California vaccine lottery: Where people won in grand prize drawing
Updated: 11:34 AM PDT Jun 15, 2021
So now now I have the pleasure of introducing the person that was the first one to get vaccinated in the state of California. Um I had the privilege of being there with her. Um And uh and eric Garcetti, the mayor of Belladonna Kaiser. I think it was in december of last year. So let me welcome up to the stage Helen Cordova. We'll talk a little bit about her experience not only receiving the first vaccine but being on the front lines of this pandemic. Hello? How are you feeling? I am feeling so emotional excited, hopeful. Um December 14. We'll live in my memory forever. Um not only getting the first dose but knowing you know hindsight is always 2020. And so at that point we were beginning to manage the biggest wave that our units off and we tried to are very with end um our resilience is definitely tested and to look back now to where we were it's a little eerie but also just encouraging and exciting how far we've come and it hasn't been just us. It's been a whole state effort, you know, country, everyone coming together. We talked a lot about essential workers and we can't talk enough or thank you enough for being there quite literally on the front lines. But a big round of applause to no Helen but tens of thousands of others in the state. But you made an interesting point and it's a good point to contextualize when you got that first dose we were in for a dose of real challenge. Later in december and january. There was a point not too many months ago in january. We we had to reach to other states to get and I don't mean to be modern about this, to get body bags, we had run out of body bags in parts of southern California. So maybe describe some of that heroism. You saw some of the humanity that you saw being there on the front lines during those trying moments. Yeah, it was definitely one of the hardest points of my career and I for sure for all the hundreds of thousands of healthcare workers, uh, we saw way more death than we'd ever like to see. We held way too many hands because families were not able to come into the units. Um, the amount of times that it would just be one after another, you know, it doesn't number on you, but I definitely saw our team or comes through, uh, just being able to look at each other and be like, hey, we got this or whether it be for our unit and specific saying, hey bobo, run like let's do in order. And that was those little moments in time that brought a little bit of normal in a time of great like sadness, appreciate what would you tell folks because look, this is the vaccine efforts continue after today. What would you tell folks that are still on the edge of making a decision? Still unsure? I think we got this, that we're at this point, we reopen now. I don't need to get my shot. What would you tell folks that may be on the, on the fence around the vaccine? I would definitely, my message has always been the same. Get informed, get that objective scientific data. Um, I know early on there's just that hesitancy. It's new. It's unknown just how when we first started this pandemic, we just didn't know about this virus. And just when the vaccine first rolled out, there was a lot of nerves and anxiety around it. But I think we have enough time that has elapsed. And we've seen just so many people roll up their sleeves and get that vaccine and be okay. And so I think that's an encouraging point for those on the fence. I love it. All right. Well big round of applause to our first vaccinated California and now I want to bring up someone you all know from access Hollywood and that is scott Evans who's gonna help us with the big drawing. We're about to announce in a second shoot and mess up. Now give me a microphone. How are you brother? Can we redo this is rehearsals. I take that back. No, no, I got it now. How you doing? No, no, that'd be cool if it was like 70° or 110°.. How y'all doing sweaty? That's better. That's better. It's good to be here man with some good news with some good news. Finally scott and I wanted to thank you for all of your hard work. Thank you for being here with us today. Thank you for being here with one of our legitimate heroes heroes. This pandemic Xiros, uh, as some may call her, uh, got any message to folks just like Ellen, just anybody, you know, out there that may be a little hesitant. We've got a lot of work to do and as, as the assembly member said, still a lot of work to do as it relates to the issues of equity and making sure that we are truly reaching out to diverse communities up and down the state. Any final messages that relates to encouraging people to get vaccinated? Well, I think, you know, being one of the first shows for NBC to come back access Hollywood on stage here in production, ah in California was a major, major move is a major push like Helen said, I think the major thing or the first thing I would say is to find the information right? Don't rely on the situations that you're seeing on facebook, the comments that you're seeing in social media posts, find real information, consult with your doctor and then go about the best decision you can, you know what I mean? I think I would urge everyone out there to get vaccinated. Uh I remember the relief that I felt with the first dose. Would anyone else here agree