Oregon Woman Wins Big After Saving Toddler
Monday April 6th 2020Coos Bay woman Ann Charkowicz said she had a "good feeling" after she and her husband Brian saved a toddler from being hit by a car. The feeling led her to buy an Oregon Lottery Raffle ticket that turned out to be worth $1 million.
The couple were preparing to go on a vacation to hunt for agates when they saw a toddler walking into a busy road. Thankfully, they were able to get the young child home safely.
Ann and Brian, who have been married for 36 years, took their trip, and after returning Ann decided to pick up some Oregon Lottery tickets. "I figure I did something good, something good might happen to me," she said.
Ann purchased the lucky ticket from her employer of 34 years, the Safeway on Johnson Avenue in Coos Bay.
After the Raffle draw, Ann printed the numbers to post for customers - and the winning number, 080948, looked familiar. She was in disbelief when she checked her ticket and found out she was a millionaire.
"The first thing I said to Brian was, 'How much do we need for me to retire?'" she recalled. "I had a feeling I was going to win, and it came true. It was karma."
After taxes, the couple collected $680,000, and said they planned to save the windfall until the economy stabilizes. Ann said she may try to work fewer hours.
"It is crazy right now," Brian said. "We are being extremely careful with this money."
Jill McGinnis, Safeway's director of communications and public affairs, said it was great to hear some good news amid the huge rise in demand their staff is coping with due to coronavirus.
"We are so thrilled for Ann!" she said. "Our employees work so hard, now more than ever. I can't think of a better time for her to win. I hope that she feels a great sense of security because of this - and has some fun too!"
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