For Trenton Bennett of Henderson, winning the top $100,000 Merry Mega Bucks prize is better than any birthday gift he could have imagined.

Bennett, a longtime forklift driver, decided to get the $5 holiday themed ticket on a whim. When he realized he won all he could say was, “YES!”

Bennett will celebrate his 51st birthday this week. “This is the best birthday gift I’ve ever gotten,” he said.

Bennett claimed the prize Monday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. After required state and federal withholdings he took home $69,251. He plans to use the money to pay bills.

Bennett bought the winning ticket at the Parade on Dabney Drive in Henderson.
Merry Mega Bucks launched in November with three top prizes of $100,000. One top prize remains.

Ticket sales from games like Merry Mega Bucks made it possible for the lottery to raise more than half a billion dollars for the state last year. For details on how more than $19 million in lottery funds have made a difference in Vance County, click on the “Where the Money Goes” section of the lottery’s website.