16 Manhattan Co-Workers Win $58M Mega Millions Jackpot
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- They call themselves the "Lucky 16 Trust."
That's because the 16 co-workers of Manhattan biopharmaceutical company Ophthotech are the winners of a $58 million Mega Millions jackpot.
The winning ticket for the March 24 drawing was purchased at Carlton Cards in Penn Station, where the group met up Thursday to receive their oversized ceremonial check.
"There was a lot of buzz around the office following the drawing as everyone learned the jackpot winner was sold in our building," group spokeswoman and company COO Evelyn Harrison said. "A few of us decided we should probably check our numbers, and we went from one person's computer to another's checking each person's scan of the ticket because we wanted to be absolutely sure. Once we were convinced, we sent an email to everyone else to tell them to check out the winning numbers for themselves."
Matthew Jung said not much work got done the day they realized they hit the jackpot.
"There was a lot of energy in that room. We told ourselves to focus on work like nothing had happened. But, something did happen, and, to be honest, we didn't accomplish a lot that day. It's been a very intense ride," he said.
The group has decided to split a one-time cash payment of $38 million, before taxes. They each will receive about $1.65 million.
