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Iowa Powerball winner donates $500K to veterans group

Lerynne West, of Redfield, Iowa, arrives to claim her share of a nearly $700 million Powerball prize, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, at the Iowa Lottery headquarters in Clive, Iowa. West was one of two winners of a $688 million jackpot drawn Oct. 27. She'll share the prize with someone who bought the other winning ticket in New York City. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
In this Nov. 5, 2018, file photo, Lerynne West, of Redfield, Iowa, speaks to the media after arriving in Clive, Iowa, to claim her share of a nearly $700 million Powerball prize. West announced on the Ellen Lee DeGeneres show broadcast Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, that she has donated $500,000 to the Travis Mills Foundation, a Maine-based organization that offers programs for disabled veterans. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
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The Associated Press
November 15, 2018 - 8:28 am
 

DES MOINES, Iowa — An Iowa woman who shared a nearly $700 million Powerball lottery jackpot has donated $500,000 to a veterans group.

Lerynne West announced on the Ellen DeGeneres Show broadcast Wednesday that she gave the money to the Travis Mills Foundation. The Maine-based organization offers programs for disabled veterans.

Before announcing her gift, West recounted buying the winning ticket at a convenience store in the small Iowa community of Redfield, then leaving it on the floor of her sister’s pickup. After submitting her ticket to officials, she promised to use her winnings to help others.

West says it’s important “that we never forget the sacrifices our soldiers and families make for our country.”

Robert Bailey of New York City bought the other winning ticket.

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