Posted on 05/12/2009 7:23:21 PM PDT by JoeProBono
When Joe Denette realizes that he's won more than $75 million with the Virginia Lottery, it's not Disney World he's thinking about. Instead he puts the ticket away and comes to Richmond International Raceway to see the NASCAR race.
The Virginia Lottery Executive Director Paula Otto presented Denette with his check for his winnings and says, "He had actually won those tickets a few days before so Joe, apparently you were on a lucky winning streak."
Joe Denette is on a winning streak now, but earlier this year, he lost his job. He says, "It couldn't have come at a better time, things were rough, the economy is hard and now I can say thanks to the Virginia Lottery, I'm set."
Denette's dream of winning the lottery and taking a lap comes true, but it still hasn't sunk in.
NASCAR driver Hermie Sadler drove Denette around RIR and says, "He's still talking about normal stuff and doing yard work and going to the race this weekend, he has no clue, what has happened to him at this point."
As for Dennette's future, he says, "I'm happy living in Virginia. I'm from Virginia, I've lived here all my life and I like Virginia. Even more now."
Richmond International Raceway was happy to host the news conference where one of their biggest fans was a big winner.
Spokesperson Aimee Turner says, "We had a guy, win the lottery, 75 million dollars and he showed up to our race instead of claiming his winnings, which to me, is the coolest story ever."
Now that he's won the Virginia Lottery, Joe doesn't have to worry about winning tickets to see the next NASCAR race. Now he can buy any seat he wants, season tickets, or even a suite so he can watch the race with 60 of his closest friends.
Why is it that those who can least afford to piss money away on these lotteries are the ones who play.
I used to think Lotto was a tax on the poor, now it seems buying weekly tickets may be a less risky retirement planning option than 401ks/SS.
Good Luck with your fortune....With Obama as President you will need it. Hope this guy fares better than some lottery winners of the past.
“Why is it that those who can least afford to piss money away on these lotteries are the ones who play.”
Apparently because they win sometimes. Like this guy. Good for him. He can piss it away if he wants or save it. It’s his money.
Poor bloke, what a misfortune. Everybody is his friend now!
You must be talking about my new best friend, Joe.
Heck ya,good for him.I would of gone to the race myself an the BMW dealership the next day.
Oh, do you know my Uncle Joe? Good old Uncle Joe, wouldnt turn his back on a distant, distant relative, especially in their time of need.
Hey cousin, it’s time for a family reunion. ;>)
Why is that someone is always jealous of someone else’s good fortune! You don’t know joe and you don’t know crap about his life! He was a hard working guy who lost his job and was fortunate enough to catch a break! Joe has worked all his life and he was not living off the system as some have stated in their remarks! It is a free country and if he wants to buy a lottery ticket then he can! Your a hater!
What’s your problem? No one is jealous. Project much, do you?
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