Woman says grandkids are ‘first priority’ after winning huge NC lottery prize
A North Carolina lottery player won a huge prize on a scratch-off ticket and plans to spend it on family.
LuAnn Chico bought a $20 Ruby Red 7’s ticket Aug. 22 from a Sheetz convenience store in Winston-Salem, according to a news release from the North Carolina Education Lottery.
“I love the Ruby Red’s,” Chico told lottery officials. “You know how there’s one ticket you always latch on to.”
Then, she experienced a lottery player’s dream. She won $100,000.
Chico said she already has plans for her prize.
“I have four grandchildren and they are our first priority,” she said. “This is just going to help so many people.”
The win didn’t sink in until she went to lottery headquarters to receive her winnings.
“It’s getting real now,” she said as she held the big check. “I love it.”
After taxes, she took home $71,756.
The Ruby Red 7’s game debuted in August with three $2 million top prizes and nine $100,000 prizes. Two $2 million prizes and six $100,000 prizes were unclaimed as of Aug. 22, according to the lottery.
This story was originally published August 24, 2025 at 10:56 AM with the headline "Woman says grandkids are ‘first priority’ after winning huge NC lottery prize."
