RALEIGH – Ralph Havis of Greensboro has owned and operated the local Beef Burger restaurant for the past 43 years.

On Sunday, he purchased a Golden 7’s ticket for $5 – around the same price as a burger, fries and a drink at his restaurant – and won $150,000.

“When I saw what I had won I felt dizzy,” Havis said. “I just couldn’t believe it. I’m going to put this right in the bank. Some people talk about the fun things they would do if they won the lottery, but my fun is selling hamburgers. This feels great.”

Havis scratched off the lucky ticket after purchasing it at the Pop Shoppe on West Friendly Avenue in Greensboro. After state and federal taxes were withheld, he received a check for $103,801. He said he plans to use his winnings to save for the future.

As of Tuesday morning, two more $150,000 top prizes remain to be claimed in the Golden 7’s game.

Ticket sales have made it possible for the lottery to raise more than $3.4 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 $153.7 million in lottery funds have made a difference in Guilford County, click on the “Where the Money Goes” tab on the lottery’s website.