The winner of the largest prize in Texas lottery history has come forward to announce he intends to give most of the $144 million to charity.
Katy resident William R. Kiefer said he plans to use the money to retire, donate to worthy causes and encourage others to do the same.
Kiefer became a multi-millionaire just over a week ago after picking the winning numbers in the state’s $144 million Mega Millions lottery game.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Short Stop Market at 5304 E. Fifth Street at Katyland Drive in east Katy.
A week after becoming the lottery’s biggest-ever winner, Kiefer came forward and, through a statement issued by the Texas Lottery Commission, said he plans on giving a majority of the prize away.
“The greatest gift my parents gave me was to be raised a Christian,” Kiefer said in the statement. “I plan to give 60 percent of all after-tax winnings to charity.”
Kiefer said he sees his win as an opportunity to set an example for others regarding his faith and raise awareness for worthy causes such as abused children, relief for Haiti and support for retired nuns.
He does not, however, wish to promote himself.
“I will not provide any interviews except to the Texas Catholic Herald” Kiefer’s statement said.
Kiefer’s Quick Pick ticket matched all five numbers, 1 – 10 – 22 – 23 – 38, plus the number 19 Mega Ball in the Mega Millions drawing held Jan. 29. He will receive 26 annual payments totaling $144 million.
In releasing Kiefer’s statement, Texas Lottery Commission Deputy Executive Director Gary Grief praised the lottery winner’s commitment to use his winnings to help to others.
“We are proud to count Mr. Kiefer among our players. Many winners plan to give to charity, but I don’t think we’ve ever seen generosity quite like this,” Grief said. “This is also an opportunity to remind our players that Texans really do win the big jackpots. With games like Mega Millions and Powerball in Texas, we will continue to support Texas education through the Foundation School Fund.”
The Short Stop Market also stands to gain from Kiefer’s win. For selling the winning ticket, the store is eligible to receive a retailer bonus of $1 million.
Odds of Kiefer picking the winner were one in 175,711,536, according to lottery officials.
