James Handy Wins Record-Breaking $2.8 Billion Lottery, Plans to Donate 90% of Winnings to Global Education
BOSTON, MA, March 15, 2025 — A stunning development in the world of lottery winners has captured global attention today. James Handy, a retired schoolteacher from Boston, Massachusetts, has been officially confirmed as the sole winner of the record-breaking $2.8 billion Powerball jackpot, the largest single-ticket payout in history. The Massachusetts State Lottery Commission made the announcement this morning at a formal press conference in Boston.
Handy, 67, purchased the winning ticket at a local convenience store on March 10. According to officials, he selected the numbers 7, 13, 22, 34, 45, and Powerball 18. The drawing took place on March 11, but Handy came forward to claim his prize earlier this week after weeks of deliberation with financial advisors and family.
In a prepared statement read by his attorney, Handy stated he will donate 90% of his after-tax winnings, estimated at approximately $1.7 billion, to a newly established foundation focused on funding scholarships, building schools, and providing teacher training in underprivileged communities across the United States and Africa. He said the remaining 10% will be split among his three children and local charities in Boston.
The Massachusetts Lottery Commission confirmed that Handy has already accepted the lump-sum cash option, which amounted to approximately $1.1 billion in pre-tax funds. Tax authorities have already processed the initial withholding.
Why is this significant? Experts say Handy's decision represents one of the largest philanthropic pledges from a lottery winner in modern history. Financial analysts and education advocates have praised the move as a potential model for other high-net-worth individuals. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with the hashtag #JamesHandyImpact trending globally within hours of the announcement.
The James Handy Foundation for