Community Corner

Blackstone Library Co-workers Split $250,000 Mega Millions Prize

Debby Trofatter along with eight other co-workers will walk with more than $20,000 each.

“Quiet” was not an option at the in Branford once the branch’s reference librarian, Debby Trofatter, shared the incredible news that she, along with seven co-workers, had won $250,000 playing the Mega Millions® drawing on July 19.  “There was a lot of shouting, hugging and kissing going on, that’s for sure,” Trofatter said.

The group's recent win comes days before Branford newlyweds Brian and Emily Cahill .

The group successfully matched the first five Mega Millions numbers drawn on July 19, 2 - 9 - 10 - 16 - 35, but missed having the Mega Ball number of 40. A total of 4,129 winning tickets were sold statewide for that drawing.  Prize values ranged from $2 to $250,000 each.

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Trofatter, who was in charge of buying and checking the group’s tickets, visited the Lottery’s website and noticed right away that their hand-picked numbers were a match.  “When I clicked on the payout and saw $250,000, that’s when I started to scream,” Trofatter said laughing.  Troffatter, who is also a Branford resident, drove immediately to the library to share the amazing news with the group.  “I always told them that if we won, they would know right away.”

Trofatter, along with one of the Blackstone Library’s other lucky winners, Deirdre Santora of New Haven, arrived at CT Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill to claim the $171,256 prize (value after taxes) on behalf of the group.  The prize will be split between the eight co-workers, each receiving $21,407 (prize value after taxes).  Other winners include Library Director Kathy Rieger, New Haven; Linda Gibson, Branford; Sandre Johnson, Branford, Nancy Klek, Guilford, Mary Lockery, East Haven; and Kathleen Boyd, Guilford.

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot is worth a staggering $63,000,000.  Asked if the group would keep playing, Trofatter responded, “Most definitely.”

The group’s winning Mega Millions ticket was purchased at located on Leetes Island Road in Branford. Stop & Shop will receive a check for $2,500 for selling the ticket.

The overall chances of winning a prize in Mega Millions are 1 in 39.9. The chance of winning the jackpot is 1 in 175,711,536.

This is a Press Release for CT State Lottery


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