Here’s a look at real Powerball winners who gave back, using their winnings to make a lasting impact on people, communities, and causes they care about.
Winning Powerball can change a person’s life in an instant. One day, you’re just living a regular routine, and the next, you’re holding a ticket worth hundreds of millions. That’s what can happen if you simply choose to play Powerball.
You might picture yourself holding that winning Powerball ticket worth millions (or even billions.) But do you know what you’d do with that newfound wealth? If you’re like most Powerball winners, you would likely start by paying off debts. You might even buy a new car or two. And if you’re like these past Powerball winners, you might also explore ways to use your big jackpot prize to give back.
Here are a few Powerball winner stories of winners who turned their good fortune into acts of kindness.
1. Andrew ‘Jack’ Whittaker
Back in 2002, Andrew Whittaker won $314 million in Powerball. He shared over $50 million with churches, friends, and strangers. He also established a foundation with a $10 million endowment to support people in West Virginia. Scholarships, housing projects, and community programs were part of his giving. Jack believed that his winnings could reach far beyond himself, creating opportunities and support for others.
2. The Smith Family
New Jersey natives, Pearlie Mae Smith and her seven children, won $429.6 million in 2016. Together, they launched the Smith Family Foundation to support their hometown of Trenton. The foundation provides resources for education, neighborhood improvements, and youth programs. They also fund school supplies, after-school programs, and other community initiatives. The Smith family used their winnings to help neighbors and local organizations thrive.
3. Roy Cockrum
Roy Cockrum won $259.8 million in 2014. Instead of spending it on himself, he focused on supporting the arts. He created the Roy Cockrum Foundation to help nonprofit theaters across the United States. His donations give directors the ability to take creative risks and produce shows that might not otherwise happen. Through his foundation, he brings art and performance to communities that benefit from imagination and culture.
4. Lerynne West
Lerynne West won $687.8 million in Powerball in 2018. She donated $500,000 to the Travis Mills Foundation, which assists wounded veterans and their families. She also used her windfall to create the Callum Foundation in memory of her late grandson. The foundation supports causes like hunger relief, education, and community programs. Lerynne’s giving demonstrates how personal experiences can inspire generosity that reaches far and wide.
5. Solomon Jackson Jr.
Solomon Jackson Jr. won approximately $259.9 million in 2009. He then made headlines when he donated $10 million to his alma mater, Morris College in South Carolina. The money provided much-needed scholarships, improvements to campus housing, and support for student programs. His gifts opened doors for students and strengthened the community at Morris College. Solomon’s actions show that a jackpot can create opportunities for future generations.
6. The Anonymous New Hampshire Winner
A woman from New Hampshire won $559.7 million in 2018. She chose to remain anonymous in her efforts to give back. She donated an initial set of gifts to Girls Inc. along with End 68 Hours of Hunger. Her lawyers report she plans to donate up to $50 million over time. Her quiet generosity proves that impactful giving does not need recognition. Some acts of kindness happen without publicity but still change lives.
Winning Powerball is a twist of fate, but what you do afterward is a choice. By sharing their good fortune, they planted seeds that continue to grow in schools, theaters, neighborhoods, and families. Each gift shows that donating money to help others can lead to meaningful change. These winners show that one choice after a big win can touch countless lives.