Where are they now? New Millionaires Brad & Kim Brunk
Brad and Kim Brunk, the $1 million Powerball winners from Bennington, have seen only a few changes since their big win last August. There were no deeds to luxurious new homes, no trips around the world. However, they did receive some attention recently from a Douglas County Post-Gazette reporter.
A story published January 10 outlines the way life has changed for the couple since they added a few zeros to their bank account.
“Everyone we knew just could not stop going on about how they were glad it was us,” Kim told the Post-Gazette. “I cannot tell you how humbled we were by this.”
At first, the couple had a difficult time believing it had actually happened. They played a handful of the same lucky Powerball numbers for 19 years—the jersey numbers of their favorite Chicago Cubs players.
“Initially, it was impossible to believe that the numbers actually came through,” said Kim. “Once that passed, there was actually that moment where you got to start planning what to do with winnings, like one always does when they buy ticket.”
Thus far, the changes have been small when compared to the mountainous pile of money that landed in their laps. The house is paid off, and some repairs and renovations have been crossed off the list.
Brad and Kim purchased new vehicles for their sons, Jason, 17, and Tyler, 20, so they can travel safely to and from school. They also helped finance a new business venture for Brad’s daughter, Shannon, 28.
Unlike most peoples’ dreams, the Brunk’s had no momentous, “I quit!” moment. Both Brad and Kim stayed at their jobs. Kim enjoyed interacting with the community too much in her job at Dairy Queen.
“I did not want to quit yet because of my customers,” she said.
Brad kept the two jobs he held before the big win, one full-time and one part-time.
Those responsibilities combined with becoming a millionaire have kept them busy. The many meetings with financial advisers, tax accountants and attorneys filled the family’s calendar for a while. Securing the prize money for financial security was the couples’ plan from day one.
“The big change was that we do not have to worry about something happening and how are we going to pay for it,” noted Kim.
Through it all, things have stayed relatively quiet for the family. They recalled only one instance of a stranger asking for money—a message on a social media site that began with the words, “You do not know me, but…” Repeatedly, Kim said, the community was supportive of their good fortune.
Another big win came for the couple three months after they cashed in their $1 million Powerball prize. Their beloved Chicago Cubs won the World Series after a 108-year drought.
“The best thing was the Cubs actually did win the World Series, as they were our lucky numbers,” Kim recalled.
Although it seems like 2016 was a year that couldn’t be topped for the Brunks, they continue to try their luck on the lottery.
“Yes, we still buy tickets,” stated Kim. “The dream came true, after all.”
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