Gracie Burgess, a resident of Apex, North Carolina, has become the center of attention after winning $150,000 on a scratch-off lottery ticket gifted to her by her grandmother during Christmas. This thoughtful gesture is part of a family tradition where Burgess’s grandmother purchases a $5 lottery ticket for each family member as a holiday gift.
Burgess’s win, which was announced after the holiday celebrations with over 20 relatives, led to an emotional reaction from her grandmother, who was reportedly brought to tears upon learning about her granddaughter’s big win. “She loved it,” Burgess recounted about her grandmother’s response.
The winning ticket, a Peppermint Payout purchased at Han-Dee Hugo’s on Jenks Road in Apex, has added excitement to the local community. After tax withholdings, Burgess collected $107,626 from the North Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Raleigh. With her newfound wealth, she plans to dedicate a portion of the winnings to repair her car while saving the remainder for future needs.
The Peppermint Payout game launched just two months prior, offering three top prizes of $150,000. As of January 2nd, one top prize remains unclaimed, showcasing the excitement and hope that lottery games can generate within the community. The odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 1,353,300, highlighting the rarity of such fortunes.
This joyous story of Burgess is complemented by another recent winner from Michigan, who struck it rich with a $6 million win. The tales of success serve as a reminder of the exhilaration that comes with playing the lottery, even amidst the long odds.
As Gracie Burgess embarks on her journey post-win, her story exemplifies how a simple act of kindness can change lives and bring joy to families, echoing the age-old sentiment that hope and luck can be just around the corner.