LANSING -- Donald Lawson says the first thing he bought after winning the third-largest Powerball jackpot ever was a pack of bubble gum.
The 44-year-old Lapeer resident claimed the $337 million prize Friday during a news conference in Lansing.
In a press release from the Michigan Lottery today, Lawson said he felt "exactly the same" and hadn't thought of what he was going to do with the money.
"I have to figure it out. But I will help my family, take care of my children and take care of myself," he said. "I can get things I've never been able to get before and still have money left over."
One of the first items on his list? A vacation - "to wherever I want to go!" he said.
Lawson first learned that he had won after his daughter mentioned that the winning ticket had been sold in Lapeer.
He decided to have some fun with his mother.
"I called my mom and told her I won $200,000 in the Lottery and she didn't believe me. Finally I said, 'Okay, I'll tell you the truth. I won $337 million."
Lawson elected the lump sum option, which is a one time prize of $224.6 million which, after taxes, actually figures to be around $158.7 million.
Prior to claiming his prize, Lawson tucked the winning ticket in his bible, then stored it in a safety deposit box.
The $337 million prize is the third largest jackpot in Powerball history, and marks the second time a Michigan player won the big prize.
