North Carolina Man Gifts Lucky for Life Win to Granddaughter
Monday April 29th 2019A young woman from North Carolina is set to receive $25,000 a year for the rest of her life, and the chance to pursue her dream, after her grandfather decided to give his Lucky for Life prize to her.
Peter Beckage, 85, bought a Lucky for Life ticket from Carlton’s Hampton Road Grocery in Clemmons after meeting his granddaughter Kelly Thomas for pancakes on the morning of Sunday April 14th.
He stayed up the next day to watch the drawing and was overjoyed to see that he had matched all five main numbers, just missing out on the Lucky Ball number for the top prize of $1,000 a day for life. There was no doubt in his mind that he wanted his family to share the win, and he felt that Kelly should have the prize as he wouldn’t have bought the same ticket if they hadn’t had breakfast together.
Recalling the moment he won, Peter said: “When I got all five, I couldn’t believe it. I had a hard time getting back to sleep I was so excited. I knew if I ever won anything big, I would share it. I’m happy with the little wins, and I’m so happy this is a gift I can give her.”
‘An Amazing Gift’
Thomas was stunned when she went to her mother’s house and her grandfather told her of his wish for her to have the money. She is set to go to university at UNC-Wilmington and now knows there will be no financial pressure as she sets out on her journey to become an elementary school teacher at a Catholic school.
She said: “To be able to focus on something I’m passionate about thanks to my grandpa is an amazing gift. My faith is important to me, I’ve always dreamed of being a Catholic school teacher and helping people. This money makes it possible for me.”
Thomas, who is also from Clemmons in the Triad area of North Carolina, will initially use the cash to pay for tuition, books and meals.
Lucky for Life Prizes
The top two payouts in Lucky for Life are paid as annuities over the course of a winner’s life. If a winner dies, the payments will continue to go their estate until 20 years have passed since the drawing.
There are also cash options for players in the Match 5 + Lucky Ball or Match 5 categories. If you win the top prize, you can choose to receive a lump sum of $5.75 million instead of daily payments of $1,000. The alternative to $25,000 a year for life is a one-off payout of $390,000.
Kelly’s grandfather had no interest in the cash option or the annuity payments, deciding that he would guarantee her an income for the rest of her life. It was a remarkable gesture, setting her up for a bright future. You can try to follow in her footsteps by playing the game in any of the 26 jurisdictions, entering draws on either Monday or Thursday nights.
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