In a story that blends technology, luck, and heartwarming generosity, Carrie Edwards, a grandmother from Midlothian, Virginia, shocked her community when she revealed she had used ChatGPT to select her winning Powerball numbers. Even more surprising, she chose to donate all $150,000 of her winnings to charity.
Carrie matched four of the first five numbers and the Powerball in the September 8 drawing of the Virginia Lottery. Because she also played the Power Play option, her $50,000 prize tripled to $150,000.
Turning to AI for a Little Help
Edwards admitted she was curious when she asked the AI chatbot for help.
“I’m like, ‘Hey, ChatGPT, talk to me. … Do you have numbers for me?’” she recalled.
While the chatbot reminded her that picking lottery numbers is ultimately about luck, Carrie still decided to play the sequence it suggested. Two days later, she got the shock of her life when she received a notification to claim her prize.
She won big playing the Virginia Lottery (Getty)
Why She Gave It All Away
Instead of keeping the six-figure windfall, Carrie donated it all to three causes that hold deep personal meaning.
“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 said.
Her first donation went to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). The cause was deeply personal, as her late husband, Steve, a firefighter, died after battling early-onset dementia.
Supporting Food Justice in Richmond
Carrie also donated to Shalom Farms, a nonprofit in Richmond that distributes more than 400,000 servings of fresh produce each year. She has been a longtime volunteer with the organization and wanted her gift to amplify the work they do to fight hunger and create a more equitable food system.
Shalom Farms shared their gratitude in a Facebook post:
“Carrie has poured her time and energy into our work for years, and her generosity reflects the same spirit she brings as a volunteer: neighbors caring for neighbors.”
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Carrie tripled her winnings after playing the Power Play (Getty)
Honoring Her Father’s Legacy
Her final donation went to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS), which helps veterans, active-duty service members, and their families with financial assistance. Carrie gave in honor of her father, Captain Peter Swanson, a Navy fighter pilot who instilled in her the values of service and giving back.
In their statement, the NMCRS celebrated her generosity:
“Now, with Carrie’s extraordinary gift, the Swanson family’s commitment grows even stronger — ensuring Sailors, Marines, and their families receive the vital support they deserve.”
Carrie volunteers at the farm (Facebook/Shalom Farms)
A Lesson in Generosity
Carrie summed up her motivation with a powerful message:
“Shalom Farms heals through food and soil, AFTD brings hope through research, and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society carries forward the tradition of supporting military families in times of need.”
Virginia Lottery officials also praised her choice, calling it an extraordinary example of community spirit.
Her story shows that sometimes the biggest jackpot isn’t the money you win — it’s the good you choose to create with it.
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