RALEIGH – Scott Harrison, a sales representative from Charlotte, was driving through Anson County on Thursday when he decided to stop for some iced tea at the Wilco on East Caswell Street in Wadesboro. As he purchased his beverage, he decided to buy $5 worth of Carolina Cash 5 tickets. Later that evening, one of the Quick Pick tickets matched all five numbers in the nightly drawing, winning the $695,419 jackpot.

“I honestly couldn’t believe it,” Harrison said. “I checked the numbers on the lottery’s website and just sat there in a state of shock. This win comes at a fantastic time and I’m going to use it wisely. I’m ecstatic, elated and overwhelmed.”

After state and federal taxes were withheld, Harrison received a check for $481,231. He plans to use his winnings to pay bills, buy a new car and save for the future.

“I enjoy playing Cash 5 and scratch-offs because they have good odds,” Harrison said as he collected his prize on Monday afternoon. “But I always play within my means. I just got very lucky.”

Ticket sales have made it possible for the lottery to raise more than $3.3 billion for the state. Net proceeds are used for prekindergarten programs for at-risk four-year-olds, teachers’ salaries in grades K-3, school construction, digital learning initiatives, need-based college scholarships and financial aid.

For details on how more than $254.5 million in lottery funds have made a difference in Mecklenburg County, click on the “Where the Money Goes” tab on the lottery’s website.