Virginia Woman Donates Entire 150K ChatGPT Lottery Win

In a world where technology and generosity intersect, a Virginia woman has created a truly remarkable story. Carrie Edwards of Midlothian didn't just win the lottery; she did it with a little help from AI and decided to use her winnings to make a significant impact on the lives of others.

An Unexpected Windfall Fueled by AI

Carrie Edwards found herself $150,000 richer after the September 8 Virginia Lottery drawing. The key to her success? An unconventional strategy involving a popular AI tool. Edwards, who isn't a regular online lottery player, turned to her phone's ChatGPT app for inspiration.

"I’m like, ChatGPT, talk to me… Do you have numbers for me?" she recounted. The AI provided the numbers, and Edwards played them. Her ticket matched four of the first five numbers plus the Powerball. Initially, the prize was $50,000, but thanks to a savvy decision to pay an extra dollar for the Power Play option, her winnings were tripled to an impressive $150,000.

The news of her win arrived unexpectedly via a phone notification while she was in a meeting. Believing it was a scam, her initial reaction was disbelief. "I thought, ‘I know I didn’t win,’" she said. After verifying the win, the shock turned into a life-changing realization.

A Heartfelt Pledge to Give It All Away

For Edwards, the decision of what to do with the money was immediate and clear. She knew instantly that the entire windfall would be given away.

"As soon as that divine windfall happened and came down upon my shoulders, I knew exactly what I needed to do with it. And I knew I needed to give it all away, because I’ve been so blessed, and I want this to be an example of how other people, when they’re blessed, can bless other people,” she explained.

Supporting Causes Close to the Heart

True to her word, Edwards has pledged to divide the full $150,000 among three causes that hold deep personal significance for her.

Her first chosen charity is the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). This organization supports research into the disease that claimed her late husband's life in 2024. Frontotemporal degeneration is a form of early-onset dementia, and her donation will help fund critical work in this area.

The second donation is directed to Shalom Farms, a Richmond-based regenerative farm dedicated to achieving food justice. Edwards praised their community-focused approach, stating, "It’s the greatest organization, because they understand that... we all are responsible for helping each other in this life."

Finally, she will support the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, a cause she described as "very near and dear to her heart." Her father was a fighter pilot who supported the society, and her donation continues his legacy of giving back.

The True Value of a Winning Ticket

As she prepares to distribute the funds, Edwards reflected on her unique position. “Because it’s a windfall I didn’t expect, and it’s certainly going to help those in need,” she said.

Carrie Edwards' story is a powerful reminder that the greatest rewards often come from giving. While many dream of winning the lottery to transform their own lives, she has shown that the most profound use of newfound wealth can be to change the lives of others for the better.