Virginia (US): In an extraordinary story blending artificial intelligence and human generosity, a woman in Virginia has stunned the world by winning $150,000 in the lottery with the help of ChatGPT—and then donating the entire amount to charity.
How AI Picked the Winning Numbers
Carrie Edwards, a resident of Virginia, struck gold in the September 8 Virginia Powerball draw. She matched four of the first five numbers plus the Powerball, securing a $50,000 prize. But thanks to the $1 Power Play feature, her winnings tripled to $150,000 (about ₹1.32 crore), according to reports.
The twist? Edwards didn’t rely on luck alone—she turned to ChatGPT for her numbers.
“I simply asked: ‘Do you have numbers for me?’ and used what it gave me,” she recalled. Two days later, her phone buzzed with a notification. At first, she thought it was a scam. “I thought, ‘I know I didn’t win,’” she said. But reality set in—AI had handed her a six-figure win.
Choosing Generosity Over Luxury
While many lottery winners splurge on cars, houses, or vacations, Edwards made a decision that shocked everyone—she gave away every single dollar.
“As soon as that divine windfall happened and came down upon my shoulders, I knew exactly what I needed to do with it,” she explained. “I’ve been so blessed, and I want this to be an example of how, when people are blessed, they can bless others.”
Who Benefited From Her Donation?
Edwards split her entire prize across three causes deeply personal to her:
- The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD): funding research into the disease that claimed her husband life in 2024.
- Shalom Farms: a nonprofit in Virginia dedicated to fighting food insecurity through sustainable farming.
- The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: supporting military families in need.
Her selfless decision has since gone viral, earning praise for turning an AI-powered windfall into a life-changing gesture for many.
AI Surprising Role
While ChatGPT is commonly used for work, studies, and advice, this case shows how AI is increasingly touching lives in unexpected and surprising ways. What began as a casual experiment in asking an AI for lottery numbers ended in a moment of incredible generosity—blending technology with humanity.
An Inspiring Example
Carrie Edwards’ story is not just about luck, but about compassion and perspective. In an era where AI is often criticized for its risks, she showed how technology can also spark moments of hope.
Her words echo with simplicity and strength:
“I’ve been blessed. Now I want to bless others.”
