During a recent conversation about lottery tickets, a Bobby Bones Show listener named “Chili” from Delaware called in to share a jaw-dropping story that proves sometimes luck really does strike when you least expect it.
Three years ago, Chili was asked by his wife to pick up a few items at a convenience store when a woman in line was arguing with the cashier about being handed the wrong lottery ticket. The commotion was holding up the line, so Chili stepped in and said, “I’ll take it.” He paid just $3 for the ticket, tossed it in his car’s console, and completely forgot about it. Months later, while reaching for a pen, he stumbled across the ticket and decided to check it, only to discover it had hit for $10 million. After taxes, he cashed out at $6.2 million.
But instead of rushing to share the news with his family, Chili decided to keep it a secret, even from his wife. He met with a lawyer, set up accounts for his kids and grandkids (accessible when they turn 30), and even gave the cashier who sold him the ticket $10,000 knowing it's a tough job many days. He also donated $500,000 to his church, saying God put him in the right place at the right time. As for his wife? Chili says she might be suspicious since he keeps paying bills without dipping into their regular account, but she still doesn’t know the full story. He’s set aside $2 million for her and plans to tell her one day… maybe in his will.
Through it all, Chili insists he hasn’t splurged or changed his lifestyle. No flashy cars, no extravagant spending, just quiet generosity and a plan to take care of his loved ones.