In an incredible stroke of luck, a North Carolina man transformed a found $20 bill into a life-changing fortune. Jerry Hicks, a resident of Banner Elk in western North Carolina, stumbled upon a $20 bill while walking outside a Speedway gas station. Acting on impulse, he used the money to purchase an Extreme Cash scratch-off ticket from the North Carolina Education Lottery.
As Hicks recounted, “I found $20 in the parking lot outside the Speedway and used it to buy a ticket.” Ironically, his favorite ticket was sold out, so he decided to try his luck with a different one — a choice that ultimately led to his unexpected windfall.
Presented with a choice between an annual payout of $50,000 over 20 years or a one-time lump sum, Hicks opted for the $600,000 upfront payment, securing his status as a new millionaire. His story has since inspired many, proving that luck can strike in the most unexpected ways.