there was just a moment of like, okay, cool that that was a prick that got me. But then there was a sense of just relief and a return to a sense of normalcy. I think that that was something that for me was worth it. For sure. I love it. I will go and by the way, it must be wonderful to see this Semblance of normalcy, right? The door's open to see the globe spinning again. A Universal studios again. Universal. Yeah. All right. Scott your brother, are you hot man? I'm good. It's all good because you're not sweating out A B. Yeah, No, thank you. Thank you for saying I'm hot. I just, I appreciate it. Let me so let me just explain what we're doing here and what this machine, this contraption is behind you. We've done a series of incentives in the state of California. We did these $50,000 Fridays, which we just announced we're doing $50 gift cards by the way, anybody that hasn't been vaccinated will get $50 gift card upon getting vaccinated. We want to encourage folks take advantage at least to that. But everybody, as I said, that's gotten vaccinated, least one dose is in the lottery, even though it's not a lottery, according to lawyers, there are some, but not for a drawing. So 22 million folks random could be one of you literally behind the camera or watching could be one of the two of you as well. It can't be me because I'm excluded saturday. But we are now we we we basically taking that 22 million. We've broken it down to about 200. Those 200. We broke it down to 50 And we have 50 balls in here. We're gonna be picking tent. The number is a number that cohen besides with an individual living in a particular county today will announce the county, not the individual because we respect people's privacy. Helen will put A sticker of where that individual resides in what county. And we're gonna pick 10 people at random. Right Scott at random. This is not predetermined. Yes. At at random. What was my number again? Yeah, I know you. I think I said you're number 77 17. No, no, that's not the case completely. At random. We got five members of the lottery here to make sure of that. And there's a fancy guy from security at the lottery. They have their own security at the lottery. So don't mess with security from the lottery. So they take this very, very seriously as we do as well. But here's here's I'm burying the lead. Got Helen. The winners will be 10 of them, not one. Eat your heart out the rest of the country. There'll be 10 random winners each winning each, winning $1.5 million. So this could be you. So, with no further do Helen and scott? Let's get this machine rolling. Okay. And scott and Helen, You will pull out now these balls. Uh I just want to say for my friends who are watching we're not picking the numbers. Were reading the numbers. Well, you know what I mean? Yeah, the first one. Here we go. These. Are you all right? You 1 46. The number is 46 from Los Angeles. Los Angeles literally could be many of you. All right, Ready for the next number? I'm ready for the next. So, it's a good one. It's a real good 113 The number is 13 13. Another Los Angeles. Are you sure you didn't rig this? Now, listen, I said I'm reading the numbers. I don't know. I almost called you got where's that security from the lottery. I want to double check the numbers. This this is number 10. The number is Marin county Marin county. All right, Helen, That's the first my geography fails me. You got it? I will be honest. It's right there, right there you're looking at right there. Hit him healthy area. Area. Oh, I go. You go. I can save your life. Geography. You know, it's a little shaky. I got you. I got you. That's what we're here for. The next number. 25 25 from riverside California. A few folks from riverside right here. All right, okay. Five. It's a good one. What number numero uno. What are the chances of that? That's one number. Los Angeles. Of course. Come on, everyone is Los Angeles course. Oh, shoot. Sometimes feel right about this. You get ready for another number. We got five more. Let's do it. 14. The number is 14 Santa Barbara, 14 Santa. Barbara Santa Barbara. No matter what they say about to. All right, let's see. 27 is the next number. Number 27. Sacramento. My staff way. Okay. You gotta know where. Second hit. Unbelievable. Okay, 38. Number 38 38. We've only got two more stanislas. Stanislas for Stanislaus. Now, that's it. Well, that was easy. Stanislas is easy. Next number you already? We got two more. Two more 50 The number is 50 50 Los Angeles, half dollars going on. Los Angeles. It's a good chance. It could be, you know, this is an economic boom. It's a good chance. It could be the line Scott Helen. This is it chance last. Can we get a $1.5 million? We have given away almost $15 million. That's a lot of money. A lot of good like, there's a lot of money. A lot of money. Can we get, can we get a drum roll? Yeah, come on, give us that. Come on. Give me some ladies and gentlemen, the final $1.5 million 23 Out of southern California. Love. Look at that. Well done Helen, Helen, Helen. Well done, Scott Helen, well done to the team. $15 million dollars of cash prizes. Hand it away. Okay, now let's bring up a check all representing the $1.5 million in Helen. Big money, big money. This could be your check. We don't even know. But let's do a quick photo representing the 10 checks that we just handed out.
