NC Grandfather Gives Granddaughter Winning Lottery Ticket

MOORESVILLE, NC — A North Carolina grandfather who bought a lottery ticket for his granddaughter after a Palm Sunday breakfast and now, the 22-year-old University of North Carolina-Wilmington student will receive $25,000 annually for life.

Peter Beckage, 85, bought the winning “Lucky for Life” lottery ticket April 14 at the Carlton’s Hampton Road Grocery in Clemmons after enjoying a pancake breakfast with his granddaughter Kelly Thomas.

Clemmons is about 50 miles north of Mooresville, in Forsyth County.

He told lottery officials the game is one of his favorites. “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 said Beckage’s gift will help pay for tuition, books and her living expenses 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. “I’ve always dreamed of being a Catholic school teacher and helping people. This money makes it possible for me.”

Thomas and Beckage claimed her prize at lottery headquarters in Raleigh this past week.

“Lucky for Life” winners are guaranteed $25,000 a year for life, or 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, North Carolina Education Lottery said.