July 26, 2011 -- “Quiet” was not an option at the Blackstone Memorial Library 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, 2011. “There was a lot of shouting, hugging and kissing going on, that’s for sure,” Trofatter said.
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.
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 Kathy Rieger, New Haven; Linda Gibson, Branford; Sandre Johnson, Branford, Nancy Klek, Guilford, Mary Lockery, East Haven; and Kathleen Boyd, Guilford.
Asked if the group would keep playing Mega Millions, Trofatter responded, “Most definitely.”
The group’s winning ticket was purchased at Stop & Shop #687 located on Leetes Island Road in Branford. Stop & Shop will receive a check for $2,500 for selling the ticket.