A North Carolina carpenter’s lucky find in a parking lot led to a life-changing $1 million lottery win.
At a Glance
- Jerry Hicks from Banner Elk, NC, won $1 million from a scratch-off ticket bought with a found $20 bill
- Hicks chose a lump sum payment, receiving $429,007 after taxes
- The odds of winning the $1 million prize were 1 in 2,017,650
- Hicks plans to retire after 56 years as a carpenter and help his children
A Fortuitous Find Leads to Fortune
Jerry Hicks, a 56-year veteran carpenter from Banner Elk, North Carolina, experienced a stroke of extraordinary luck when he stumbled upon a $20 bill in a parking lot outside a Speedway convenience store in Boone. This chance discovery set in motion a series of events that would dramatically alter his life.
Instead of pocketing the found money, Hicks decided to try his luck with the North Carolina lottery. He purchased a $25 Extreme Cash scratch-off ticket, unknowingly setting himself on a path to millionaire status. The ticket revealed the game’s top prize of $1 million, beating astronomical odds of 1 in 2,017,650.
Claiming the Prize and Future Plans
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 opted for the latter. After taxes, Hicks walked away with a substantial $429,007.
“I found $20 in the parking lot outside the Speedway,” Hicks stated. “They actually didn’t have the ticket I was looking for, so I bought that one instead,” he added, highlighting the serendipitous nature of his win.
With this unexpected windfall, Hicks plans to retire from his long-standing carpentry career and provide financial assistance to his children. His immediate celebration plans, however, are charmingly modest.
A Golden Celebration
When asked about his celebratory plans, Hicks humorously remarked, “We are going to head straight to Golden Corral and eat everything they’ve got.” This down-to-earth response reflects the humble nature of the newest North Carolina millionaire.
Lucky Streak in North Carolina
Hicks’ win was part of a fortunate week for North Carolina lottery players. A Gastonia resident also claimed a $1 million prize from a scratch-off ticket, taking home $429,003 after taxes. Additionally, a lucky individual in Goldsboro secured a $150,000 Powerball prize, receiving $107,251 after taxes.
Jerry Hicks’ story serves as a reminder that sometimes, a small discovery can lead to monumental changes. His win not only secured his retirement but also provided him with the means to support his family, all from a fortuitous $20 find in a parking lot.
