Oceanside resident Eugene Salek told officials at the California Lottery that he followed his usual routine yesterday morning. He got up, made coffee and then checked his SuperLotto Plus tickets from the night before.
He knew then that he had won $38 million.
But, Salek said, he went ahead and made breakfast for himself and his wife, Lee, and intended to keep his big news a surprise, telling her only that they were heading out from their home.
Salek couldn't hold back when she questioned him, though, so out came the news that they were going to claim his prize.
The Saleks did not answer the phone yesterday afternoon, and the blinds were closed on their whitewashed corner duplex home in the Mykonos section of the gated Ocean Hills retirement community.
Neighbors John and Bette Overman said they had not seen the winning couple all day.
As soon as they were told their neighbors had received good news yesterday, the couple guessed immediately: "They won the lottery," Bette Overman said because she, too, had bought tickets on the big jackpot.
According to a news release from lottery officials, Salek retired in 1990 as a Sears department manager.
Bette Overman said the couple moved from New Jersey upon retirement.
The news release quoted Salek as saying his only other strokes of luck were when he persuaded his wife to marry him 49 years ago and when he won two tickets to a luau in Hawaii.
Lottery spokeswoman Cathy Johnston said Salek opted to take his winnings over a 26-year period and said he probably will invest most of the money. Johnston said the payments, before taxes, will amount to $950,000 the first year and $1.9 million on the 26th year.
Johnson said the ticket was purchased at Stater Brothers on Sycamore Avenue in Vista. The store will get one half of 1 percent of the total, or $190,000.
Calls to the store manager for comment were not returned.
Quote: Originally posted by MissNYC on May 4, 2007
That's great, but I think if I was already retired, I would probably opt for the lump sum payment, but that's me.
Perhaps they were thinking of their children and grandchildren who will be around in 26 years to collect the last payments. My grandmother told me if she won Powerball, she would have me take the annuity and she gets to keep the first check, which would be enough for the rest of her life. I guess I shouldn't complain about that deal, but I still think she'd be better taking the lump sum considering her age. Oh well, grandmas are like that.
"the blinds were closed on their whitewashed corner duplex home in the Mykonos section of the gated Ocean Hills retirement community. '
Why don't the Lottery ooficials give out Salek's SS Number and finger prints while they are at it.....happy for their good luck but sorry that the CA lottery publicity navigator info makes them an unwitting target.
Quote: Originally posted by eddessaknight on May 4, 2007
"the blinds were closed on their whitewashed corner duplex home in the Mykonos section of the gated Ocean Hills retirement community. '
Why don't the Lottery ooficials give out Salek's SS Number and finger prints while they are at it.....happy for their good luck but sorry that the CA lottery publicity navigator info makes them an unwitting target.
eddessaknight
"the blinds were closed on their whitewashed corner duplex home in the Mykonos section of the gated Ocean Hills retirement community. '
I agree eddessaknight:
This is why you want to claim it as a trust in the states that allow.
eddessaknight....it wasn't the CA Lottery that gave out the information on where the Mr. Salek lives. This information most likely came from the local newspaper, the San Diego Union Tribune. The lottery in it's press release gave the winner's name and said he was a retiree from the San Diego area. In California the winners name is released, a trust will not keep the winner unknown.
Also of note in the press release was that Salek bought 5 quick picks. He doesn't like to get the picks on one ticket so he made sure he got 5 tickets each with a single line. The numbers were 3, 5, 12, 20, 24 and 6, all below the birthday/anniversary number 31. Interesting that the winner was from a quick pick!!!
Quote: Originally posted by eddessaknight on May 4, 2007
"the blinds were closed on their whitewashed corner duplex home in the Mykonos section of the gated Ocean Hills retirement community. '
Why don't the Lottery ooficials give out Salek's SS Number and finger prints while they are at it.....happy for their good luck but sorry that the CA lottery publicity navigator info makes them an unwitting target.
