Phelisia Neale, leader of the “Powerball Pack,” claimed the Lottery-playing pool’s $50,000 prize on behalf of the group’s 20 members. |
Quick-pick ticket wins big in Feb. 14 drawing
A Powerball win 15 years in the making put a $50,000 prize in the hands of a group of current and former U.S. Social Security Administration co-workers. Claiming their prize Friday from the Feb. 14 drawing was Phelisia Neale, organizer of the Powerball-playing pool that calls itself the “Powerball Pack.”
Phelisia told Maryland Lottery officials that the group formed 15 years ago, inspired by a Powerball prize won by a pool of co-workers. Her group has wagered on each Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot drawing ever since.
“It was easy to do,” said the Gwynn Oak resident. “People know me as the ‘Lottery Lady,’ and I would be purchasing tickets anyway, and it just went from there.”
The happy pool organizer and retiree told Lottery officials although many in the group have retired, they stayed connected through their quest for a jackpot win. The group has expanded and contracted over time, but many original members will share in the joy of this big win. The 20 members of the pool will each receive $2,500 before taxes. Phelisia told Lottery officials the prizes are coming at a great time.
“A bunch of the pool members have upcoming travel plans, so the win means some extra spending cash or recouping the cost of a trip,” she explained. One member has an upcoming wedding and another has plans for a grand birthday celebration.
Want to cash in on some residual luck from this Valentine’s Day win by the “Powerball Pack?” Set your navigation device for Lottery retailer Rt. 40 BP located at 5612 Baltimore National Pike in Catonsville. The Powerball jackpot has rolled to $215 million for Saturday night’s drawing and offers a cash option of $127.7 million!