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news blog > article

‘I just can’t believe it’ says Columbus County woman of $400,000 win

June 24, 2020 Posted by NC Lottery at 8:33 AM
image-photo

Clara Thompson of Whiteville won the final $400,000 top prize in the Pay Me scratch-off game.

“I just can’t believe it,” said Thompson. “I’m excited.”

Thompson purchased her lucky $5 ticket from the Murphy USA on Columbus Corners Drive in Whiteville.

She claimed her prize Tuesday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. After state and federal taxes, she took home $283,001.

Since Thompson won the last of four top prizes in the Pay Me game, the lottery will begin steps to end the game.

10 COMMENTS

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6/28/2020 07:58 - Berry B.

Plzs update the winners page!

6/27/2020 05:55 - Jimmy H.

That's a great blessing to win,I hope too win big one day.

6/27/2020 08:53 - Berry B.

WTG!!

6/27/2020 06:42 - Gary C.

Congratulations Clara!!! Biggest payday ever!!!

6/26/2020 05:01 - ray h n.

Congratulations

6/25/2020 03:35 - Jennifer E.

Congrats

6/25/2020 07:50 - joann f.

Congratulations

6/24/2020 06:40 - Douglas H.

Wonderful win Clara. Enjoy it all :-)

6/24/2020 03:58 - Nochal B.

Congratulations!

6/24/2020 11:07 - robert d.

why do they use nc lottrey use schools 4 a front 4 lottrey i think they aut take that out and let the players win morNC Lottery
Hi Robert, Thanks for sharing your thoughts. When the lottery was created, it was done so with the understanding that its proceeds would go to benefit education. In general, lotteries are created with the goal of benefiting a cause, whether that be education, the environment, or one of many other worthy causes. While giving folks the opportunity to win the lottery is a big part of our operation, it's also important to remember that we exist to help fund education in our state. Last year over $708 million helped cover pre-k programs, scholarships, transportation, school maintenance, and support staff. But our players still win big. Of every dollar in revenue, 25 cents goes to education, while 64 cents go back to players in the form of prizes.

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