Though she considers herself a private person, a woman from Woodland Hills (Los Angeles – California) who became the biggest California jackpot winner, had to reveal her identity:
Her name is Kristine Wellenstein and she scooped the Mega Millions jackpot of $426 Million on January 28, 2022. She was the sole player to guess right all 6 numbers on that draw.
Wellenstein said: “When I realized that I had won, so many emotions came over me, but above all gratitude,”
She also added: “I want to give back and support local and global initiatives, and my team is ready to help achieve those goals[…] The actual impact of my life’s work begins now.”
She opted for the lump sum payment which brought her around $292.6 Million while the Chevron station where she made her purchase will receive a $1 Million bonus for selling the winning ticket (maximum bonus amount).
Wellenstein’s win concluded a jackpot sequence that began in October 2021 and saw the jackpot roll over 27 times! More importantly, California’s public schools get an estimated $40 Million from this jackpot run.
“Higher jackpots typically result in higher sales, of course, and that means more money for public education, which we are proud to support,” declared Alva V. Johnson, director of the California State Lottery. “The Lottery exists solely to benefit schools, so not only do we congratulate Ms. Wellenstein on this terrific win, but we also congratulate students from elementary on up through university, who greatly benefit as well.”
