A group of 20 Long Island Costco workers claimed their $201.9 million Powerball jackpot yesterday in front of the store that most say they'll continue to work at. The 8 women and 12 men decided to accept their winnings in a $106 million lump sump, which is around $70 million after taxes, or $3.5 million apiece.
According to the Daily News, the gang "dubbed themselves the '1937 Flatbush Avenue Dodgers'" because the "ringleader" and purchaser of the winning ticket, Anthony Manzolillo, "grew up on Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn and was born in 1937." Initially he forgot to buy the tickets, and returned home from the store to get the money, which was around $5 a month per person so he could fulfill his duty.
Though a few have said they will retire, one of the group's spokesmen said "We don't see any reason to leave," despite there being exactly 3.5 million reasons to. Another told Greenwich Time, "We're all dedicated to making our money last, and just breathe easy and have a happy life." This was quickly contradicted by another winner, who said "I think a trip to Las Vegas is appropriate." We also hear that Costco is recommending the group invest in 700 ton shipping containers of Cheese Balls, "Because When the Future is Uncertain, Cheese Will Be There.™"
