William Bon Viso of Wilmington usually receives scratch-offs as a Father’s Day gift from his aunt, but this year he received $20 cash so he used the money to buy his own and won a $250,000 prize.

“I kept the tradition and bought them myself,” Bon Viso said. “A $20 Father’s Day gift became a blessing.”

When Bon Viso checked his ticket, he started shaking because he couldn’t believe how much he won.

“I was like in another world,” he recalled. “I was on a cloud.”

Bon Viso bought his lucky 20X The Cash ticket from the Walmart on Sigmon Road in Wilmington.

“Life is just all about timing,” Bon Viso said. “It just shows you have to always follow your gut.”

He claimed his prize at lottery headquarters Friday and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $178,751.

“This is beyond a dream come true,” he said.

Bon Viso said he plans to invest his winnings and possibly take a trip.

“I still can’t believe I am here right now,” he said.

The 20X The Cash game debuted in February with 10 top prizes of $250,000. Three $250,000 prizes remain to be claimed.

For details on how $11.4 million raised by the lottery made a difference for education programs in New Hanover County last year, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.