, new houses and investing.
The winning numbers from the Aug. 4 Powerball drawing were 19-30-48-53-55, Powerball 18.
The eight-member group includes:
Jose Benitez of Milford, PA
Derrick Davila of Flushing
Thomas Cancelliere of Long Beach
Patrick Feeney of Congers
Michael Christiani of Washingtonville
Ralph Picarelli of Trumbull, CT
Vincent Crispino of Staten Island
George Torres of Brooklyn
