AUGUSTA, Maine — An Iowa woman who won part of a $687.9 million Powerball jackpot says she will donate $500,000 to a Maine organization that operates a retreat for wounded veterans.
Lerynne West announced her donation to the Travis Mills Foundation during an appearance on the “Ellen” show Wednesday.
She says her father was a Vietnam veteran, and she felt a responsibility to do something good with her winnings. She won nearly $344 million in last month’s Powerball drawing.
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The foundation operates a retreat in Rome, Maine, where veterans and their families can go for all-inclusive visits. The foundation said Thursday West’s gift “will be a catalyst for new projects.”
Organization founder Sgt. Travis Mills says he is thrilled to have another supporter on their team.