Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Brooklyn Mom Picks Up Big Check
By
Jen Carlson
Published Oct 6, 2010
Modified Oct 6, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Carlson
Published Oct 6, 2010
Modified Oct 6, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The Brooklyn mom who went from rags to riches by winning a recent $54MM Mega Millions jackpot has picked up her big check. The Rikers corrections officer has been bankrupt and homeless, but now 34-year-old Garina Fearon has got herself $22,723,873 after taxes. She told the NY Post, "All my life, all I ever wanted was a home for me and my family and a car. I already had both even before I won this money. Now I can focus on my work and my family. That’s what’s important to me now."
She plans to buy a BMW 5 series, a new home, and wants to help out her family and close friends. She still says she feels too loyal to leave her job, but wants to take a leave of absence for now. She added that she "hopes this doesn’t change [her two teenage kids] or me."
Tagged
Garina Fearon
lottery
mega millions
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
ICE used a warehouse in NJ. Locals are ‘frustrated’ by Sherrill’s response.
A councilmember and immigration activists criticized the governor for not doing more after ICE seemingly admitted to violating a court order.
By
Mike Hayes
Published Oct 27, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. ET
NY Gov. Hochul once resisted a data center pause. Now it’s central to her campaign.
The governor’s Republican opponent, Bruce Blakeman, says Hochul failed to prepare for the disruptive industry.
By
Jon Campbell
News
NY Gov. Hochul once resisted a data center pause. Now it’s central to her campaign.
The governor’s Republican opponent, Bruce Blakeman, says Hochul failed to prepare for the disruptive industry.
By
Jon Campbell
Judge temporarily halts overnight construction at NYC’s Chinatown jail
By
Giulia Heyward
Pressure grows on Mamdani to reform admissions to NYC specialized high schools
By
Elizabeth Kim
Police search for man in Central Park sexual assault
By
Charles Lane
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .