Woody and Kathy Raptosh, the winners of the $1 million ticket, were looking to join in on the fun last week as the Powerball® jackpot reached an all-time world record of $2.04 billion. Although a single jackpot-winning ticket was sold in California, the drawing also produced an unforgettable moment for the Raptosh family. Woody and Kathy, who live in Dauphin County, say they can’t believe this happened to them.

“I saw the Turkey Hill and stopped by. I said to the clerk, ‘Give me $20 quick pick for Powerball, got my tickets and went home,” said Woody. “I said to my wife, ‘That’s the West Hanover Township Turkey Hill that sold the $1 million winning ticket and that's where I bought my ticket.’”

Woody said he showed his ticket to his daughter, as they both checked to see if it was a winner.

“She started screaming and saying, ‘No way, no way!’ It took me longer to read the numbers until I realized we had the winning ticket,” said Woody.

“I was in the bedroom and heard my daughter scream. I thought, ‘What is happening?’” said Kathy, Woody’s wife. “He said, ‘Kathy check this out!’”

“My heart was racing!” said Woody, who plans to visit a financial advisor. Woody said that after 35 years of working for the Commonwealth as a civil engineer, he’s ready to retire and this will help.

“We can also do some home improvements and help the kids,” added Woody.

In addition to the Raptosh family, the historic jackpot was also a big winner for older residents in Pennsylvania. It is estimated that the jackpot run generated nearly $70 million in profit that will go to programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians. The November 7th drawing also produced five other winning tickets that were worth $100,000 each.

“Congratulations to Woody and his wife Kathy for winning $1 million from Powerball and for being part of history,” said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. “As the Pennsylvania Lottery continues to celebrate 50 years, we’re recognizing players like Woody and Kathy who are helping us generate funds for programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians.”

To determine if they have won a prize, players can review the ticket, scan it at a Lottery retailer or use the ticket checker feature on the Lottery’s Official App. Winners should immediately sign the back of the ticket, call the Lottery at 1-800-692-7481 and make an appointment to file a claim at the nearest Lottery office.

Prizes must be claimed and tickets validated before winners can be identified. Prizes for Draw Games (including PICK games, Treasure Hunt, Cash 5, Match 6, Powerball® and Mega Millions®) can be collected up to one year from the drawing date. Lottery prizes more than $5,000 are subject to applicable withholding. Visit palottery.com to review rules, chances of winning and learn how to play our traditional and online games.

See 11/7/22 Powerball Payouts >
 

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About Us: The Pennsylvania Lottery remains the only state lottery to direct all proceeds to programs that benefit older residents. Since ticket sales began in 1972, it has contributed more than $33.8 billion to fund property tax and rent rebates, transportation, care services, prescription assistance, and local services including senior centers and meals.

Visit the Winners and Benefits pages at palottery.com to review how much money each county receives in Lottery prizes and funding to benefit older Pennsylvanians.

Players must be 18 or older. Please play responsibly. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for help with a compulsive gambling problem.

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