Kelly Thomas of Clemmons got the gift of a lifetime - $25,000 a year for life, for the rest of her life - from her grandfather, Peter Beckage after he bought a winning Lucky for Life ticket.
Beckage, who recently moved in with his daughter to be close to family, says Lucky for Life is one of his go-to games. He bought the winning ticket at Carlton’s Hampton Road Grocery in Clemmons on April 14th, after a Palm Sunday breakfast of pancakes with his granddaughter.
"Those pancakes actually made me start my day a little later," said Beckage. "Maybe the machine wouldn't have picked the same numbers if I had bought the ticket when I normally would."
"Luckiest pancakes ever," said Thomas.
“I knew if I ever won anything big, I would share it,” said Beckage. “I’m happy with the little wins, and I’m so happy this is a gift I can give to her.”
Thomas, who will soon be attending UNC-Wilmington, plans to use her grandfather’s gift to pay for tuition, books and food as she studies to become an elementary school teacher.
“To be able to focus on something I’m passionate about thanks to my grandpa is an amazing gift,” said Thomas. “My faith is important to me, I’ve always dreamed of being a Catholic school teacher and helping people. This money makes it possible for me.”
Beckage stayed up late Monday night to check the drawing. “First I saw I had three numbers and I thought, "Oh, I won something, maybe $20. When I got all five, I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I had a hard time getting back to sleep I was so excited.”
The next morning at church, Beckage couldn’t focus on his prayers. He texted his daughter about his win and what he planned to do with the prize. They then waited together for his granddaughter to come home from volunteering.
“Kelly, how would you like to have $25,000 a year for the rest of your life?” said Beckage as he greeted his granddaughter.
“Oh my gosh Grandpa, did you win the lottery?” said Thomas.
Thomas and her grandfather claimed her prize at lottery headquarters in Raleigh Wednesday. Winners are guaranteed $25,000 a year for life and have the option of taking a lump sum of $390,000. Thomas chose the annuity and received her first annual payment. After federal and state tax withholdings, she took home $17,688.