Karen Stokes of Charlotte took a chance on a $20 scratch-off and ended up with a $100,000 prize.

“I got a little teary-eyed,” Stokes said.

Stokes bought her lucky $2 Million Vault ticket from Harris Teeter on Lancaster Highway in Charlotte.

“It’s a blessing,” Stokes said.

She arrived at lottery headquarters Friday to claim her winnings and, after required federal and state tax withholdings, took home $72,016.

“I love it,” Norman said when he received his big check.

The $2 Million Vault game debuted in May 2025 with three top prizes of $2 million and six $100,000 prizes. One $2 million prize and two $100,000 prizes remain to be claimed.

Education programs in Mecklenburg County received $60 million in support from lottery funds last year. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website.