California vaccine lottery: Where people won in grand prize drawing
Updated: 11:34 AM PDT Jun 15, 2021
Gov. Gavin Newsom held the grand prize drawing of California's Vax for the Win lottery Tuesday as the state fully reopens its economy.Ten people, including a resident from Sacramento County and another from Stanislaus County, were picked for the grand prize of $1.5 million each.The drawing took place at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles County.The winners are being identified by anonymous numbers and the county they live in. The state says it will then reach out to winners and request their approval to share their information publicly.Here are the counties for June 15’s Vax for the Win winners:Four from Los Angeles CountyOne from Marin CountyOne from Riverside CountyOne from Santa Barbara CountyOne from Sacramento CountyOne from Stanislaus CountyOne from Ventura CountyTo be eligible, you must be at least 12 years of age and have received at least your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Prize money will be paid once you have completed your vaccination series.As of Monday, nearly 19 million people were fully vaccinated in California. Close to 4 million people were partially vaccinated, according to the state's vaccine progress dashboard.Ahead of announcing the winners, Newsom noted that while the state reopening is welcome news to many, Californians shouldn't fully let their guard down."This is not a day to spike the football," Newsom said after being welcomed outside Universal Studios by several minions from "Despicable Me" and Optimus Prime from "Transformers."Newsom announced the Vax for the Win program last month as a way to incentivize Californians to get inoculated.There were two Fridays -- June 4 and June 11 -- where 15 people were picked to receive cash prizes of $50,000. California has also been doling out gift cards to residents who get the vaccine and on Monday announced another vaccine incentive in the form of travel packages.While at the theme park in Southern California, Newsom brought on stage two winners from the $50,000 lottery. One woman from the Los Angeles area said she hadn’t known about the lottery before she won. She said she needed a new car and computer and was thinking about also using her prize winnings to help pay for a trip to Portugal. Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about California's vaccine lottery:Who is not eligible for California's COVID-19 vaccine lottery?Incarcerated people and those who live out of state are not eligible.How will winners be notified?The California Department of Public Health will notify people who win the cash prizes.Will the winners' names be made public?Names will not be announced during the drawings. Winners will get the chance to either decline having their name be made public or decline the prize altogether.How will the cash prize be disbursed?The State Controller's Office will handle disbursements. If the winner owes any back taxes, child support payments or liens, that could affect how much you receive.Does U.S. citizenship impact eligibility?State officials said immigration status does not affect eligibility for the prizes.What are the $50 cash cards for those planning on getting the vaccine?Starting May 27, the first 2 million eligible Californians to start and complete their vaccination series can receive a card of their choice:A $50 virtual card (which can be spent online, in-store where major debit cards are accepted, or added to a mobile wallet to be used to shop in-stores that accept mobile wallets),Or a $50 grocery gift card from Kroger (which includes Ralphs, Food 4 Less and Foods Co.),Or a $50 grocery gift card from Albertsons (which includes Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and Andronico's Community Markets).You can receive these cash cards if you live in the state, are at least 12 years of age and get vaccinated starting on or after May 27.Again, incarcerated people and those out of state cannot receive cash cards.This card program only lasts until the first 2 million people start or complete the process. Californians who are already fully vaccinated are NOT eligible for the cash cards program.It can take up to five business days to receive the cash card.If you do not have a mobile phone, email address or permanent address, you can call 1-833-993-3873 to receive a physical card. But the state says you should wait 7-10 days after your vaccination before calling.How is the prize money being paid for?The money will initially be coming from California's general fund. The state expects, however, to get some of that back from federal COVID-19 relief funding.Where can I learn more information about the COVID-19 vaccine prize money?The state's Vax for the Win website has more information about the $15 million in prizes, $50,000 Fridays and $50 cards.