eddessaknight
dude...you woke up the CA lottery guy , nice to know that lottery officials are watching our everymove and see what were predicting I knew the lottery was cheating ;
As far as this guy in CA winning all that- loot shows a good principles of being a lucky person ;
he faithfuly played the numbers #01
he obviously was very happy with his self and his life at the time #02
he was in love and lived in a gatted communty , life doesn't get any sweetier ;......( well ...38 million $$$) just kibbles and bits for an already perfect life);
Quote: Originally posted by irondoor827 on May 5, 2007
dude...you woke up the CA lottery guy , nice to know that lottery officials are watching our everymove and see what were predicting I knew the lottery was cheating ;
As far as this guy in CA winning all that- loot shows a good principles of being a lucky person ;
he faithfuly played the numbers #01
he obviously was very happy with his self and his life at the time #02
he was in love and lived in a gatted communty , life doesn't get any sweetier ;......( well ...38 million $$$) just kibbles and bits for an already perfect life);
indoor827....don't know what you are referring to as far as waking me up! FYI I am not a lottery offical. I have no affliation with the lottery other then a regular (four times weekly; twice each for Mega Millions and Super Lotto Plus) contributor to their coffers. Not sure where the comment "the lottery was cheating" plays into all of this, care to explain?
Also as far as your #01 comment "he faithfully played the numbers", just to be sure all the facts are on the table, it was a quick pick that won.
Quote: Originally posted by MissNYC on May 4, 2007
That's great, but I think if I was already retired, I would probably opt for the lump sum payment, but that's me.
Great Story!!
I agree with you, Miss NYC, but sometimes I wonder what I would do if I won that kind of money. I am looking for their ages. They could be only 55. Many retirement communities here accept people over 50. They won so much money that knowing their "Golden Years" are protected must be a very good feeling. They can always take half of the money every year and invest it as Mr. Salek indicated he would. Just the first payment will change their lives dramatically.
EDIT: I just read the article again. I guess if they've been married for 49 years, they are at least in their late 60s. Well, they know they will leave a nice inheritance to their children and grandchildren. Either way the heirs will have to pay the inheritance tax.
I can't believe their home & community was described in detail. That's irresponsible reporting.
Quote: Originally posted by eddessaknight on May 4, 2007
"the blinds were closed on their whitewashed corner duplex home in the Mykonos section of the gated Ocean Hills retirement community. '
Why don't the Lottery ooficials give out Salek's SS Number and finger prints while they are at it.....happy for their good luck but sorry that the CA lottery publicity navigator info makes them an unwitting target.
Quote: Originally posted by CA LotteryGuy on May 5, 2007
indoor827....don't know what you are referring to as far as waking me up! FYI I am not a lottery offical. I have no affliation with the lottery other then a regular (four times weekly; twice each for Mega Millions and Super Lotto Plus) contributor to their coffers. Not sure where the comment "the lottery was cheating" plays into all of this, care to explain?
Also as far as your #01 comment "he faithfully played the numbers", just to be sure all the facts are on the table, it was a quick pick that won.
ca lottery guy ...when you commented and informed the board that -{" the Ca. lottery never Gave out that information and that it most likely came from a newspapper in that region" } it sounded as if you had inside information unknown to the public:
02.when I said he faithfuly played the lottery I was detailing the comments he made in the report:
Salek told officials at the California Lottery that he followed his usual routine yesterday morning. He got up, made coffee and then checked his SuperLotto Plus tickets from the night beforee
and in re: to your question about faithfully played the numbers ...'just to be sure You have the facts on the table "
playing quick picks is playing the lottery"
money spent is money spent .....and your darn straight I said the lottery cheats >............and thats what I BELIEVE @ do.....
Quote: Originally posted by CA LotteryGuy on May 5, 2007
indoor827....don't know what you are referring to as far as waking me up! FYI I am not a lottery offical. I have no affliation with the lottery other then a regular (four times weekly; twice each for Mega Millions and Super Lotto Plus) contributor to their coffers. Not sure where the comment "the lottery was cheating" plays into all of this, care to explain?
Also as far as your #01 comment "he faithfully played the numbers", just to be sure all the facts are on the table, it was a quick pick that won.
Ca lottery guy I went over your comments and it is posted below ....if you don't sound like a lottery offical .....you sure sound like you had inside information ;ARE YOU SURE YOUR NOT DEEP THROUT.........
eddessaknight....it wasn't the CA Lottery that gave out the information on where the Mr. Salek lives. This information most likely came from the local newspaper, the San Diego Union Tribune. The lottery in it's press release gave the winner's name and said he was a retiree from the San Diego area. In California the winners name is released, a trust will not keep the winner unknown.
