Virginia Woman Wins $150,000 in Lottery and Pledges to Charity from the Full Amount
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A heartwarming story has emerged from Midlothian, Virginia, where a local woman, Carrie Edwards, recently won $150,000 in the lottery and made a remarkable decision to donate the entire sum to charity.
Carrie Edwards selected her winning numbers online and was elated to discover that she matched four out of five numbers along with the Powerball number in the September 8 draw conducted by the Virginia Lottery. This stroke of luck would typically guarantee a $50,000 prize, but Edwards’ decision to pay an extra dollar for Power Play tripled her winnings to $150,000.
During a press conference shared by the Virginia Lottery, Edwards recounted her amusing experience of using a chat app on her phone to select her lottery numbers, something she was unfamiliar with. She expressed her initial disbelief upon receiving an email notifying her of her win, dismissing it as a scam before realising the truth two days later during a meeting.
Upon confirming her win, Edwards felt a compelling urge to give back as a gesture of gratitude for her own blessings. She expressed her intention to donate the entire sum to charity, emphasising the importance of using unexpected windfalls to positively impact the lives of others.
At the heart of Edwards’ generous gesture are three charities that hold personal significance to her. The first organisation, the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), resonates deeply with her as her late husband succumbed to the disease in 2024, prompting her to support their cause.
Additionally, Edwards plans to support Shalom Farms, a local regenerative farm in Richmond that focuses on fostering community support and food equity through its programs. She highlighted their commitment to aiding those in need and promoting a sense of shared responsibility in society.
The final charity close to Edwards’ heart is the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, chosen in honour of her father who served as a fighter pilot. This charity’s dedication to supporting military personnel and their families struck a chord with Edwards, motivating her to allocate a portion of her winnings to their cause.
In a world often overshadowed by self-interest, Carrie Edwards’ selfless act serves as a beacon of compassion and generosity. Her decision to donate the entirety of her lottery winnings exemplifies the profound impact of kindness and the ripple effect it can create within communities.
As news of Edwards’ philanthropy spreads, her story stands as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of altruism, inspiring others to consider how they too can make a difference, no matter the scale. Carrie’s act of kindness is a testament to the profound impact individuals can have when they choose to pay their blessings forward.
The Virginia Lottery, when approached for a statement, had not responded by Thursday, September 18. Meanwhile, Edwards’ act of charity continues to resonate as a testament to the enduring spirit of compassion and goodwill.
Carrie Edwards’ decision to donate her lottery windfall serves as a heartwarming reminder of the positive change each person can ignite in the world, one selfless act at a time.