Gov. Gavin Newsom held the grand prize drawing of California's Vax for the Win lottery Tuesday as the state fully reopens its economy.
Ten people, including a resident from Sacramento County and another from Stanislaus County, were picked for the grand prize of $1.5 million each.
The drawing took place at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles County.
The winners are being identified by anonymous numbers and the county they live in. The state says it will then reach out to winners and request their approval to share their information publicly.
Here are the counties for June 15’s Vax for the Win winners:
- Four from Los Angeles County
- One from Marin County
- One from Riverside County
- One from Santa Barbara County
- One from Sacramento County
- One from Stanislaus County
- One from Ventura County
To be eligible, you must be at least 12 years of age and have received at least your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Prize money will be paid once you have completed your vaccination series.
As of Monday, nearly 19 million people were fully vaccinated in California. Close to 4 million people were partially vaccinated, according to the state's vaccine progress dashboard.
Ahead of announcing the winners, Newsom noted that while the state reopening is welcome news to many, Californians shouldn't fully let their guard down.
"This is not a day to spike the football," Newsom said after being welcomed outside Universal Studios by several minions from "Despicable Me" and Optimus Prime from "Transformers."
Newsom announced the Vax for the Win program last month as a way to incentivize Californians to get inoculated.
There were two Fridays -- June 4 and June 11 -- where 15 people were picked to receive cash prizes of $50,000. California has also been doling out gift cards to residents who get the vaccine and on Monday announced another vaccine incentive in the form of travel packages.
While at the theme park in Southern California, Newsom brought on stage two winners from the $50,000 lottery. One woman from the Los Angeles area said she hadn’t known about the lottery before she won. She said she needed a new car and computer and was thinking about also using her prize winnings to help pay for a trip to Portugal.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about California's vaccine lottery:
Who is not eligible for California's COVID-19 vaccine lottery?
Incarcerated people and those who live out of state are not eligible.
How will winners be notified?
The California Department of Public Health will notify people who win the cash prizes.
Will the winners' names be made public?
Names will not be announced during the drawings. Winners will get the chance to either decline having their name be made public or decline the prize altogether.
How will the cash prize be disbursed?
The State Controller's Office will handle disbursements. If the winner owes any back taxes, child support payments or liens, that could affect how much you receive.
Does U.S. citizenship impact eligibility?
State officials said immigration status does not affect eligibility for the prizes.
What are the $50 cash cards for those planning on getting the vaccine?
Starting May 27, the first 2 million eligible Californians to start and complete their vaccination series can receive a card of their choice:
- A $50 virtual card (which can be spent online, in-store where major debit cards are accepted, or added to a mobile wallet to be used to shop in-stores that accept mobile wallets),
- Or a $50 grocery gift card from Kroger (which includes Ralphs, Food 4 Less and Foods Co.),
- Or a $50 grocery gift card from Albertsons (which includes Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and Andronico's Community Markets).
You can receive these cash cards if you live in the state, are at least 12 years of age and get vaccinated starting on or after May 27.
Again, incarcerated people and those out of state cannot receive cash cards.
This card program only lasts until the first 2 million people start or complete the process. Californians who are already fully vaccinated are NOT eligible for the cash cards program.
It can take up to five business days to receive the cash card.
If you do not have a mobile phone, email address or permanent address, you can call 1-833-993-3873 to receive a physical card. But the state says you should wait 7-10 days after your vaccination before calling.
How is the prize money being paid for?
The money will initially be coming from California's general fund. The state expects, however, to get some of that back from federal COVID-19 relief funding.
Where can I learn more information about the COVID-19 vaccine prize money?
The state's Vax for the Win website has more information about the $15 million in prizes, $50,000 Fridays and $50 cards.