Where $10,000 "AFHV" winner is now

Thousands of hours of 'America's Funniest Home Videos' footage has made millions of families laugh across the country and across the world -- but what happens to those winners once the cameras stop rolling and the audience goes home? "AFV" decided to find out.

Meghan Lamontagne was only 10 when her mom and dad surprised the young, aspiring baton twirler from New Hampshire with a pet cat named Pumpkin. Meghan's sweet surprise and genuine reaction was captured in a single perfect moment on video. Eventually, the family submitted the video and then found themselves sitting front row center competing for the $10,000 first place prize during season 14 (2003-2004).

Meghan recalled what it was like to see Tom Bergeron, the popular host of AFV, in person. "It was so surreal seeing someone on TV and then all of a sudden, they're two feet in front of you!" Amid all the excitement, the Lamontagne family didn't actually hear their name called as the $10,000 winner. "I remember having to lip read Tom calling 'Smitten With a Kitten' and him saying my name."

The money helped Meghan achieve her childhood dream of performing with her baton team in Germany for American soldiers stationed overseas. "If it wasn't for 'America's Funniest Home Videos' and winning $10,000, my family and I wouldn't have been able to afford to go."

The allure of television has stayed with Meghan throughout her life. She now tours the country as a social correspondent and broadcast journalist for major media outlets. But the memory of "AFV" has never left her. "Winning "America's Funniest Home Videos" continues to visit me every year: it always comes back into my life somehow."

When asked if other people should submit their funny home video to AFV, Meghan's response was a very emphatic "Absolutely! If you find it hilarious and your family and friends find it hilarious, you could walk away with $10,000!" That's a lot of money for a laugh!


"AFV" airs every Sunday 7/6c on ABC.