Man Claims $1 Million Lottery Jackpot with Scratch-Off Ticket Bought with a $20 Bill He Discovered
# North Carolina Carpenter Hits $1 Million Lottery Jackpot with a Found $20 Bill
Most individuals would deem themselves fortunate if they stumbled upon a $20 bill during their day. Picture discovering one on the floor and transforming it into something even greater—a cool $1 million. That’s precisely what transpired for Jerry Hicks, a resident of North Carolina, who experienced an extraordinary stroke of luck. Hicks used the found bill to buy a lottery ticket, and to his sheer exhilaration, won one of the top prizes available.
What adds to Hicks’ remarkable tale is that the win resulted from a spontaneous decision. On his way to a convenience store to purchase something entirely different, destiny had other plans for him.
## The $20 Discovery that Altered Everything
As he strolled through a parking area toward the convenience store, Hicks noticed a $20 bill laying on the ground. Without any delay, he picked it up and went inside to test his fortune. The store lacked the specific scratch-off ticket he initially wanted, leading him to select a $25 *Extreme Cash* ticket instead—a choice that transformed his found cash into a life-changing windfall.
The ticket he chose had a 1 in 2,017,650 probability of winning the grand prize of $1 million. Little did Hicks know, his spontaneous buy turned into a transformative experience. “They didn’t actually have the ticket I wanted, so I opted for that one instead,” Hicks detailed to the North Carolina Education Lottery.
## A Million-Dollar Decision: Lump Sum vs. Annuity
Upon revealing the winning numbers, Hicks confronted a dilemma that many lottery winners face: should he take the winnings as a lump sum or an annuity?
The total prize was $1 million, yet Hicks had to choose between receiving $50,000 annually for the next 20 years or a lump sum payment of $600,000 upfront. He made the sensible choice to accept the lump sum, being aware that he would still need to account for state and federal taxes. Ultimately, the carpenter left with $429,007, a well-deserved reward for someone who had labored diligently for years.
## Retirement and Supporting Family
Hicks has dedicated 56 years to his career as a carpenter, a profession that has certainly provided him a rewarding and hard-earned livelihood. Upon realizing the magnitude of his newfound wealth, Hicks made the choice to retire, granting himself the opportunity to enjoy the future without the physical strains of his long-standing job.
However, even after ensuring his own security, the grounded carpenter from North Carolina remained faithful to his principles, stating that much of his winnings would be devoted to supporting his children. “We don’t have any major plans. Just taking care of the family is sufficient,” Hicks mentioned. There is, however, one special wish that Hicks aims to fulfill first: a celebratory outing to his favorite dining spot. “We are heading straight to Golden Corral to feast on everything they have!” he quipped, demonstrating his relatable nature and appreciation for simple joys.
## Unlikely Millionaire: A Lesson in Life’s Unforeseen Twists
Jerry Hicks’ astonishing narrative serves as a reminder that fortune can smile at us unexpectedly. In this instance, a mere $20 bill unnoticed in a parking lot turned into a favorable break, laying the groundwork for a life of comfort after years of hard labor.
Although winning the lottery is uncommon—the odds of hitting such a jackpot are astronomical—it stands as a testament to life’s unpredictability. As Hicks gears up to retire comfortably and embark on a new chapter, his story has inspired many by illustrating how, sometimes, you don’t have to seek luck; often, luck finds you.
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## Related Lottery Victory Stories
Hicks’ jackpot is woven into a larger fabric of lottery winners who have recounted similarly transformative experiences. Here are some additional captivating tales of unforeseen fortune:
– **Lottery Winner Commits to Donating Part of $4M Winnings to Animal Welfare**
One lottery winner chose to use their newfound wealth not solely for personal benefit but to aid local animals in distress, promising a substantial portion of their winnings to shelters and welfare organizations.
– **59-Year-Old Pool Fanatic Wins Lottery, Joins England’s National Team**
After achieving his lifelong goal of owning a pool table with lottery cash, one individual elevated his passion further, earning a position on the English International Pool Team.
– **Man Wins $50M Lottery, Yet Continues to Rise at 4:30 AM for Colleagues**
Demonstrating unmatched loyalty and dedication, a $50 million lottery winner maintained his daily routine of arriving at work at 4:30 AM post-jackpot, all in the name of camaraderie with his peers.
– **Man Wins the Lottery 14 Times Using a Simple System of Basic Math