Carrie Edwards, a resident of Midlothian, Virginia, unexpectedly became the latest lottery winner.
On September 8, 2025, Carrie Edwards won a staggering $150,000 prize in the Virginia Lottery.
What makes her story remarkable is not only the amount she won but also the unusual method she used: she asked ChatGPT to generate the numbers that eventually changed her life.
How ChatGPT Helped Pick the Numbers
Edwards explained that she was using the ChatGPT mobile app when the idea struck her.
“I just typed, ‘Talk to me. Do you have numbers for me?’ And ChatGPT gave me some,” she said in an interview.
Using those exact numbers, she bought her Powerball ticket.
She matched four of the first five numbers and the Powerball itself.
Usually, this victory would have earned her $50,000, but thanks to her decision to pay an additional dollar for the Power Play option, her prize was tripled to $150,000.
From Winning Ticket to Charitable Mission
For most people, winning such a substantial amount would mean realizing dreams of travel, luxury, or financial security. Ever since, Edwards has taken a different path.
She promptly declared her intention to donate every penny of her prize money to causes that were dear to her. For her, the winnings were not just a personal victory but a “divine windfall” meant to serve others.
Three Charities to Benefit from the Winnings
Edwards revealed that her $150,000 prize will be divided equally among three organizations:
- The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD): A tribute to her late husband, who battled this devastating disease.
- SLom Farms is a nonprofit organization based in Richmond that ensures equitable access to healthy food and addresses food insecurity throughout the state of Virginia. Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: An organization supporting military families, significant to Edwards since her father was a fighter pilot.
By choosing these charities, Edwards connected her personal experiences, family legacy, and community spirit to create a lasting impact.
The Shock of Winning
When Edwards first received the notification of her win, she thought it was a scam. “It just seemed too unreal,” she shared.
But upon confirmation from lottery officials, she realized that this blessing was genuine. For Edwards, this moment reaffirmed her belief in faith, fortune, and giving back to society.
Reactions From Around the World
The story quickly went viral, drawing admiration across social media platforms and news outlets.
Users hailed Edwards as a role model, with one commenting, “She won the lottery, but the real winners are the people she chose to help.”
Others highlighted how rare it is for winners to donate the entirety of their winnings, praising her selflessness as a “lesson in humanity.”
Why This Story Stands Out
Lottery wins are often associated with personal gain, but Edwards’ decision challenges this notion. By donating her full prize, she not only supports critical causes but also sets a precedent for compassion and generosity.
The fact that artificial intelligence played a role in her win adds another layer of uniqueness, making the outcome a story where technology, chance, and humanity intersect beautifully.
Inspiring Message for the Future
Carrie Edwards’ journey exemplifies the unexpected ways in which fortune can smile.
Her choice to channel her beneficial luck into helping others serves as a powerful reminder that true wealth lies not in what we keep, but in what we offer.
She hopes her story will inspire others to look beyond personal benefits and use their blessings to uplift those in need.