Lottery Winners From Rockland, Westchester, Ulster Get Big Checks

FISHKILL, NY — Four big Lottery winners who live in Westchester, Rockland and Ulster counties, respectively, received ceremonial prize checks worth $16 million from the New York Lottery's Amanda Serrano during a press event Wednesday. Rare for featuring multiple winners receiving multi-million dollar prize checks, the ceremonial check handover was held at the Lottery Customer Service Center located in Fishkill.

$5,000 Win Turned Out to be $1,000,000 for Surprised West Nyack Woman

Katherine Lukin of West Nyack has claimed the top prize on the $1,000,000 Cashword scratch-off game. Lukin said she likes to play her favorite game, Cashword, sporadically. “I only play the $2 and $5 tickets,” Lukin explained.

After winning $50 on the $2 Cashword, Lukin decided to splurge on the $10 ticket.

“I went to my car and scratched the ticket. I thought I had nine words and won $5,000. I went back into the store to check on the scanner and it said ‘Big Winner, Sign Your Ticket,’” she continued.

Lukin got a big surprise when she came into the Fishkill Customer Service Center to claim her prize. She gave her ticket to the clerk and heard her say, “Jackpot.”

“I thought, ‘What? Oh my gosh!’” Lukin described.

Lukin chose to receive her prize as a one-time lump sum payment totaling $661,800 after required withholdings. With her unexpected win, Lukin said she will make sure her four children’s educations are paid for and plans on traveling, although she does not know where yet. Lukin said of her big win, “It’s unbelievable. I was not expecting it.”

Lukin purchased her ticket at Quick N Quality Deli on Route 303 in Blauvelt.

Cortlandt Manor Couple Hit Big with 5X Megaplier Win on Mega Millions Game

Paul and Norma Fox of Cortlandt Manor have claimed the second prize on the September 22 Mega Millionsdrawing.

The couple of 54 years won their $5,000,000 prize by playing the megaplier for that drawing which can multiply a prize by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times. This wager costs an additional $1 per game.

Both retired, Norma from Westchester Medical Center and Paul from Chase Manhattan, like to play the Lottery draw games. While out on his regular errands Paul purchased the winning $2 ticket. Later that night he checked his numbers.

“I checked online and saw that we matched five numbers. I called for Norma and told her we won $1,000,000. She was shocked,” Paul explained. Then Paul double checked the ticket. “I forgot I played the megaplier. I was speechless when I realized."

The winning numbers for the September 22 Mega Millions drawing were: 05 – 39 – 54 – 63 – 66 and mega ball 15.

The couple plan on using the money to help their three children and five grandchildren, fix their house, pay debts and donate to their church.

The Foxes opted to split their prize and receive it as a one-time lump sum payment. Each will receive a net check totaling $1,654,500 after required withholdings.

When asked how it feels to win the Lottery, Paul said, “It’s a change. You realize you can go into a store and buy something and not worry about where the money is coming from."

The winning ticket was purchased at ROA Hook Food Mart located at 98 ROA Hook Road in Cortlandt Manor.

Wallkill Man Claims First Top Prize of $10,000,000 on New Lottery Scratch-Off Game

Anthony Vitolo of Wallkill is the first New York Lottery player to claim a top prize of $10,000,000 on the $350,000,000 Cash Spectacular. Vitolo said he enjoys playing the $20 and $25 games because he likes to win big. This time he said he bought his ticket because he was out of alternatives.

“I needed money plain and simple,” Vitolo said.

Vitolo, 57, said he has worked in the restaurant business since he was 16 years old. His family once owned an Italian restaurant and he’s never known any other kind of work.

“It’s not an easy life,” he said. “It’s 12-hour days, weekends and most holidays. It takes a toll on you after a while,” he explained.

Vitolo currently works as a cook for an Italian restaurant in Madina, but not for much longer.

“If I don’t have to work anymore, then I’d rather not,” said the father of one. “I’d like to get out of debt, retire and spend time with my family – all things I thought I’d never be able to do because of my work. I’ve done my time,” he added.

Vitolo will receive his $10,000,000 prize as a one-time lump sum payment. He will receive a net check totaling $6,618,000 after required withholdings.

The winning ticket was purchased at Speedway located at 1215 Route 300 in Newburgh.

Lottery officials pointed out that in fiscal year 2016-17, the New York Lottery contributed $33,803,944 in Lottery Aid To Education to school districts in Rockland County, $26,045,093 in Lottery Aid To Education to school districts in Ulster and $103,692,197 in Lottery Aid To Education to school districts in Westchester County.

PHOTO: Winners pose at big check event Nov. 29, 2017/ Photo Credit: NYS Gaming Commission/NY Lottery