In an inspiring act of altruism, Carrie Edwards, a Midlothian resident, has vowed to donate her entire $150,000 lottery winnings to charity, attributing her fortunate number selection to the ChatGPT app.
Edwards matched four of the first five numbers plus the Powerball in the Virginia Lottery’s September 8 drawing, securing an initial prize of $50,000. By opting for the Power Play feature for an additional dollar, she tripled her winnings to $150,000.
Not a regular online lottery player, Edwards shared that she turned to ChatGPT on her smartphone to choose her numbers. “I said, ‘ChatGPT, talk to me… Do you have numbers for me?’” she recounted at a press conference.
On September 10, while in a meeting, Edwards received a notification that halted her in disbelief: “Please collect your lottery winnings.” Initially skeptical, she suspected a scam, saying, “I thought, ‘I know I didn’t win.’” After verifying the news, she realized the life-altering reality of her windfall.
Reflecting on her fortune, Edwards felt compelled to give back. “As soon as that divine windfall landed on my shoulders, I knew exactly what I needed to do with it. I’ve been so blessed, and I want this to be an example of how others, when blessed, can bless others,” she said.
True to her pledge, Edwards will distribute the full $150,000 among three charities dear to her. The first is the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), which funds research into the disease that took her husband’s life in 2024. Frontotemporal degeneration, a form of early-onset dementia, has deeply affected her family.
Her second donation will support Shalom Farms, a Richmond-based regenerative farm dedicated to food justice and combating food insecurity. Edwards praised the organization, stating, “They understand that we are all responsible for helping each other and the community, especially those who lack what we have, through their food justice and equity programs.”
The third beneficiary is the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, a cause close to Edwards’ heart due to her father, a fighter pilot who supported the organization throughout his life. Her donation continues his legacy of giving.
Expressing gratitude for her opportunity to make a difference, Edwards noted, “This was an unexpected windfall, and it will certainly help those in need.” Her story exemplifies the transformative power of generosity, demonstrating that unexpected wealth can serve a greater purpose when used to uplift others.
