Cottonwood, CA – A small-town convenience store in Shasta County has made history. The California Lottery announced that Rosemary Casarotti is the sole winner of the record-breaking $1.2 billion Mega Millions® jackpot from the December 27, 2024, draw. Casarotti purchased her winning ticket at the Sunshine Food & Gas Circle K, located just off Interstate 5 in Cottonwood.
Casarotti opted for a lump-sum payout of over $571 million before taxes but has chosen to keep a low profile. “She’s incredibly grateful,” said California Lottery spokesperson Carolyn Becker.
The Circle K retailer also won big, receiving a $1 million bonus. The California Lottery estimates that this jackpot contributed $89.5 million to California public schools.
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