One of 'Shipping 20' Powerball Winners from Quaker Oats Donates $75K to United Way

Kelly Mulford just put his money where his mouth is.

Mulford, 54, of Marion, is one of the Shipping 20, a group of 20 workers at the Quaker Oats plant in Cedar Rapids, who won the $241 million Powerball jackpot in June.

Many say they would give back and donate to charity if they ever win the lottery.

On Wednesday, Mulford did.

"This is a change in my life, but not a change in my perspective," said Mulford, noting that he has contributed to charities throughout his 36 years at Quaker. "It just gives me an opportunity to give more."

Mulford and his wife Anne donated $75,000 to the United Way of East Central Iowa Endowment Fund at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. The gift will continue giving in perpetuity with $3,000 to $4,000 drawn from the interest annually.

“Kelly and Anne’s donation will help people in need in our community,” United Way chief executive Lois Buntz said in a statement posted on the organization's website. “We appreciate their support for all these years and for many years to come.”

United Way of East Central Iowa serves Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Jones, Linn and Washington counties and works with around 40 community partners.

Mulford's hope in making his donation public is to encourage others to give, even if it's just $10 or their time through volunteering.

"You don't have to be a millionaire to give back," Mulford said.

Mulford wanted to give locally, which is why he chose the United Way, he said. United Way partner agencies also helped members from his workers union (Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union) when Cedar Rapids was devastated by the flood in 2008.

Mulford said he has always donated to charities, and credited his parents and the Cedar Rapids-Marion area for instilling those values in him. So, he said, he wanted to make sure his donation stayed here in his community.

"I chose United Way because we'd see a benefit for the community. We'd see the funds put to work right here," he said.

Mulford's share of the winnings is roughly $5.6 million.

Mulford plans to retire next year and move to Minnesota, although he still has family in the area.

"It's tough to leave, but Minnesota will be good," he said. "I'll always be the guy wearing the Hawkeye shirt."

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Quaker Oats Employees Quietly Share $241M Jackpot Amongst Themselves