Locals Hope to Hit the Mega Millions Jackpot [Poll]

With the multi-state lottery game Mega Millions up to $640 million Friday afternoon, buyers in Katonah were snapping up tickets at and fantasizing about how they would spend their winnings.

"I'd pay off my kids' college loans, set up trust funds for them and give some to the Briarcliff Animal Shelter," said Wendy Cummings, taking a break from her work at the

And what about herself?

"Oh there'd be some left for me," she said.

Ann Luria, owners of Steger's, said she'd seen a steady stream of customers  after the jackpot grew by over $100 million overnight Thursday. The average customer seemed to be spending $10, she said.

They were also buying at multiple stores.

"I'm on my third stop," said Kim Stasiak of Mt. Kisco, explaining she hoped it would increase her chances. She said she would travel, hire a life coach and buy a farm if she became an instant millionaire—after paying off her bills.

"I'd like to owe nothing to no one," she said.

Tricia Freeman of Katonah had personal and charitable dreams in mind and said she'd buy a vacation house and then set up a foundation.

"Wouldn't that be fun, giving away tons of money? Like Oprah," she said.

Shirley Stilgenbauer of Mt. Kisco said she'd retire and give a lot of the money away.

The game was jointly created in 2002 by the states of New York, Ohio, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey and Virginia and is now played in 42 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to its website. Jackpots start at 12 million.

Mega Millions drawings are held Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m.; you can buy tickets until 10:45 p.m. Check for winning numbers online.