Hey Big Spender

As the draw nears for the record US Mega Millions lottery jackpot of approximately $370 million, thousands of hopeful winners in the 12 participating states have been anxiously battling long lines to get their hands on as many lotto tickets as possible before the huge drawing in New York's Times Square. We asked people what they would do with the money if they won the mega pot. Below is just a sample of the many replies we received. Some have been edited for publishing reasons:

 

Rosalie Matheson, Dental Hygienist, Wichita, Kansas
I would put my grandmother in a nicer home before she dies and give money to AIDS charities and help the homeless and sick children in Africa, plus help to fix the environment. The last time Paul, that's my husband's name, and me went on a vacation was two years ago. No, three years ago. On my gosh! So we would probably do that. But don't ask me where we would go; We have already traveled everywhere in Kansas with our trailer and kids. They're all grown now so maybe we would get another trailer and drive to Oklahoma. My brother moved to Chickasha near Oklahoma City. He's a gay.

Arthur R. McArthur, Sheriff, Rouses Point, New York
A new roof! I really need a new roof. Actually, I suppose I wouldn't change much in my life. Maybe a big screen TV and all that new gear like a satellite dish. I could get used to that. You know, just kick back and enjoy the good life.

Warren Blanchford, Construction Worker, Daisy, Maryland
I'd quit my friggin' job pronto and do all the things I have to do like climb Everest and maybe skydive. No, I wouldn't skydive but I would definitely get a jet ski. Do you know why they call it "Everest?" It's because when you finally reach the top of Everest, you want to rest forever. Get it? I dunno, maybe I'll finish high school.

Michael Penman, Actuary, Glenrock, New Jersey
I'd laugh all the way to the bank, literally.

Bradlee Rotterdam, Sous Chef, Buffalo, New York
With that much money you can bet the first thing I would do is take-off to Las Vegas or the Bahamas. I've always been a gambling person at heart but never actually played inside a real casino. I always wanted to play on a real roulette wheel or poker. My wife plays bingo on the Internet and sometimes she actually wins. But not millions of dollars. Lottery tickets are about as risky as I am willing to go. I guess that's just part of being raised in a small town like Libertyville.


Nancy Shofar, Housewife, Mobile, Alabama
$370 million is too much money for anyone! It could actually ruin a person's life. Just look at Britney Spears. But she's lucky coz she sings and acts. I would also take singing lessons and maybe buy a piano. I would still be bowling every Tuesday night though. Somethings you should never change.


Doug (Ace) Messerschmitt, Tennis pro, Newark, New Jersey
For starters, I'd change my phone number. Then I'd break up with my ex again and get the f**k out of Jersey. After that, it's a long cruise in the Caribbean and my pilot's license. My original plan was to someday buy a my own Cesna, but with $300 million beans to squander before I die, I think I'll buy a 747 like John Travolta.

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