RALEIGH — A scratch-off ticket worth millions was sold at a Catawba County food mart, N.C. Education Lottery officials announced.
Shannon Hilmon, of Hampton, Tennessee, won the $5 million top prize from a Millionaire Bucks scratch-off lottery ticket purchased at the Newland Quality Mart on Cranberry Street in Newland.
Hilmon claimed the prize on a Friday, opting for a single lump-sum payout of $3 million rather than an annuity paying $250,000 annually across 20 years. After required state and federal tax withholdings, Hilmon received a net payout of $2,160,308.
Hilmon was in Newland for work when stopping at the Cranberry Street convenience store. After playing two initial scratch-off tickets, Hilmon bought the $30 Millionaire Bucks ticket and revealed the winning symbols while sitting in a car on a Wednesday.
Hilmon expressed disbelief after realizing the ticket had won the $5 million top prize.
“I didn’t think it was real,” Hilmon said.
Following the win, Hilmon visited his wife at her workplace to share the news.
“I thought someone was going to jump out and say, ‘April Fools!’” Hilmon’s wife said. “I was shaking and laughing.”
The couple intends to use the lottery proceeds to pay outstanding bills, assist their children, support their church and potentially purchase a car.