Tara Ramirez has millions of reasons to smile today. The Hartsdale education consultant won the Feb. 24 Powerball jackpot valued at $70 million.
Ramirez, 37, was presented a giant check for the prize this morning at Dairydel on S. Central Avenue in the Hartsdale section of Greenburgh, the store where she played the winning numbers: 6, 11, 42, 53, 54 with the Powerball number 7.
“I’m in shock,” said Ramirez, standing next to the lottery’s Yolanda Vega, who presented the check. “My family’s as excited.”
Ramirez, accepting the prize on behalf of Case Park LLC, a corporation she formed after the lottery drawing, opted for a one lump sum payment: $43,668,122. She will net $28,899,563.
Ramirez wouldn’t reveal many details about herself. She is married and has lived in Greenburgh for a few years, Ramirez said.
She said she doesn’t yet have any big plans for the windfall. She will pay some bills, provide for her family and attempt to stay normal, she said.
The press conference played host to another Westchester lottery winner. Robert Rice of New Rochelle won the last $3 million top prize on the Triple Million scratch-off game. He bought the ticket at United Deli on North Avenue while shopping for a loaf of bread.
Yes, he went in for bread and came out with more bread. The Triple Millions prize is paid as $150,000 a year for 20 years. Rice, who plans to pay off debt, travel and pursue other plans, will receive a net check of $99,270 annually until 2031.
The Triple Millions game has been retired and replaced with another game.
Photo: New York Lottery’s Yolanda Vega, center, presents checks to lottery prize winners, Robert Rice of New Rochelle and Tara Ramirez of Hartsdale. (Dwight R. Worley / The Journal News)
1 Comment
Something wrong here. 70 million miraculously morphed into 31 million. I think the winners should throw the government fifty bucks apiece to thank them for their time.