Also of note in the press release was that Salek bought 5 quick picks. He doesn't like to get the picks on one ticket so he made sure he got 5 tickets each with a single line. The numbers were 3, 5, 12, 20, 24 and 6, all below the birthday/anniversary number 31. Interesting that the winner was from a quick pick!!!
Quote: Originally posted by irondoor827 on May 5, 2007
Ca lottery guy I went over your comments and it is posted below ....if you don't sound like a lottery offical .....you sure sound like you had inside information ;ARE YOU SURE YOUR NOT DEEP THROUT.........
eddessaknight....it wasn't the CA Lottery that gave out the information on where the Mr. Salek lives. This information most likely came from the local newspaper, the San Diego Union Tribune. The lottery in it's press release gave the winner's name and said he was a retiree from the San Diego area. In California the winners name is released, a trust will not keep the winner unknown.
Also of note in the press release was that Salek bought 5 quick picks. He doesn't like to get the picks on one ticket so he made sure he got 5 tickets each with a single line. The numbers were 3, 5, 12, 20, 24 and 6, all below the birthday/anniversary number 31. Interesting that the winner was from a quick pick!!!
irondoor827....no I am not in any way, shape or form affliated with the lottery. Would a lottery official be posting on a Saturday morning? I doubt it.
As far as having inside information, none needed. All one had to do was to read the lottery's press release, found on their web site, and compare it to the article posted by Todd from the Union-Tribune. Hardly inside stuff, just simple reading skills.
Quote: Originally posted by irondoor827 on May 5, 2007
ca lottery guy ...when you commented and informed the board that -{" the Ca. lottery never Gave out that information and that it most likely came from a newspapper in that region" } it sounded as if you had inside information unknown to the public:
02.when I said he faithfuly played the lottery I was detailing the comments he made in the report:
Salek told officials at the California Lottery that he followed his usual routine yesterday morning. He got up, made coffee and then checked his SuperLotto Plus tickets from the night beforee
and in re: to your question about faithfully played the numbers ...'just to be sure You have the facts on the table "
playing quick picks is playing the lottery"
money spent is money spent .....and your darn straight I said the lottery cheats >............and thats what I BELIEVE @ do.....
irondoor827...here are my comments:
Regarding your first thought that it sounded like I had information unknown to the public, see my previous post.
As far as your comment about playing "quick picks is playing the lottery", we are in full agreement. Your intial statement said "he faithfuly played the numbers". Playing numbers implies playing set of pre-determined numbers, not a quick pick.
Sorry to hear you believe the lottery cheats. I do not hold that same opinion. If I thought the lottery did cheat, I would not play.
Hey Todd, A nice heart warming story. Right in my hood too. Glad to see a NJ native pick up some of the Golden States $$$. Escondido, CA John
That's great, but I think if I was already retired, I would probably opt for the lump sum payment, but that's me.
Perhaps they were thinking of their children and grandchildren who will be around in 26 years to collect the last payments. My grandmother told me if she won Powerball, she would have me take the annuity and she gets to keep the first check, which would be enough for the rest of her life. I guess I shouldn't complain about that deal, but I still think she'd be better taking the lump sum considering her age. Oh well, grandmas are like that.
Well this out to start the famous cash option / lump sum debate going again,,,,,considering they are retired,,,,,
Anyway nice going, Congratulations,,,,enjoy the rest of your lives....
"the blinds were closed on their whitewashed corner duplex home in the Mykonos section of the gated Ocean Hills retirement community. '
Why don't the Lottery ooficials give out Salek's SS Number and finger prints while they are at it.....happy for their good luck but sorry that the CA lottery publicity navigator info makes them an unwitting target.
eddessaknight
"the blinds were closed on their whitewashed corner duplex home in the Mykonos section of the gated Ocean Hills retirement community. '
I agree eddessaknight:
This is why you want to claim it as a trust in the states that allow.
eddessaknight....it wasn't the CA Lottery that gave out the information on where the Mr. Salek lives. This information most likely came from the local newspaper, the San Diego Union Tribune. The lottery in it's press release gave the winner's name and said he was a retiree from the San Diego area. In California the winners name is released, a trust will not keep the winner unknown.
