In most cases, winning a jackpot can turn you into the worst. Many lottery winners end up losing everything they have won. Fortunately, there are also some lottery winners who did it right. Here’s what Cheeky found:
- Sheelah Ryan established the Ryan Foundation
Sheelah Ryan, a woman from Florida made a history by winning $55 million Florida lottery in 1988 while she was 63 years old. Instead of blowing the money away, she used the money to help several causes. She established the Ryan Foundation shortly after receiving the jackpot.
Her foundation focuses on elderly, abused women and single mothers. Through this foundation, Sheelah Ryan also provided scholarships for local students.
- Rachel Lapierre launched Le Book Humanitaire
Rachel Lapierre won a lifetime salary of C$1,000 (£605) a week in the Quebecois lottery’s winner for life in 2013. After winning, Sarah even still stays at the same house and spent her money more on helping others in need rather than spending on her own luxury. She founded Le Book Humanitaire, a charity with an estimated annual revenue of $3.1 million as of today and handled over 30,000 cases.
- Ray and Barbara Wragg donated 70% of their fortune
The couple was the sole winners of the £7.6 million lotteries in 2000 and it’s estimated that the couple gave away 70% of their fortune to those in needs. They gave £6m of their winnings to the charity that includes Sheffield hospitals. Additionally, they also help their friends and family, and veterans.
- Joe and Rhonda Meath donated to charity and get back to work
Rhonda and her husband, Joe Meath, a couple from Bethel, Minnesota, won $11.7 million Hot Lotto jackpot in 2014. The couple who has four children said they would do nothing extraordinary with the money except buying cars, setup money for their children and three grandchildren. Even Rhonda stated that she would go back to her job as a waiter serving people.