Georgina Hopper of Shelby said she’s counting her blessings after a good deed led her to a $200,000 lottery prize on Christmas Eve.
“It’s a blessing,” Hopper said. “It’s an unexpected blessing. I wasn’t trying to win. I only wanted to help someone.”
Hopper’s good fortune started after she stopped by her church to donate a turkey for a Christmas meal.
“They give turkeys away to people in need every year,” Hopper said. “This time I helped cook them. While I was out, I figured I’d pick up the barbecue I ordered for Christmas dinner the next day.”
She got lost, and pulled into the Circle K on West Dixon Boulevard in Shelby to ask directions. While she was there, she decided to get a $5 Powerball/Mega Millions scratch-off ticket.
“When I saw the matching numbers, I couldn’t believe I actually won,” Hopper said. “I’m going to say it again. It’s a blessing.”
She claimed the prize Thursday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. After required state and federal tax withholdings, she took home $141,003. She plans to use the money to buy a house.
The Mega Millions/Powerball scratch-off game launched in October with four top prizes of $200,000. One top prize remains.
Ticket sales from games like the Mega Millions/Powerball scratch-off ticket make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $650 million a year for education.
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