Debbie Truckermiller from Exeter Township is celebrating after winning a stunning $1 million Powerball prize. She discovered the news through a Facebook post indicating a winning ticket was sold at the Giant grocery store where she had purchased her ticket. Initially, Truckermiller did not think much of it. “I texted my husband and said, ‘Oh, I guess we should check our ticket when we get home,’” she recounted.
After dinner, while doing the dishes, she remembered the ticket and decided to check the numbers. As she matched each digit, her disbelief turned into excitement. “I started jumping up and down and calling my husband, asking, ‘Please check these numbers. Am I reading them right?’”
Celebration and Lottery Officials’ Remarks
On November 13, 2023, Truckermiller received her check from the Pennsylvania Lottery in a celebratory event attended by lottery officials and representatives from Giant. Drew Svitko, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Lottery, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “On behalf of the Pennsylvania Lottery, we’re thrilled to celebrate Debbie’s win. During the season of giving, we’re proud to see how lottery proceeds help provide meals, transportation and essential services for seniors.”
Truckermiller, who occasionally purchases lottery tickets while shopping, was the second person this year to win a million-dollar prize at the Giant located at 4655 Perkiomen Ave.. The lottery revealed that there were over 90 winners of prizes exceeding $1 million last year, highlighting the continued excitement surrounding the Powerball draws.
Although Truckermiller’s ticket fell short of the jackpot by just one digit, drawing a 22 instead of the required 23, she still expressed immense joy. At the time, the jackpot was valued at $400 million, which has since increased to $546 million.
Plans for the Future
With the winnings now in hand, the Truckermillers plan to invest in a family trip next summer. Truckermiller also intends to enhance their home, pay off her children’s student loans, and invest the remainder wisely. While she acknowledged that the financial windfall might accelerate her retirement plans, Truckermiller remains committed to her career in the wealth management industry.
Lottery officials noted that during the November 1, 2023 drawing, more than 36,600 other Powerball tickets won various prizes. Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne congratulated the Truckermillers, stating, “Congratulations to Debbie and her family on this exciting win. We often say that when you play, our seniors win because every lottery ticket sold helps fund vital programs that support older Pennsylvanians.”
Since its inception in 1972, the Pennsylvania Lottery has generated over $37.2 billion to benefit older citizens, funding programs such as property tax and rent rebates, prescription drug assistance, and transportation services for seniors. For more information about the lottery, visit the official website at palottery.pa.gov.
