Elderly Man Wins Big in Lottery, Immediately Gives It All Away to Granddaughter
An 85-year-old North Carolina man has decided to give away all of his lottery winnings to his college-aged granddaughter, Kelly Thomas.
On April 14, Peter Beckage sat down to a Sunday morning pancake breakfast with his granddaughter in Clemmons, North Carolina.
After breakfast, Beckage purchased a Lucky for Life lottery ticket, one of his favorite lottery games, according to WECT.
The following Monday night, Beckage was stunned to find that his Lucky for Life ticket was a big winner.
“When I got all five [white balls], I couldn’t believe it,” Beckage said. “I had a hard time getting back to sleep I was so excited.”
“I’m so happy this is a gift I can give to her.”
Grandfather gifts lottery win to granddaughter so she can attend @UNCWilmington. https://t.co/yZwb7wvQSW
— WECT News (@wectnews) April 25, 2019
Beckage knew right away that he wanted to give the money to his granddaughter and could hardly wait to tell her the incredible news.
“Kelly, how would you like to have $25,000 a year for the rest of your life?” Beckage asked his granddaughter.
“Oh my gosh Grandpa, did you win the lottery?” Thomas exclaimed.
Thomas, who will soon be attending the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, stood alongside her grandfather at lottery headquarters in Raleigh to claim her big prize.
Winners have the choice of receiving a guaranteed $25,000 a year for life or taking a lump sum of $390,000.
Thomas chose the annuity and has already received her first payment: $17,688 after federal and state withholdings.
For Kelly Thomas of Clemmons, receiving a winning #LuckyForLife ticket from her grandpa means she can pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. “To be able to focus on something I’m passionate about thanks to my grandpa is an amazing gift,” she said. https://t.co/F0IdEhNEKG pic.twitter.com/ARsrNW3nop
— NC Education Lottery (@nclottery) April 26, 2019
Thomas plans to use the money to cover her college expenses of tuition, books and food as she studies to become an elementary school teacher.
“To be able to focus on something I’m passionate about thanks to my grandpa is an amazing gift,” said Thomas.
“I’ve always dreamed of being a Catholic school teacher and helping people. This money makes it possible for me.”
Beckage is delighted to give the money to someone he loves so dearly.
“I knew if I ever won anything big, I would share it,” Beckage said. “I’m happy with the little wins, and I’m so happy this is a gift I can give to her.”
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