In recognition of our shared responsibility to help one another, a Virginia Lottery winner is marking their $150,000 prize not with personal gain but with generosity—donating the full amount to three nonprofit organizations serving families, health, and community.
Carrie Edwards won the prize by matching four of the first five numbers plus the Powerball number in the Sept. 8 Powerball drawing. Normally, that wins $50,000. However, the Midlothian woman spent an extra dollar for Power Play® when she bought the ticket, which tripled the prize to $150,000. She bought her ticket online, using the Virginia Lottery’s mobile app – the first time she ever bought a Lottery ticket online!
On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Carrie received her Powerball prize from Virginia Lottery Executive Director Khalid Jones. Carrie immediately gave away the entire winnings as three gifts.
The first gift will go to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), supporting urgent research, education, and family resources for those affected by early-onset dementia. The donation is made in memory of Steve Edwards, Carrie’s devoted husband, father, firefighter, and man of service who passed away from FTD.
“This cause is deeply personal,” said Carrie. “During World FTD Awareness Month, I wanted this gift to shine a light on the families who are fighting this disease and on the researchers working toward a cure. God is blessing me, so I can bless others through Him. After all, we are all just walking each other Home.”
The second donation supports Shalom Farms, a nonprofit farm and food justice organization working for an equitable food system in Richmond, VA. With two production farms, dozens of partners, and innovative food access programs, Shalom Farms grows and distributes over 400,000 servings of Certified Naturally Grown produce every year.
The third contribution will benefit Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, which provides financial, educational, and emergency assistance to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.
“These three organizations represent healing, service, and community,” Carrie continued. “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. I feel blessed that this unexpected lottery win could serve a greater purpose.”
Leaders from each organization expressed gratitude:
- “This generous gift will directly support vital research and family services in the fight against FTD,” said Susan Dickerson, CEO at AFTD.
- ”We are grateful for Carrie’s commitment to the work of Shalom Farms. Her gift will ensure that families throughout Richmond continue to have access to high-quality, affordable fresh produce,“ said Anna Ibrahim, Executive Director of Shalom Farms.
- “This support strengthens our mission of standing beside sailors, Marines, and their loved ones during times of financial stress,” said Lt. Gen. Robert R Ruark, President and CEO, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
By donating the entire prize, Carrie hopes others will be inspired to see unexpected blessings as opportunities to give back.
“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,” said Lottery Executive Director Khalid Jones. “By playing the Lottery, Ms. Edwards, and all other Virginia Lottery players, support K-12 public education in the Commonwealth. That’s why the Lottery exists.”