Mary Milz/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis, Oct. 29 - Regina Mandabach and family members arrived at Indiana lottery headquarters sharing smiles, but few words, and with reason. Mandabach, a 29-year-single mother of two, arrived with a piece of paper worth $95 million.
Not long after, lottery officials introduced her as Indiana's newest Powerball winner. "We're awarding the largest amount ever to a single player." said Hoosier Lottery Director Jack Ross.
In her first public appearance, Indiana's newest multi-millionaire told reporters she bought a single quick pick ticket from a Washington convenience store, never dreaming she'd actually win.
But when she saw the numbers, Mandabach knew, "I'm rich." Very rich.
Mandabach splits the $190 million jackpot with a group of cooks and janitors from Minnesota. Instead of receiving yearly checks, Mandabach chose the one-time $49.7 million payout, or roughly $35.5 million after taxes.
Still, a bit stunned by her new wealth and celebrity, Mandabach recalled breaking the news to her parents. "I started banging on the door and was trying to tell her, was out of breath. All I got out was, 'I'm rich.'"
Mandabach won't say whether she plans to continue as a customer service rep or even how she might spend her millions, though her children have dropped hints, like wanting a dirt bike or trip to Disney World. She says everything else can wait. "The big thing I always said, if I won was I wanted to take care of my family so they wouldn't have to worry. I'll worry about me later."
