UPDATE: Video of Berlin Co-Workers Receiving Their Powerball Prize

Update: 2:55 p.m. June 12:

The CT Lottery has shared a video of the check presentations to the 26 co-workers of Amco Precision Tool Inc. of Berlin who shared a $1 million Powerball prize. They were presented their checks on Thursday, June 11.

View the video below.

Original Story:

It wasn’t an ordinary day at work for 26 co-workers from Amco Precision Tool Inc. of Berlin on Thursday.

The employees gathered outside their Farmington Avenue facility to celebrate and receive their share of the $1 million Powerball prize the group won on May 6. The winning Powerball numbers on May 6, were 23-24-27-39-41 the Powerball number was 30.

The group, who dubbed themselves “Bubba’s $1,000,000 Crew,” matched the first five numbers drawn on that date and won the game’s $1 million second prize, according to the CT Lottery Commission.

“We’ve been playing together every Wednesday for nearly five years,” said Michael Sokolowski of New Britain, the group’s spokesperson and the one in charge of collecting the money and buying the tickets. “Everybody had the [ticket] numbers, but nobody checked [the winning numbers] for two weeks,” Sokolowski said. “When I finally scanned our tickets in the ticket checker and saw ‘CONGRATULATIONS $1,000,000 WINNER,’ I took my glasses off and rubbed my eyes. I thought I was seeing things. I had the clerk check the ticket in the lottery terminal. When he confirmed it was a $1,000,000 winner, I couldn’t believe it!”

After calling the Lottery’s claim department to verify their actual winnings, Sokolowski took his time to prepare a special letter for the members of the Powerball pool, according to the lottery. Then, with the details of their prize win in place, Sokolowski handed out the letters just before their morning work break to share the news. “People went nuts for an hour, hour and a half. Everybody was hooting and hollering,” Sokolowski said.

As each winner stepped forward to accept their $38,461 share of the prize (before taxes), they spoke of their plans to use their prize money to pay bills, go on vacations, pay for their children’s college education, or to buy or pay off a car. “Two people are buying houses and using the money to put towards a down payment. Me, I’m going to get new windows and siding for my house,” Sokolowski said.

When asked if the group still planned to continue playing Powerball the same as always, Sokolowski quickly responded. “Absolutely. We’re ready to win again!”

The group’s $1 million prize winning Powerball “Quick Pick” ticket was purchased at C&C Package Store at 1207 Farmington Ave. in Berlin. A lottery retailer since 1992, C&C Package Store owner, Dave Louro, will receive a $2,500 check from the CT Lottery for selling the winning ticket. “When I saw a copy of the ticket, I was just in awe of it and very happy. It feels great to have someone from my store win such a big prize,” Louro said.

Photo courtesy of CT Lottery.