A Lottery Winner’s Rag To Riches Tale

Lottery Winner 23-Year-Old S.D. Rancher Vows To Help His Community..

by CBS

Published: Mon, June 08, 2009 - 9:01 am CST

CBS) In Todd County, South Dakota, one of the nation's poorest places, the Wanless family struggled more than most.

"They were just so darned poor," said family friend Jim Colombe.

The sign to their ranch is broken, showing just how hard financial life's been lately.

The family was barely getting by selling scrap metal -- and they're reportedly behind nearly $4,000 in property taxes.

Just when it seemed things couldn't get worse, they got a whole lot better, reports CBS News correspondent Bianca Solarzano.

"I need some time to let this sink in …" said Neal Wanless, 23. Wanless was on his way to buy livestock feed when he decided to give luck a shot. He picked up Powerball tickets in the nearby town where he was born -- a place named Winner!

"I'd like to thank the Lord for giving me this opportunity and blessing me with this great fortune," said Wanless.

After a lump-sum payment and taxes, Wanless takes $88.5 million back to the ranch. And that's where he'll stay, he says, buy some extra land, keep working - and start helping.

"My family has been helped by the community and I intend to repay it back many times over,'' he said.

"That's just the way it is in this part of the state, people help people, we know one another,'' said Timothy Grablander, mayor of Mission, S.D., the tiny town where the Wanless ranch is.

On The Early Show Monday, Grablander described the Wanless family as a "typical ranch family" for that neck of the woods, "very down-to-earth, rural people.

Grablander said he's "sure" Wanless will keep his word and give back to the commnity.

A down on his luck cowboy who won big in a town called Winner -- is Hollywood listening?

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minimay87 Says:

Tue, Jun 09, 2009 at 8:44 am

If this young man stays true to his word on helping out his community with his money, it would be nice to have more people like that in this world. Most people would not think twice about taking the money and running off to a place where they would live the “high life”, going through the money in just a few short months on luxuries that are not really needed. However, money does weird things to people making them act in ways that they may normally not act. However, when someone gets that amount of money it is their right to do with it what they will, it is just nice to hear that there might possibly be some honest, caring people out there. It still would not shock me if he blew through the money in a short amount of time.

ethansmuma Says:

Tue, Jun 09, 2009 at 8:09 am

I think this is an awsome story. It is SOOO nice to see someone who is very down on their luck finally get a lift up and then turn around and stay true to his roots, community and work ethic.

wgarey Says:

Mon, Jun 08, 2009 at 1:06 pm

Yes Dixie. Especially at his age. He’s only 23. That way, he’ll wouldn’t (or might not) go through all of the money so fast.

dixiebelle365 Says:

Mon, Jun 08, 2009 at 12:16 pm

It’s always better, financially, to take the yearly installments. But, yes, 2/3’s is the way it works for ANYone receiving that amount of money.

rolltide33 Says:

Mon, Jun 08, 2009 at 12:08 pm

He probably would have come out beeter to take the annuity option. Perhaps he did not seek advisement and jumped at the quick lump some payment.

wgarey Says:

Mon, Jun 08, 2009 at 11:52 am

But 2/3rds??? I can understand MAYBE half, but dang! That’s robbery! If I was him, I’d hire an investigator. That’s crazy! That just ain’t right.

dixiebelle365 Says:

Mon, Jun 08, 2009 at 11:44 am

Taxes. That’s a tax bracket most of us will never see.

wgarey Says:

Mon, Jun 08, 2009 at 11:37 am

Wait a minute!! Can somebody PLEASE explain to me how you win $243 Million, but the cash-out is only $88 Mil?? Does that sound right? That’s 2/3rds of his winnings missing!!!! 2/3rds!!! Can somebody PLEASE explain this???

dixiebelle365 Says:

Mon, Jun 08, 2009 at 11:02 am

I love stories like this! And, his statement that he’ll give back to the community that helped his family, many times over, is truly wonderful!!!