A North Carolina carpenter’s lucky day turned into a life-changing windfall when he found a $20 bill and turned it into a $1 million lottery prize.
At a Glance
- Jerry Hicks from Banner Elk, NC, won $1 million from a scratch-off lottery ticket
- He found $20 in a parking lot and used it to buy the winning ticket
- Hicks chose a lump sum payment, receiving $429,007 after taxes
- He plans to retire after 56 years as a carpenter and help his children
From Found Money to Fortune
Jerry Hicks, a resident of Banner Elk, North Carolina, experienced a stroke of extraordinary luck that transformed a mere $20 bill into a $1 million lottery windfall. Hicks discovered the cash outside a convenience store in Boone and decided to try his luck with the state lottery. Unable to purchase his preferred ticket, he opted for a $25 Extreme Cash scratch-off instead, a decision that would prove life-changing.
On October 25, Hicks claimed his prize at the North Carolina lottery headquarters. Faced with the choice between a $50,000 annuity over 20 years or a lump sum payment, he selected the latter. After taxes, Hicks walked away with $429,007, a substantial sum that promises to reshape his future.
A Carpenter’s Dream Realized
For Hicks, this windfall marks the end of a 56-year career in carpentry. The hardworking North Carolinian now looks forward to a well-deserved retirement, with plans to support his children using the unexpected fortune. His immediate celebration plans, however, are refreshingly down-to-earth.
“We are going to head straight to Golden Corral and eat everything they’ve got.” – Jerry Hicks
This statement reflects Hicks’ humble nature and the simple pleasures he values, even in the face of newfound wealth. It’s a testament to the character of a man who has spent over half a century in a physically demanding profession.
Luck Favors the Prepared
Hicks’ win is a remarkable event, especially considering the odds. The chance of winning the $1 million prize in the Extreme Cash game stands at 1 in 2,017,650. Yet, Hicks’ story is a reminder that fortune can smile on anyone, often when least expected.
This simple act of picking up discarded money led to a series of events that culminated in a life-changing moment. It’s a narrative that resonates with many who dream of a similar stroke of luck, reminding us that sometimes, fortune favors the observant.
A Week of Winners in North Carolina
Interestingly, Hicks’ win was not an isolated incident of good fortune in North Carolina. That same week, a man from Gastonia claimed a $429,003 after-tax prize from another $1 million scratch-off ticket. Additionally, an individual in Goldsboro secured a $150,000 Powerball prize, taking home $107,251 after taxes. These stories collectively paint a picture of a particularly lucky period for the state’s lottery participants.
For those inspired by these stories of sudden wealth, lottery tickets are available at various locations, including gas stations and convenience stores. Some states even offer online purchasing options through apps like Jackpocket. However, it’s crucial to remember that while these tales of instant millionaires are captivating, they are exceptional cases. Lottery participation should always be approached responsibly, with the understanding that the odds are heavily stacked against winning such large sums.
