Virginia Woman Turns $150K Lottery Win Into Heartfelt Donations
When most people imagine winning the lottery, they dream about paying off debts, buying a new car, or maybe taking that once-in-a-lifetime vacation. But for one Virginia woman, her first-ever online Powerball ticket turned into a life-changing moment—not for herself, but for others.
Earlier this month, Carrie Edwards from Midlothian, Virginia, hit a $150,000 prize in the Powerball drawing. And instead of keeping a penny of it, she made a bold, selfless choice: she gave it all away. That’s right—every dollar went to charity.
A Win with a Bigger Purpose
Carrie decided to split her winnings three ways, donating to causes close to her heart:
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The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD)
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Shalom Farms
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The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Each organization represents something powerful: healing, service, and community. Carrie explained, “God is blessing me, so I can bless others through Him. After all, we are all just walking each other home.”
A Deeply Personal Gift
Her donation to AFTD wasn’t just a random choice—it was deeply personal. Carrie’s husband, Steve Edwards, passed away from frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), a rare and devastating form of early-onset dementia. To honor his memory, she made the gift during World FTD Awareness Month, hoping to shine a light on families battling the disease and the researchers pushing for a cure.
“This was about turning my win into something meaningful,” she said. “Steve’s journey inspired me, and I want to help others who are walking through that same pain.”
Healing Through Food and Soil
The second part of her donation went to Shalom Farms, a nonprofit in Richmond dedicated to building an equitable food system. The group grows healthy, fresh produce and makes it accessible to families across the area. Carrie described Shalom Farms as an organization that “heals through food and soil,” making sure people don’t just survive but thrive.
Anna Ibrahim, the farm’s executive director, expressed gratitude, saying Carrie’s generosity ensures families in Richmond will continue to access affordable, high-quality produce.
Supporting Those Who Serve
The final portion of her donation landed with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, a group that provides financial, educational, and emergency support to service members, veterans, and their families. For Carrie, this choice reflected her appreciation for the sacrifices military families make every day.
Lt. Gen. Robert R. Ruark, the society’s president and CEO, thanked Carrie for helping carry forward their mission of standing beside sailors and Marines during times of stress.
Community Reaction
What’s remarkable is how quickly her story has spread. In an era where lottery winners often make headlines for lavish spending, Carrie’s generosity is a refreshing reminder of the power of giving.
Susan Dickerson, CEO of AFTD, summed it up perfectly: “This generous gift will directly support vital research and family services in the fight against FTD.”
A Win That Truly Matters
For Carrie, this wasn’t just about money—it was about legacy, memory, and faith. She turned a game of chance into an act of service, showing that sometimes the biggest jackpot isn’t the one you keep, but the one you share.
In her own words: “I feel blessed that this unexpected lottery win could serve a greater purpose.”
✅ Exciting Takeaways:
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First-time online ticket purchase = $150K win.
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Instead of spending, she donated 100% of her prize.
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Three charities benefited: research for dementia, food justice in Richmond, and military family support.
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A beautiful example of luck turned into lasting impact.
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