It Pays To Dream

It’s funny what happens when lottery jackpots reach outrageous sums as those who never buy tickets all of a sudden get hit with “lottery fever.” Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot has grown to an estimated $312 million and like we did on Tuesday we’ll have a group from the radio station participating in a “pool” in which we’ll have about 160 tickets. Tuesday the results were dismal as a $160
worth of tickets brought us back total winnings of just $5 which broke down to getting 31 cents back for your $10 share. However the good news was there was no grand prize winner in the multi-state lottery and there has not been once since February 1st. Tonight’s jackpot is the sixth biggest in Mega Millions history and if there is no winner the pot is expected to reach about $390 million for next Tuesday.

However I think we’re going to hit tonight which would force us to make a decision on whether or not to receive the full amount in 26 annual payments of $12 million or take a one-time cash option of just over $198 million. Assuming there will be 16 of us sharing that would mean about $750,000 a year for 26 years or a lump payout of $12.3 million each. Frankly it’s not much of a decision as we’re going to take the big one time cash option as we head to Trenton via the Lacey Limousine party bus to meet with New Jersey Lottery Executive Director Carol Hedinger. You know what they say….”you have to be in it, to win it” and “it pays to dream.”

Here is something that is not a dream but a reality. Blood supplies in New Jersey are very low after such a rough winter and lodges of the 20th Masonic District are sponsoring a “Give the Gift of Life Blood Drive” tomorrow at the Masonic Lodge on Route 37 West just across the road from Community Medical Center. The blood drive will be held from 9am-12:30pm and donors must be at least 120 pounds and 17 years of age or older or 16 with parental consent. You can schedule an appointment by calling the Central Jersey Blood Center at (732) 842-5750 but walk-ins are welcome.