The big prize may have slipped away – this time. But they’ll be other mega-jackpots, so why not start thinking, “What would you do if you won $550 million?” Here’s what these folks would do; click on any image for their replies.
Vanessa Wolffe, Salvation Army
First, I would fix my car. It’s a little broken.
I would buy myself a small house, and a house for my mom.
I’d save the rest, maybe take a vacation.
I want to do things I want, as opposed to things I have to do.
Freddi & Liz Brown, Interlaken
Freddi: I would start by paying off all the family that I have, their debt. The bulk would go to charity.
Liz: It’s too much money.
I would think about monies to our church, our family, and those who may be in need.
It’s just too much money for one person.
Sandra De Murley, Allenhurst
First of all I would give a large chunk to 2 local churches endowment funds.
I’d donate to the Jersey Shore Rescue Mission and Habitat for Humanity.
And my son and daughter need new cars.
I need one, too. Otherwise I’d save the rest and see how I’d need it down the road.
Carla Henderson, Neptune City
Wow! Pay bills, Pay off my daughter’s student loans. Put my grandchildren through college.
Buy a home for my mother and me.
Children’s charities. I love children, so it would definitely go toward children.
I’d open a non-profit clothing and food for children and families in need.
Adam Kenter, Yes Graphic
I’d donate at least half of it to an orphanage.
And I’d take a very long vacation. A permanent vacation.
And I’d live bi-coastally.
Karen Marzulli, Chic’s Place
I’d live the same way, but I’d really be able to afford it!
Maureen McCormack, Toms River & Patricia
Gordon, Ocean Grove
Maureen: I’d spend it. I would help my family.
On the way to pick up the winnings; I’d drop off my boyfriend at a marina to pick out any boat, and I‘d pay for it on the way back.
I would donate some to St. Jude’s, the SPCA and more.
Patricia: I would travel.
I’d buy a condo up here and a condo in Puerto Rico.
I would donate to the House of Children in Peru.
And just live comfortably.
Jennifer & Ernie Molina, Frank’s
Jennifer: There’s a lot I would do with 500 million. I would set all my family and the kids up with homes and college funds.
I would quit my job (don’t tell Joe) and volunteer somewhere.
I would probably hire some one to help me with the finances, to handle the money responsibly.
And I would buy my husband, Ernie, season tickets to the Miami Heat.
Ernie: I would help my family and closest friends. I would donate most of the money to foundations.
I’d let my wife handle the money because I’d spend it.
John Musso, Fratelli’s
Of course, charity, mostly for children.
I’d take care of my family and friends.
And I’d do anything I want – twice!
Maddy & Piers Reddy, Allenhurst
We just bought lottery tickets this morning.
And we said we would buy an island in the Philippines.
We’d build a house there and install plumbing.
We’d buy a car; two cars.
That’s about it.
Lauren Richardson & Jess Putaski, Dean’s
Lauren: I would probably move to an island somewhere.
I’d never have to work again.
I don’t know what I’d do, probably freak out. I’d just tell my family.
Jess: I would definitely travel.
I’d donate money for homeless people.
I see them in the city and I always feel bad for them.
I think we should do more to help them.
I’d buy a car. I’m 18 and don’t have one yet.
And I’d go shopping, of course.
Ray Sheehan, Cravings
I’ve thought about this a lot.
Besides taking care of my family and close friends, I would start a foundation for underprivileged children.
I’d keep enough to stay comfortable, but, I would give the bulk of it away to various charities.
What are you going to do with 400 million dollars.
Nolan Walsh, Ocean & Leah Nieliwocki, Harrisburg, PA.
Nolan: The first thing I would do is pay off my parent’s mortgage. I’d set enough aside for my education.
I’d invest the rest, probably in stocks.
Leah: I’d pay off my school loans, number one.
I would buy everyone in my family a house.
I’d give the rest to find a cure for cancer.