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A North Carolina man is "in shock" after landing a "surreal" lottery win, but he already has big plans to give back to a good cause to help those in need.
Shannon Murphy, of Raleigh, picked up a Quick Pick $2 Lucky for Life ticket at the Food Lion on Leesville Road that ultimately landed him a prize of $25,000 a year for life after the aptly-named ticket matched all five white balls called in the June 27 drawing, according to a release from the NC Education Lottery.
"This is very surreal and exciting," he said, adding to lottery officials, "We are still in shock right now. We didn't believe it until we got here today."
Murphy claimed his prize at lottery headquarters on Monday (July 15) where he had the choice of receiving his win as either the $25,000 a year for the rest of his life or as a one time, lump sum payment of $390,000. He ended up choosing the latter and took home a total of $278,850 after all required state and federal tax withholdings.
According to lottery officials, Murphy already has plans for his winnings. In addition to buying a new car and investing some of the funds, he hopes to contribute to a good cause.
"I want to give to a good cause," he said. "It's good karma to give back to those who need it."