When Johnnie Saunders won the Lotto, she decided to show her church her gratitude.
By CORY SCHOUTEN
Published June 2, 2003
TAMPA - Johnnie Saunders sat down in a pew Sunday near the back of the First Presbyterian Church and turned to speak to a friend.
Saunders said she couldn't stay long, but that she'd had a little luck and wanted to give something back to the church.
For years the church had welcomed Saunders, helping her care for her ailing husband and even stopping by to help mow her yard.
As a caregiver for five family members, Saunders couldn't make it to church often. So the church took the ministry to her.
Last week, Saunders, 74, claimed her share of a $20-million Lotto jackpot to become Tampa's newest millionaire.
Sunday, she gave some of it to the church that has meant so much to her.
"I can't tell you what they did for me," Saunders said. "I'm so grateful."
After the opening prayer, Saunders stood up to thank the congregation, particularly parish nurse Lisa Crumbley, who has visited her for years. Then she handed the Rev. Fitz Conner two checks totaling $10,000.
Conner called it "a generous gift from one of God's children."
Saunders had one of three winning tickets for the May 10 drawing, and last week collected a lump sum of about $3.8-million.
As for what she has planned for the rest of the jackpot, Saunders said, "I'm going to share what I have."
