Hey, You Never Know…

By HERMIA JEAN-LOUIS

“That’s my son!” said Marva DeBeauchamp, pointing proudly at the newly-minted multi-millionaire standing near the podium of the Resort World Casino in Queens.

Eric Beauchamp, one of three Mega Million Lotto winners announced on Thursday, grinned broadly. “My mom is good now,” he said. “She has nothing to worry about.”

As it happened, striking it rich turned out to be a mother-and-son venture.

DeBeauchamp, 34, a general contractor from Suffolk County, bought his lottery ticket while out to lunch with his mother. The young contractor got off early from work to get lunch with his mother at a deli that happened to also sell lottery tickets. DeBeauchamp originally gave his mother money with which she purchased a $10 scratch-off ticket, that then turned into a win of $20 that he used to buy the $5 Million Fortune winning scratch-off.

DeBeauchamp also said that he chose that specific ticket because it was lucky number 13 and his favorite color, “money green.” DeBeauchamp chose to have his millions given to him in one lump sum payment of $3,309,000 in cash, and he describes the feeling to be amazing. With his winnings, DeBeauchamp plans to keep his promise to take care of his mother, buy a house for him and his wife, and also start his contracting business. And finally, get himself a nice cold Corona.

Yangi Sherpa, however won the top prize of $7 million,

With just $2, Sherpa’s father bought her a Cash 4 Life ticket worth $7 million. It wasn’t until the next day, Sherpa checked her winning numbers and could not believe it. She describes the feeling to be, “unbelievable!” Sherpa had no knowledge of the cash prize amount. She, too, opted to receive her $7 million prize as a onetime lump sum payment of $4,361,280. Her advice to other lottery players, “Hey, you never know. Just play!” Sherpa plans to buy her parents a house and even get herself a designer purse that she’s always wanted.

The Lotto’s $4.7 million winner, Juan Mendez, describes his experience as an abnormal part of his daily routine. He usually walks around the neighborhood with his family every Friday, to their local store to play their regular lottery tickets. However, this particular Friday, Mendez sent his wife to play the Lotto’s winning numbers. When he realized he won $4.7 million, he, too, could not believe it.

After acquired withholdings and opting for a one time lump sum payment, Mendez received $2,018,143. Mendez plans to buy a house, pay some bills, and invest the rest of the money. Maybe even buy himself a brand new watch.

Photo by Hermia Jean-Louis