Older residents are the benefactors as Pennsylvania Lottery marks 50th anniversary

Pennsylvania Lottery celebrates 50th anniversary. VIDEO: WGALTV

The Pennsylvania Lottery is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The lottery remains the only state lottery to direct all proceeds to programs that benefit older residents.

Since 1972 the Lottery has generated more than $32.6 billion to help the commonwealth’s older residents.

Lottery funds contributed more than $1 billion for senior programs during 2020-21 to help the commonwealth’s older residents.

Secretary of Aging, Robert Torres (left), and with the group that visited the Mechanicsburg Place Senior Center. PHOTO: PennLive

The Wolf administration marked the 50th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Lottery, and its economic benefit for older adults, with a visit today by officials to the Mechanicsburg Place Senior Center.

In his address, Secretary of Aging, Robert Torres said “As the Pennsylvania Lottery celebrates the 50th anniversary of its first ticket being sold, it’s important for us to celebrate all the good the Lottery has done for older Pennsylvanians,” said the Secretary.

The Mechanicsburg Place Senior Center in Portland St, Mechanicsburg, PA. PHOTO: Google Maps

Two frequent visitors to the Mechanicsburg Place Senior Center, Kathie Brown and Mary O’Donnell, and say they call the center their ‘home away from home’.

“With some of the seniors’ income sometimes it’s hard to get meals, sometimes it’s hard to heat their home, so centers like this one are wonderful,” said Kathie.

“Not only can we come to have fun, but we can also learn about so many programs and benefits that are available to us,” Kathie said.

ABOUT: The Pennsylvania Lottery remains the only state lottery to direct all proceeds to programs that benefit older residents. Since ticket sales began in 1972, it has contributed more than $32.6 billion to fund property tax and rent rebates, transportation, care services, prescription assistance, and local services including senior centers and meals.

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