Retired Virginia Woman Wins $264,000 Powerball, Donates It All

Carrie Edwards, a 68-year-old retiree from Virginia, made headlines after winning $264,000 in a Powerball drawing on September 6, 2023. Rather than keeping her winnings, Edwards chose to donate the entire amount to three charities that hold significant meaning to her.

The win occurred while Edwards was at home, reflecting on her luck when she felt a strong sense of purpose wash over her. “I just heard as loud as you can hear God or whoever you believe in the universe just say, this is – it’s not your money,” she explained. This moment led to her decision to support causes that resonate deeply with her personal history and values.

Edwards’ journey began when she accompanied a friend to a local 7-Eleven, where her friend purchased two Powerball tickets as part of a jackpot that had soared to an impressive $1.7 billion. Although she rarely plays the lottery, she decided to create a Virginia Lottery account and sought assistance from ChatGPT for her numbers. Instead of traditional methods like family birthdays, she asked the chatbot, “Do you have any winning numbers for me?”

After receiving the numbers, she played the Power Play option, which ultimately tripled her winnings when she matched four of five numbers plus the Powerball in the second drawing. Initially, Edwards thought she might have won a small prize. “When I got the notification, I thought it was a scam,” she recalled.

Upon confirming her win, Edwards made an impactful decision to donate her entire prize. Her contributions included $40,000 to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, an organization that provides support to military families. This donation came at a critical time, as many military families faced financial challenges due to the impending government shutdown. Robert Ruark, president and chief executive of the non-profit, noted that the funds are vital for families experiencing hardships related to furloughs and deployments.

Edwards also directed a substantial donation to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, inspired by her late husband, Steve, who battled dementia. Susan Dickinson, the organization’s chief executive, expressed gratitude for the $50,000 gift, calling it “wonderfully impactful.” The funds will be used for research and to support programs that connect those affected by the disease.

In addition, Edwards contributed $40,000 to Shalom Farms, a non-profit dedicated to providing fresh produce to underserved communities. Executive Director Anna Ibrahim highlighted the importance of this donation, stating that it would help meet increased demand resulting from delays in food assistance benefits due to the government shutdown. “A donation like Carrie’s that is a surprise means that we had the ability to meet people where they are with more products,” Ibrahim said.

Her three adult children were surprised by both her lottery win and her decision to donate it. Edwards emphasized that she has no regrets. She sees her actions as a way to honor her husband and father, both of whom inspired her charitable spirit. “I feel like I’ve been given a platform to set a good example for my children, for my husband’s legacy, for my dad’s legacy, by actions. That’s what speaks loudest,” she stated.

Through her generous donations and commitment to meaningful causes, Carrie Edwards has transformed a stroke of luck into a beacon of hope for many, showcasing the profound impact that one individual can have on their community.