Trenton lottery winners give back to their community

TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- The ribbon was cut Saturday, and now Trenton has a new place the community can rely on for help.

It was the Smith Family Foundation Headquarters opening on West State Street.

You may remember the Smith Family as the 2016 winners of the New Jersey Powerball Jackpot.

Opening the center is part of the family's mission to continue their community outreach.

Matriarch Pearlie Smith and her 7 children were the recipients of the lottery. But say philanthropy and faith has always been part of their lives.

Pearlie Smith of the Smith Family Foundation says, "The only thing I have to say to the world cause they might be watching is, it's a blessing in our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, cause without him, all of this wouldn't have happened."

Inside the center, the family unveiled what they hope will provide up-to-date technology that will help the community transform lives.

One of their main goals this summer is to help youth begin understanding the important world of finance.

Dr. Valerie Arthur of the Smith Family Foundation said, "How to do banking business, teaching them the system of finance, and how to save money."

Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson says he couldn't be happier for the city.

"As a mayor, I'm delighted to have this family with the great value that they have, not only values, but resources to raise the quality of life here in our city."

There's no doubt the real winners are the generations of kids that will use the resources here for years to come.

The Smith family hopes to instill in people, especially young people, the principle self-hard work, love of God, and giving back to the community.

----------

Send a breaking news alert
Report a correction or typo
Learn more about the 6abc apps