For the record, if my numbers are drawn in the Powerball Lottery later this evening, this is my plan of action.
A)
Call my siblings immediately.
B)
Make a plan to be incognito, "lottery winner protection
program" incognito.
C)
Wait until item B is far along, well
established, confirmed, consulted,
before I claim the winning ticket.
D)
Start making lists of who to share the proceeds
with: family, relatives, friends, co-workers from my working history, neighbors.
I
would ask all on the list to make their own list,
in order to extend the
sharing.
The list would also include Veteran’s organizations, churches,
missionaries,
museums, schools, hospitals, shelters,
NGO’s and non-profits. Somewhere in the mix
there would be scholarships.
The list would include all the children and families/caretakers
of the students of Mawuvio’s in Ghana. In addition, the teachers, staff and the friends of MOP.
The list would include Yolanda, my favorite checker at the
Buford Farmers Market and Lem Lem, from my days at the Cox C-Tech
Building. And Norma. Also the family that owns the liquor store on
Shallowford Road where I usually buy my tickets. And Jerry.
E)
Somewhere in all the immediate planning I would hire a
CPA and financial planner to help with all the questions, concerns and tax
implications regarding the monetary gifts. I know exactly who I would call.
F)
Not sure if the credit union where I bank can handle a
deposit of ½ a billion dollars. I would ask the
CPA to research.
G)
I would plan a trip or two or three.
H)
I would love to rent a big motorhome, (with a driver) and
go sight seeing and camping for a few weeks. Maybe that would be part of my lottery
protection "incognito" program.
I)
Not sure I would buy anything fancy, like a car or
boat.
Maybe one day I could rent a vintage Jaguar for a bit.
Perhaps my only near term purchase:
a bigger
house in a rural setting with a proper yard
so I could have a pack of Corgi’s, 5 Corgi’s.
J)
I would find a company to help me acquire billboard space
all over the country.
I would work with artists and writers and pastors to post
quotes, poetry, questions, answers and affirmations; messaging reminders
that
good is possible,
that faith is real and that angels walk amongst us.
While it would be crazy insane to win that much money,
certainly the opportunities to make the world a tiny bit better
is a challenge I would welcome.
