AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — 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.
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.
(Copyright (c) 2026 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)