From Florida Roots to Wisconsin Dreams: Les Robins’ Early Years
In the sun-drenched streets of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where Lake Winnebago’s gentle waves meet the shore, Lottery Winner Les Robins carved out a life of purpose and modest dreams. Born under Florida’s warm skies in 1963, he grew up treasuring memories of summer camps and outdoor explorations that ignited his passion for working with young minds. His academic journey led him to the University of South Florida, where he immersed himself in Secondary Education, specializing in English and Journalism.
Classroom Hero: Teaching, Coaching, and Everyday Humility
After graduating, Robins headed north to Wisconsin’s heartland. He soon established himself as an English teacher at Sabish Junior High School. By 1993, at age 30, he earned $30,000 yearly while enriching his role through coaching track and basketball for the Fond du Lac School District.
His colleagues consistently described him as both brilliant and modest. His genuine dedication to students shone through every lesson—traits that would later shape his response to unexpected fortune. Each day, Robins focused on creating lesson plans, grading papers, and leading coaching sessions. Far from wealth’s allure, he lived modestly in an apartment, sharing his life with Colleen DeVries, a 24-year-old nurse at a Hartford hospital.
The Ticket That Changed Everything: A Simple Stop at the Store
Though not a frequent lottery player, he occasionally tried his luck. One regular July day in 1993, he stepped into the nearby Sentry Foods store. Just two blocks from home, he bought a Powerball ticket—a small gesture for his fiancée.
His selected numbers—4, 8, 19, 28, 41, and Powerball 30—seemed ordinary until they beat staggering odds of roughly 1 in 54.9 million.
Jackpot Shock: From Dollar Dream to Millionaire Reality
The July 7, 1993 drawing transformed his world instantly. As the numbers appeared, Robins watched in growing disbelief. At first, he thought he’d won just a dollar. Yet, closer inspection revealed something incredible—a perfect match. “I was a little stunned,” he later remarked, showing remarkable understatement.
The prize totaled $111 million—setting records as both the largest Powerball jackpot yet and Wisconsin’s biggest win.
Spotlight Storm: Dodging the Media Frenzy
As the sole winner, Robins suddenly moved from quiet anonymity into national headlines. The media quickly labeled him “America’s $111-million man,” marking the start of an extraordinary new chapter.
Charlie and Carol Robins spoke to the press about their son’s winning ticket. However, Les stepped away from public attention. Overwhelmed by sudden fame, he and DeVries left for his home state of Florida. They needed refuge from persistent reporters who had turned his apartment building into a makeshift news center.
Smart Moves: The Calculated Wait and Wise Payout Choice
For several days, Les Robins Lottery Winner stayed hidden. During this time, he consulted closely with family, lawyers, and financial experts. Yet, this careful approach came with costs. Financial experts calculated he was losing about $843 daily in potential conservative investment returns. By waiting until January 1994’s deadline, these losses could reach $151,740.
However, financial advisor Michael Arnow supported this careful strategy: “While that amount seems large, it’s minor compared to making hasty investment mistakes.”
When Robins finally claimed his prize, he chose steady payments instead of one large sum. His decision meant receiving 20 yearly installments of roughly $3.6 million after taxes.
Winds of Change: Goodbyes, Breakups, and New Paths
The windfall brought immediate changes. First, Robins left his teaching position at Sabish Junior High, ending his education career.
Soon after, his engagement to DeVries ended without marriage, leading to legal agreements about the prize money.
Later, another marriage also ended in divorce.
Years later, Robins honestly reflected on his fortune’s impact: “It changed my life for better and worse.”
He found meaning in Robert Frost’s words about life’s unexpected turns: “Yet knowing how way leads on to way.”
Childhood Sparks Ignite a Grand Vision
Instead of falling into the lavish lifestyle that ruined many lottery winners, Robins channeled his wealth thoughtfully. Drawing from his youth as a Florida camp counselor, he dreamed of creating a special place. Here, children could disconnect from modern distractions and learn from nature itself.
He invested heavily in 226 acres along Lake Winnebago’s eastern shore. There, he built not just his dream home but also an equestrian center and facilities for what would become Camp Winnegator.
The camp’s name cleverly blended “Winnebago” with “Gator,” reflecting both the lake’s heritage and Robins’ beloved University of Florida Gators.
Adventure Awaits: Opening the Gates of Camp Winnegator
Around 2000, Camp Winnegator welcomed its first young explorers. After careful planning, it quickly became a treasured destination for youth in Fond du Lac and nearby areas.
Through a family foundation, the camp operated as a nonprofit summer program. It ran four to five weeks each year, serving children from 6 to 16 years old.
Fun for All: Affordable Access and Epic Amenities
Following Robins’ vision of inclusivity, the camp kept its weekly fee at $250. This decision transformed it from a potential exclusive retreat into a valuable community resource.
The sprawling 226-acre haven featured prime Lake Winnebago waterfront access with powered water equipment. Moreover, the grounds included complete facilities: horse stables for riding lessons, a modern gym, an outdoor pool, a carefully designed mini-golf course, and extensive fields for exploration.
Hands-On Magic: Building Skills and Memories
The camp focused on active learning experiences. Children enjoyed horseback riding, team sports, artistic activities, nature exploration, and water sports. Each activity aimed to foster creativity and cooperation while providing an escape from screens and technology.
Camp manager Jill Wagner shared Robins’ straightforward mission: “He wants to reconnect children with basic experiences, away from modern complexities.”
He built a strong team, including Wagner and Jerry Engle, supported by well-trained counselors to manage daily activities.
Word spread naturally about the camp’s value, drawing families who appreciated its affordable enrichment programs.
Parent Jake Kraus, whose daughters Kayla (8) and Kirsten (5) attended, praised Robins’ community spirit: “His generosity sets an example I’d hope to follow. Les has created something special.”
Staying in the Game: Mentorship, Milestones, and Modest Living
Robins stayed actively involved, joining weekly family dinners and continuing his mentorship through volunteer basketball coaching in Wisconsin and Florida.
By 2009, at 46, he lived modestly, driving a 13-year-old Jeep Grand Cherokee while recovering from an ankle injury that temporarily limited his camp involvement.
That same year brought personal joy: his engagement to a Florida third-grade teacher who shared his passion for youth development.
Nine years into running the camp, Robins offered advice to future lottery winners: create an irrevocable trust spreading winnings over three years to prevent hasty choices, allowing time to discover meaningful ways to use the funds.
Enduring Impact: From Camp Closure to Timeless Legacy
For over two decades, Camp Winnegator shaped young minds and fostered essential life skills through nature-based experiences.
The camp stood as a powerful testament to Robins’ thoughtful vision. However, after enriching countless lives for nearly twenty years, the camp closed its gates in 2017.
In 2019, the property found new life when the Ziegler family transformed it into Ziegler Winery. They carefully preserved historical elements, including the original horse stables, weaving them seamlessly into Fond du Lac County’s ongoing story.
By 2025, Les Robins Lottery Winner maintains his personal privacy rights, keeping personal details away from public view. Yet, his impact shines as a remarkable success in lottery history. His journey evolved from a stunned teacher with a winning ticket to a purposeful philanthropist who influenced countless lives. While media often highlights lottery winners’ misfortunes, Robins’ story demonstrates how wealth, guided by genuine intention, creates lasting positive change. Through each summer adventure, he built a legacy that transcends mere fortune.
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