ATLANTA – Eight office workers are sharing a mega Georgia Lottery win. The group, employees of AROL USA in Suwanee, matched the first five winning numbers in the Aug. 25 Mega Millions drawing and won the game’s $250,000 second prize.
John Osifchin, 54, of Suwanee claimed the prize Wednesday morning on behalf of the group.
"We are all very excited," said Linda Heath, a member of the office pool. "Plans are flying all over the place, and we are all having a tough time concentrating on work today."
Other members of the AROL USA office pool include: Ron Bendig, Dave Clark, Richard Cohen, Yahaira Genao, Steve Locker and Chad Nance.
"It was our first time playing," Osifchin said. "Somebody walked in the office and said we should get some tickets because the jackpot was at $252 million."
Winning numbers for the Aug. 25 Mega Millions drawing were: 3-12-19-22-40 and the Mega Ball was 2. The lucky Quik Pik ticket was purchased at RaceTrac #0623, 3195 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Suwanee.
"I think I'm paying down the mortgage on my home and helping out my son," said Heath, 48, a resident of Sugar Hill. "It came at a good time."
Osifchin also plans to help a son.
"My son's getting married at the end of September, so it'll probably go to that," he shared.
As with all other Georgia Lottery games, proceeds from Mega Millions will benefit education in the state of Georgia. Since its first year, the Georgia Lottery Corporation has returned over $11 billion to the state of Georgia for education.