Self-Employed Delaware County Quarryman Hits $1,000,000 Lottery Win

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SCHENECTADY, NY (07/31/2009)(readMedia)-- Sixty-two year old Jon Brush, of Fishs Eddy, is Delaware County's first Lottery Millionaire of 2009. He hit the top prize on the popular Triple Diamonds instant scratch off ticket from the New York Lottery. The reserved father of two says his newfound windfall won't change him.

"I pride myself on being a simple man," said Brush. "The money will certainly come in handy, but I will continue to lead a normal life."

Brush purchased his $1,000,000 winning Triple Diamonds ticket on July 7, 2009 at the Country Store and Kitchen on Route 17 in East Branch. He claimed the ticket two days later at the Lottery's Customer Service Center in Schenectady.

Brush said he waited two days to claim because he wanted to inform his family of his winnings first. "I wanted to make sure my wife, Mildred, was the first to know. I called my daughter Lori next and then decided to drive to the Lottery offices to claim."

When asked where he kept his ticket for safe keeping, Brush picked an unusual spot. "I scratched the winning ticket in my car so I simply hid it in there. I won't tell you where exactly so I can use the same spot for my next jackpot win," he joked.

As is the case with most New York Lottery instant game prizes, the top prize on the Triple Diamonds ticket is paid as a 20-year annuity. Brush will receive his prize in annual payments of $50,000 a year before required tax withholdings. His annual net check will total $33,015.

Brush and his wife were presented their ceremonial over-sized check during a Binghamton Mets game on July 31, 2009.

When asked what his plans are for his winnings, Brush didn't have to think about it long. "The job of a quarryman is very hard work. This money will allow my family and I to take a nice long relaxing vacation!"

The New York Lottery contributed nearly $2.54 billion in fiscal year 2008-9 to help support education in New York State, over 12 percent of total state education funding to local school districts. The Lottery's ongoing commitment to education also includes the awarding of more than 1,100 Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) Scholarships annually to high school students pursuing their higher education in New York State. Since 1999, the Lottery has awarded more than 11,500 scholarships representing a total commitment of almost $50 million. The New York Lottery continues to be North America's largest and most profitable Lottery, earning over $36.7 billion in education support statewide since its founding over 40 years ago.

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