A gas station Cottonwood, Californiasold the winning ticket Mega Millions who awarded a prize of 1.22 billion dollarsthe fifth largest in the history of the famous lottery. The store, owned by the family of Jaspal Singhfaces a rebirth after being destroyed by fire in 2021, and now celebrates the unexpected stroke of luck.
He Circle K (Sunshine Food and Gas)located in this small community of 6,000 people, has been a family business for two decades. Luck knocked on their doors last Friday night, when the numbers 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the Mega Ball golden 6 They were selected, sealing the fate of a buyer who still remains anonymous.
Singh’s son, Ishar Gillwho serves as the store’s director of operations, received an unexpected call from some officials at the California Lottery around 9:30 p.m. on Friday, December 27. The news left him in disbelief.
“I had to read it two or three times“Gill told local television KRCR. “I told my wife and then we ran to my dad’s room to tell him. He looked at me and said, ‘Are you sure? Did we really win?’”
Gill described the emotion that overwhelmed the entire family as they tried to come to terms with what had just happened. At 11:30 p.m., officials again confirmed the veracity of the prize and scheduled a visit to the gas station for the next day. “Everyone knows it and everyone is excited,” Gill added.
“It’s exciting, but we’re more excited about the Cottonwood community and making national headlines, putting the town in front of the people, but we’re happy for the winner,” Gill said during an interview with Record Searchlight.
The owners of the establishment not only sold the winning ticket, but will also receive a reward of up to one million dollars for his role in the transaction. Under California Lottery rules, retailers receive half of 1% of the jackpot accumulated, with an established limit.
“We have no idea who may have won it or who may have sold it. But congratulations to the winner,” Gill added during his conversation with The Associated Press (AP).
Jaspreet Gill, Ishar’s sister, commented that the winning ticket must have been sold sometime between Wednesday, December 25 or Friday, December 27, however, they have no idea who it could have been, as reported Record Searchlight.
The identity of the lucky winner remains a mystery. You could choose to receive the $1.22 billion in annual payments for 29 years or accept a lump sum of 549.7 million, according to AP. However, the small community of Cottonwood is already feeling the effects of this windfall.
A local resident, identified as Christina, shared her perspective with the owners: ”Well done, man. I hope you live the rest of your life in peace and happiness, that you get away from the place and forget about this seedy little town. I’m still stunned by what happened here, I’m absolutely perplexed. “It’s incredible,” he commented in a humorous tone in statements collected by KRCR.
But the Singh family has other plans. Far from leaving, They have promised to return some of the money to Cottonwood and continue operating the business that has been a fundamental part of their community for years.
“To our amazing community: thank you for supporting us and making us part of your daily life. Whether to buy gasoline, snacks or simply to greet us kindly,” they published on the account of Facebook from the gas station. “To the dreams that come true and to the wonderful people who make Cottonwood so special.”
