Ohio Lottery says possible $252.6 million Powerball jackpot winner called Canton office

Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal
·2 min read
2
Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank President and CEO Dan Flowers talks to media Friday during a press conference announcing that Giant Eagle plans to donate some of the $100,000 it will receive from the Ohio Lottery for selling the winning PowerBall jackpot ticket.
Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank President and CEO Dan Flowers talks to media Friday during a press conference announcing that Giant Eagle plans to donate some of the $100,000 it will receive from the Ohio Lottery for selling the winning PowerBall jackpot ticket.

Workers at the GetGo in Macedonia will share in the riches of the $252.6 million Powerball ticket sold this week in Summit County.

Although the winner has not officially come forward, Giant Eagle announced Friday that it plans to share the money it is receiving from the Ohio Lottery for selling the ticket.

Ohio Lottery Interim Director Michelle Gillcrist said no one has "officially" stepped forward to claim the prize but the agency's Canton office has received a call from someone claiming to be the winner seeking information.

"What a way to start my first week," she said.

Gillcrist became head of the lottery after Pat McDonald resigned April 15.

Powerball ticket sold in Summit County: Winning $256.6 million Powerball ticket sold at Get Go in Summit County

Brandon Daniels, GetGo public relations manager, said the 28 workers at the store will receive a gift card of their choice to celebrate selling the winning ticket.

The exact amount of the gift card is still being determined.

Daniels said GetGo's parent company, Giant Eagle, also plans to a yet-to-be-determined amount of its $100,000 from the lottery for selling the winning ticket to make a donation to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.

Akron-Canton Foodbank VP: Her life's work: Food bank VP Katie Carver Reed works to lighten the load for others

The donation comes at a critical time for the regional food bank.

President and CEO Dan Flowers said the food bank has experienced a 19% increase so far this year from individuals and families seeking help.

Flowers said the expiration of pandemic assistance is helping to fuel this increased demand for help in putting food on the dinner table.

"The lines continue to grow at our food banks and pantries," he said. "Every dollar helps us provide food for people in need."

This marks the second time a Giant Eagle or GetGo has sold a winning Powerball jackpot ticket. The last time was in 2019 at the Giant Eagle in Mentor.

Daniels said the GetGo on Highland Road in Macedonia will celebrate the latest jackpot by offering free tater tots to guests through Sunday.

Craig Webb can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: GetGo to share $100,000 Powerball bonus with workers and foodbank