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CNN Live At Daybreak

New "McMillionaires" Share Their Stories

Aired September 06, 2001 - 09:51   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
VINCE CELLINI, CNN ANCHOR: A "do-over" is what McDonald's calls its 2001 Instant Giveaway. The fast food giant started the giveaway in response to the arrest of several people charged with stealing high-level McDonald's game prizes. And the do-over lasted five days and gave away cash prizes totaling $10 million.

Joining us this morning are three of the new "McMillionaires": Patrick Collier on the left of the screen, David Selby in the middle, and Jeff Bower is to the right.

Good morning, gentlemen.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Good morning.

CELLINI: And I'm going to start with you Jeff because I understand that the great part about your story is that you manage a rival fast-food restaurant, Taco Bell. And I'm wondering if you're getting grief from your fellow employees. And two, would you have gone into a McDonald's in eastern Pennsylvania had a Taco Bell been present?

JEFF BOWER, MCDONALD'S MILLIONAIRE: Probably not.

(LAUGHTER)

CELLINI: And you're getting grief from anyone at work about...

BOWER: No, not at all. They're all excited about it and very happy for it, and I'm excited for myself, too.

CELLINI: OK. Let's have one here for David.

David, you eat at McDonald's regularly?

DAVID SELBY, MCDONALD'S MILLIONAIRE: Yes, about every other day. I drive a commercial truck and my route takes me by this particular McDonald's.

CELLINI: And anyone else a regular McDonald's diner?

Maybe not.

SELBY: I think only me.

CELLINI: Well, you were there at the right time.

SELBY: Definitely.

CELLINI: Let's talk about the moment you were informed you were a winner. And Patrick, I know, this was an especially moving moment for you because it was a real life-changer for you. You go in McDonald's for breakfast and you walk out a millionaire. Tell us a little bit about your story.

PATRICK COLLIER, MCDONALD'S MILLIONAIRE: Well, it was kind of strange. You know, I woke up and my fiancee wanted a sandwich and I didn't feel like going, but she talked me into it. She talked me into it and I walked in the door was ready to order a sandwich, and they approached me saying I was instant winner. They didn't tell me how much.

CELLINI: And you're a fellow -- you really had your own personal struggles, did you not, financially?

COLLIER: Yes, I did. Yes, I did. I was barely making it.

CELLINI: Well, good for you. You're -- that's a great way to win, great timing.

Any of you aware that McDonald's was giving out money at the time, at the time of your winnings?

SELBY: Yes.

BOWER: Yes.

COLLIER: No, I didn't know.

CELLINI: No idea. So this came as a complete shock.

What was your reaction? Did you think it was a joke?

COLLIER: Well, I thought it was a joke and -- or I thought I did something wrong until they showed me my certificate.

CELLINI: All right, I'll let -- this is kind of for everyone, one at a time. So, what are you going to do with the money? Patrick, you're first.

COLLIER: I'm going to get my mom a house. I'm not sure what I'm going do with the rest of it from there, and I'm going to marry my fiancee.

CELLINI: And she wants a red Ferrari, as we recall?

COLLIER: I haven't heard about that yet.

CELLINI: OK. Maybe that was another winner.

All right, David, what about you?

SELBY: I think I'm going to buy me a sailboat and go sailing.

(LAUGHTER)

CELLINI: Sounds like a plan.

Jeff?

BOWER: I think for me I'm going to have some fun with some of it and invest the other sum.

CELLINI: Very good. Well, I'm sure you have a lot of people wanting to give you investment advice.

Gentlemen, best of luck with the money and congratulations once again.

Enjoy!

SELBY: Thank you very much.

BOWER: Thank you.

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