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North Carolina Man's $20 Find Leads to $1 Million Lottery Win

In an extraordinary stroke of luck, a North Carolina resident transformed a $20 find into a life-changing $1 million lottery win. Jerry Hicks, a master carpenter from Banner Elk, stumbled upon a $20 bill outside a convenience store in Boone, North Carolina, on 22 October. Little did he know that this small stroke of fortune would open the door to a much bigger prize.

A Lucky Find Outside a Boone Gas Station

The day began like any other for Hicks, who was visiting a Speedway gas station and convenience store in Boone. As he walked up to the entrance, he spotted a crumpled $20 bill lying on the ground. Not one to pass up a bit of luck, Hicks pocketed the money and made his way inside.

Once inside, Hicks decided to try his luck on the North Carolina Education Lottery, eyeing up a scratch-off ticket. Typically, he had his heart set on a different scratch-off, but fate seemed to have other plans. “They actually didn’t have the ticket I was looking for, so I bought that one instead,” he later told lottery officials. Instead of his usual pick, Hicks settled on a $25 “Extreme Cash” scratch-off, with the $20 he’d found covering most of the cost.

The Extreme Cash Scratch-Off Gamble

The $25 Extreme Cash scratch-off ticket promises instant prizes, ranging from $40 to a staggering $1 million top prize. Given Hicks’ initial goal of picking a different ticket, this spur-of-the-moment choice to go with Extreme Cash turned out to be one of the best decisions he’s ever made.

When Hicks scratched away at the ticket, his casual play quickly turned serious. Shock, excitement, and disbelief washed over him as he realised he’d won the $1 million top prize. This was no small win — it was a game-changer.

A Master Carpenter’s Hard-Won Luck

Hicks, a long-time carpenter who has dedicated over five decades to his craft, decided to claim his winnings at the North Carolina Education Lottery headquarters. He had the option to receive his prize as $50,000 annually over 20 years or to take a lump sum of $600,000. After careful consideration, Hicks opted for the one-time payment. After taxes, his payout amounted to $429,007, a significant reward for a man who’s worked hard for so long.

While he hasn’t commented directly on his win to the media, he shared with lottery officials that he plans to use his windfall to support his family and enjoy a well-deserved retirement. “I’ll be helping my children and finally retiring,” Hicks said, signalling the end of his long career as a carpenter.

Celebrating with a Hearty Meal

Of course, the first order of business after winning was to celebrate, and Hicks had just the spot in mind. He decided to indulge at Golden Corral, a popular North Carolina-based buffet restaurant. "We’re going to head straight to Golden Corral and eat everything they’ve got,” Hicks joked, savouring the simple pleasures that come with his newfound fortune.

Luck Strikes Twice in North Carolina

While Hicks’ story made headlines, it wasn’t the only significant win for North Carolina’s lottery players that week. Lottery officials shared that Cynthia Moore, a resident of Smithfield, became the first $1 million winner of the “Cashword” scratch-off game introduced in August. She purchased her winning $10 ticket at a market in Wilson, North Carolina. Cashword still has three other $1 million prizes waiting to be claimed.

Lottery Funds Supporting North Carolina Education

Stories like those of Hicks and Moore bring attention to the good fortune that sometimes comes to lottery players. But the North Carolina Education Lottery also plays a vital role in supporting the state’s education system. In the last two years alone, lottery games have raised over $1 billion annually for North Carolina’s public schools and other educational programmes. In 2024, these funds have contributed significantly to the state’s $15 billion annual education budget, helping to fund new programmes, support existing initiatives, and enhance facilities across the state.

A Beacon of Hope Amidst Adversity

Banner Elk, the picturesque mountain town that Hicks calls home, has faced a challenging season. Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains and known for its proximity to ski resorts, the area has recently dealt with the aftermath of post-Hurricane Helene flooding, which impacted many residents and local businesses. In this context, Hicks’ win has brought a welcome dose of good news to the community, and he intends to spread the joy by helping his family and giving back.

Lottery: A Game of Chance, a Story of Possibility

The North Carolina Education Lottery offers various games, each providing players with a unique chance to win big. The story of Hicks reminds us that sometimes, luck can come from the simplest of places, like a $20 bill found outside a convenience store. His decision to purchase a scratch-off ticket has not only altered his life but also brought a spark of hope to his community.

The odds of winning may be slim, but for players like Hicks and Moore, the payoff is nothing short of life-changing. As North Carolina celebrates these wins, the lottery's contribution to the state’s education funding remains a steadfast priority. For those inclined to try their luck, the dream of finding a winning ticket may be worth the gamble, if only for the chance to turn a modest investment into a substantial reward.

This tale of serendipity — from a found $20 to a $1 million prize — is a reminder of life’s unexpected twists, and a testament to the resilience and joy that luck can bring into everyday lives. For Jerry Hicks, the $429,007 payout is more than just money; it’s a new chapter, a legacy for his family, and a grand finale to a long and rewarding career. And of course, a well-deserved feast at his favourite buffet.