Who is Carrie Edwards? Virginia Grandmother Wins Powerball lottery and Donates $150,000 Prize to Charity

Carrie Edwards, a grandmother from Midlothian, Virginia, shocked the nation after winning $150,000 in the Powerball lottery and announcing she would donate her entire prize to charity.

How Carrie Edwards Won the Powerball

Carrie Edwards, a widow in her 60s, decided to play Powerball online for the very first time. Unsure of how to pick her numbers, she turned to ChatGPT for advice. She chose the suggested numbers and paid an extra dollar for the Power Play option, which tripled her prize from $50,000 to $150,000.

At first, Edwards thought the winning notification on her phone was a scam. But when she checked her lottery account, she saw the confirmation that she had indeed matched four numbers plus the Powerball.

Why She Donated Her Entire Winnings

Unlike many winners who use lottery money for bills, investments, or travel, Edwards decided to give away the entire amount.

“As soon as that divine windfall came down upon my shoulders, I knew I had to give it all away,” she said at a press conference. “I’ve been blessed, and I want this to be an example of how others can bless people when they are blessed.”

Her donation was split among three organizations close to her heart:

• The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD): in memory of her late husband, a firefighter, who died from the disease.

• Shalom Farms: a Virginia-based nonprofit that helps fight food insecurity.

• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: which provides financial support and assistance to U.S. military families.

“These three organizations represent healing, service, and community,” Edwards explained.

Powerball Background

The Powerball lottery is one of the most popular games in the U.S., played across 45 states plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tickets cost $2, with players selecting five numbers from 1–69 and one Powerball number from 1–26. Adding the Power Play option for $1 can multiply non-jackpot winnings up to 10 times.

While jackpot winners often make headlines, stories like Carrie Edwards’ stand out for their generosity and impact.

Legacy of Carrie Edwards’ Win

Carrie’s story has gone viral, inspiring thousands across the country. Many praised her for turning luck into kindness and service, proving that lottery winnings can change not only one life but many.

Her decision has already sparked debates about how people should use unexpected wealth. For Edwards, the choice was simple: “I wanted this blessing to bless others.”