What Would You Do With $450 Million?

Tonight's Powerball jackpot is up to $450 Million! What would you do if you scored the winning ticket?

Lemme share some stats about tonight's drawing:

• It's the 6th largest lotto jackpot of all time.  The largest ever was the Mega Millions $656 million jackpot in March of 2012.
• It's the 4th largest Powerball drawing.  The largest Powerball drawing was the $590.5 million jackpot in May of 2013.
• The cash payout for tonight's drawing works out to $275.4 million.
• You have until 1 hour and 5 minutes before the draw to purchase your ticket in Idaho.  The Powerball drawing in Idaho is at 8:59 PM.

If you were to hit the jackpot, what would you spend your money on?  Here's what I'd be looking at doing first with my money!

Three Words: Backyard Roller Coaster

If you win the lottery, you've got to be a little selfish right?  I've wanted my own roller coaster since I was a kid and read the Sweet Valley Kids book A Roller Coaster For The Twins. Plus I grew up smack dab between the home of the baddest roller coasters in the country at Cedar Point, my favorite coasters of all time are the now defunct Geagua Lake, and historical coasters like The Racer at Kennywood Park. Coasters are in my DNA and there aren't any close to Boise, so I'd want to buy my own so I can get my coaster fix whenever I wanted.

I guess that means I need a backyard...

A roller coaster won't fit in my apartment complex's courtyard will it? That means I'd need a big ole' lot to put this thing on.  I love the Treasure Valley, so I'm not looking live like the stars in LA or New York.  I'd look for a huge house in the Foothills so I can watch those gorgeous Idaho sunsets from my heated luxury pool or hot tub.  An indoor pool, indoor track, mini gym, huge kitchen, go cart track in the shape of my favorite Mario Kart 64 track, personal theater room and bowling alley would be nice added amenities.  I'd probably buy a huge lake house in McCall, because well McCall...it's my favorite place in the state.

Make A Difference

With that kind of money, I can't keep it all to myself.  There are two Treasure Valley charities I'm extremely passionate about.  I got involved in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of a former athlete from my high school who was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma while training for the 2004 Olympic Trials, and I also lost my great uncle who was always interested in hearing my "radio stories" to leukemia.  Since then, I've met some incredibly brave blood cancer patients and survivors, but have also watched a good friend of mine lose his dad because of leukemia.  I'd make a huge donation to LLS as well as the Treasure Valley Girls on The Run program.

Try A Pint

With three Old Chicago World Beer Tours under my belt and the craft beer scene exploding in Boise, it'd only make sense for me to open my own brewery and tasting room. I don't know anything about brewing my own beer, but I'd be good at throwing out suggestions and an excellent taste tester!

And with the rest of my winnings? I don't have plans for it, but I'd make sure that my family was well taken care of for the rest of their lives. What would you spend yours on?