A grandmother from Midlothian, Virginia, turned to an AI chat bot for assistance in choosing lottery numbers and ended up donating her entire winnings to charity.
Carrie Edwards managed to win the Powerball by selecting numbers generated by ChatGPT for the Virginia Lottery. Her numbers matched four of the initial five as well as the Powerball in the September 8 draw.
Reflecting on her decision to seek assistance from artificial intelligence, she shared, “I’m like, ‘Hey, ChatGPT, talk to me. … Do you have numbers for me?’”
Despite the chatbot reminding her that winning is a matter of luck, Carrie chose to play the numbers it suggested.
Two days later, she learned she was a winner and was invited to collect her prize.
She initially secured $50,000 but opted for the Power Play option, which tripled the amount to $150,000.
However, Carrie decided to donate the entire sum to charity, stating, “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 further expressed, “I feel blessed that this unexpected lottery win could serve a greater purpose.”
Her first contribution was to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), an organization supporting research and resources for those affected by early-onset dementia. This cause holds particular significance for her as her late husband, Steve, a firefighter, succumbed to the disease.
In a news conference, the retired PR executive remarked, “This cause is deeply personal.”
Carrie’s next donation went to Shalom Farms, a Richmond-based farm and food justice nonprofit providing over 400,000 servings of fresh produce annually, where she is also a volunteer.
Shalom Farms expressed 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. Her gift will help us keep building a more equitable food system here in Richmond. Thank you, Carrie, for showing what community looks like in action, and proving once again- that we have the BEST volunteers.”
Her third contribution was to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS), an organization that aids active-duty service members, veterans, and their families with financial and emergency support.
This donation was made in honor of her father, Captain Peter Swanson, a Navy fighter pilot.
In a statement, the charity said, “He [Capt. Swanson] and his wife instilled in their children the importance of giving back, making giving to NMCRS a family tradition. 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.”
When revealing her top three chosen charities, Carrie stated, “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.”
Khalid Jones, executive director of the Virginia Lottery, commented, “All of us at the Lottery are delighted to see this prize being shared with worthy causes, due to the wonderful generosity of Carrie Edwards.”