A Michigan lottery club won the $ 1.05 billion jackpot for January’s Mega Millions, the third largest lottery prize in history.
Four members of the Detroit-based Wolverine FLL Club, whose names have not been released, achieved big wins during the historic January 22nd draw.
MEGA MILLIONS OF $ 1 BILLION BILLIONS SOLD IN MICHIGAN, LOWER PRIZES WON ELSE ELSEWHERE
However, the original payment of $ 776 million decreased to about $ 557 million after federal and state taxes were withheld, according to Michigan Lottery officials.
The club chose to receive earnings as a one-time payment of a lump sum, rather than receiving annuity payments for the full amount.
The winning ticket was purchased at a Kroger store in Novi, Michigan, which will also receive its own prize for selling the ticket.
“A member of the club saw a sign that the prize was up to $ 1 billion and recalled that he had not yet bought the tickets, so he pulled out for Kroger,” said club representative and lawyer Kurt Panouses.
Oakland County Lottery Club claims $ 1.05 billion in Mega Millions Jackpot (Michigan Lottery)
Panouses said the money “will impact the families of our club members for generations to come.” However, members pledged to “remain humble and pay through charitable donations in southeastern Michigan,” he said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Kroger received a $ 50,000 bonus commission and plans to donate the money to the Michigan Food Bank Council, according to the Michigan Lottery.
“Kroger is committed to our mission to feed our communities,” said Kroger spokeswoman Rachel Hurst. “Strong partnerships with the state of Michigan and the Food Bank Council of Michigan are essential to drive our mission forward.”
Prior to his victory, the biggest prize ever won by a Michigan player was a $ 337 million Powerball jackpot in August 2012, according to lottery officials.