Hey Big Spender

With the estimated jackpot for the US Mega Millions lottery reaching a record $370 million, thousands of wishful winners in twelve participating states have been lining up to buy lottery tickets ahead of the big draw in New York's Times Square. We asked folks what they would do if they won the jackpot. Following are just some of the responses we received. Some may have been edited for publication:

Martin Barmann, Pismo Beach, California
I'd keep $5 million and donate the rest to local drug and alcohol rehab centers. Having been there myself, I understand how messed up things can get when the help you need is not there. Then I'd probably do a lot of partying.

Gord & Winona Clampett, Retired, Tampa, Florida
Gosh, if we won that much money, even half, I guess we would give some of it to our children and grandchildren. We're both retired and comfortable as it is. We would definitely give to important causes like the environment and global warming organizations. And of course our church.

Louis Pantel, Teacher, Boston, Mass
The first thing I'd do is pay off all our family's debts and then take a long vacation to get over the shock of winning so much. Afterwards I suppose I would invest money so that I don't wind up blowing it all like I once did. Not so much though. Maybe I'll buy a boat, a water-ski boat!

Pete Waldorf, Clothing Designer, Providence, Rhode Island
Bodyguards! That's the first thing I'd do, get bodyguards. Then I guess I would hire a financial planner, lawyer, and an accountant. Of course we'd set up a trust fund for our kids' educations. We already donate to charities but this will enable us to be more generous. How much did you say we won?

Pricilla Mason, Beautician, Akron, Ohio
Well, let's see. The first thing I'd do is have a drink. The second thing I'd do is have another drink. And I don't even drink! That's an awful lot of money. Maybe I'd buy a new Ford Focus. Oh yeah, and maybe I'll take one of those trips to outer space on the space shuttle. Well... maybe not.

Craig Pacolado, Advertising Executive, San Diego, California
I'd spend half the winnings and bank the rest. Okay, maybe not half; $370 million's a lot to play with. I know, I would start my own radio station. Or I'll just buy a radio station. My dogs would finally get that ranch they've been barking for. I'd get some horses too. And for sure a Range Rover and a new windsurfer.

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