Throughout the years, Queens residents have felt like a million bucks, thanks to Yolanda Vega.
With her signature sign off, “Yo-laaaaan-da Vega,” the voice of the New York Lottery celebrated her 20th anniversary with the organization on Friday, February 5, during which time she’s officiated at over 2,000 lottery drawings and awarded millions to lucky winners – including many families in Queens.
“It’s a job like no other. The Lottery is a very personal thing for a lot of people,” said Vega, a Brooklyn native and Hunter College graduate. “I’ve been very fortunate to be part of some people’s lives for 20 years. These are the people who watch our drawings every day and buy our tickets one at a time. These are my friends on the other side of the TV camera.”
A few of the fortunate Queens recipients, all of whom were presented their grand prizes by the Lottery’s noted spokesperson, have hailed from Astoria, Rockaway, and Laurelton.
Gilberto Bueno, a Mets fan from Astoria, was given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to throw the first pitch at the team’s former home, Shea Stadium, after Vega awarded his family $105 million in April 2007. He and his wife adopted numerous foster children after having emigrated from the Dominican Republic 20 years earlier.
Not only do Queens’ residents benefit from Vega’s appearances, but small business owners as well, as storeowners receive a $10,000 bonus based on customer’s winnings. Jitendra Doshi, owner of The Magazine Store in Astoria, where Bueno bought the golden ticket, received the reward.
In December 2008, Vega paid a visit to the Fallon family in Rockaway, who nearly missed their chance at $1 million. Mary Alice Fallon of Rockaway Point had left her ticket on the counter of Deirdre Maeve’s Supermarket, writing it off as another lost game. An honest clerk, Christopher Connelly, called her back inside – to tell her it was a big winner.
“I could have thrown away $1 million without knowing it,” said Fallon, homemaker and mother of seven. “Sharing this with my family, being able to give each of them a little extra something, means everything to me.”
Vega gave another Queens native a little extra cash for Black Friday, when she awarded him $1 million in November 2009. Hurdis Smith, a retired Mercedes Benz salesman from Laurelton, bought his winning ticket at his favorite Lottery store in Valley Stream.
“There is no stress now,” said the father of four, who will receive his winnings in 20 payments of $50,000 each. “It takes the pressure off my wife and makes life easier for all of us.”
As the messenger for the New York Lottery, which has awarded over 11,500 scholarships in nearly $50 million to students in New York State, Vega has brought light into the lives of these Queens residents. Queens’ arms are always open to her.
