Beaverton man, 79, ‘overjoyed’ to win $328.5 million Oregon Lottery Powerball jackpot
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The winner of Oregon's first Powerball jackpot of the year, worth $328.5 million, is 79-year-old Abbas Shafii of Beaverton, the Oregon Lottery announced Friday.
Shafii purchased the winning ticket on Jan. 17 at the Beaverton Fred Meyer on SW Walker Road. He chose to take the lump sum option, which is worth $146.4 million.
Shafii declined to be available to the media but was willing to offer a brief statement about the win.
"I am overjoyed to have won the Powerball and plan to use my prize to travel, invest and share my good fortune with nonprofit organizations that are close to my heart," Shafii said.
About one-third of Powerball game sales are returned to the state and support beneficiaries such as economic development, public education, veteran services, state parks and more.
Fred Meyer earned a $100,000 bonus for selling the jackpot ticket, and the store announced it would donate $50,000 to the Oregon Food Bank as part of its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social impact strategy.
The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery, visit www.oregonlottery.org.