Also of note in the press release was that Salek bought 5 quick picks. He doesn't like to get the picks on one ticket so he made sure he got 5 tickets each with a single line. The numbers were 3, 5, 12, 20, 24 and 6, all below the birthday/anniversary number 31. Interesting that the winner was from a quick pick!!!
I agree, thanks for the tip!
Remember - Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!
dude...you woke up the CA lottery guy , nice to know that lottery officials are watching our everymove and see what were predicting I knew the lottery was cheating ;
As far as this guy in CA winning all that- loot shows a good principles of being a lucky person ;
he faithfuly played the numbers #01
he obviously was very happy with his self and his life at the time #02
he was in love and lived in a gatted communty , life doesn't get any sweetier ;......( well ...38 million $$$) just kibbles and bits for an already perfect life);
indoor827....don't know what you are referring to as far as waking me up! FYI I am not a lottery offical. I have no affliation with the lottery other then a regular (four times weekly; twice each for Mega Millions and Super Lotto Plus) contributor to their coffers. Not sure where the comment "the lottery was cheating" plays into all of this, care to explain?
Also as far as your #01 comment "he faithfully played the numbers", just to be sure all the facts are on the table, it was a quick pick that won.
Great Story!!
I agree with you, Miss NYC, but sometimes I wonder what I would do if I won that kind of money. I am looking for their ages. They could be only 55. Many retirement communities here accept people over 50. They won so much money that knowing their "Golden Years" are protected must be a very good feeling. They can always take half of the money every year and invest it as Mr. Salek indicated he would. Just the first payment will change their lives dramatically.
EDIT: I just read the article again. I guess if they've been married for 49 years, they are at least in their late 60s. Well, they know they will leave a nice inheritance to their children and grandchildren. Either way the heirs will have to pay the inheritance tax.
I can't believe their home & community was described in detail. That's irresponsible reporting.
ca lottery guy ...when you commented and informed the board that -{" the Ca. lottery never Gave out that information and that it most likely came from a newspapper in that region" } it sounded as if you had inside information unknown to the public:
02. when I said he faithfuly played the lottery I was detailing the comments he made in the report:
Salek told officials at the California Lottery that he followed his usual routine yesterday morning. He got up, made coffee and then checked his SuperLotto Plus tickets from the night beforee
and in re: to your question about faithfully played the numbers ...'just to be sure You have the facts on the table "
playing quick picks is playing the lottery"
money spent is money spent .....and your darn straight I said the lottery cheats >............and thats what I BELIEVE @ do.....
Ca lottery guy I went over your comments and it is posted below ....if you don't sound like a lottery offical .....you sure sound like you had inside information ;ARE YOU SURE YOUR NOT DEEP THROUT.........
eddessaknight....it wasn't the CA Lottery that gave out the information on where the Mr. Salek lives. This information most likely came from the local newspaper, the San Diego Union Tribune. The lottery in it's press release gave the winner's name and said he was a retiree from the San Diego area. In California the winners name is released, a trust will not keep the winner unknown.
Also of note in the press release was that Salek bought 5 quick picks. He doesn't like to get the picks on one ticket so he made sure he got 5 tickets each with a single line. The numbers were 3, 5, 12, 20, 24 and 6, all below the birthday/anniversary number 31. Interesting that the winner was from a quick pick!!!
irondoor827....no I am not in any way, shape or form affliated with the lottery. Would a lottery official be posting on a Saturday morning? I doubt it.
As far as having inside information, none needed. All one had to do was to read the lottery's press release, found on their web site, and compare it to the article posted by Todd from the Union-Tribune. Hardly inside stuff, just simple reading skills.
irondoor827...here are my comments:
Regarding your first thought that it sounded like I had information unknown to the public, see my previous post.
As far as your comment about playing "quick picks is playing the lottery", we are in full agreement. Your intial statement said "he faithfuly played the numbers". Playing numbers implies playing set of pre-determined numbers, not a quick pick.
Sorry to hear you believe the lottery cheats. I do not hold that same opinion. If I thought the lottery did cheat, I would not play.