Crystal Dunn, 42, a single mother of three and resident of Louisville, USA, earlier this month achieved a feat longed for by many: she won the lottery. She wagered $20 (R$109) online and took the jackpot of $146,351 (R$799K).
After the shock was over, the first thing he thought was that he wanted to share the prize with other people. The reason, she said in a conversation with The Washington Post, was to know what it was like to face difficult economic situations. “I know what it’s like to fight.”
Dunn went to a local market, bought 20 gift cards worth $100, and then randomly handed them to people in the store, all of whom were unknown. “Many people were in disbelief,” said the American, who also received hugs from the recipients.
The amount earned, she clarifies, should also help to complement expenses for which she had already been saving, such as the purchase of a new car and improvements to the house where she lives with her children. After taxes, Dunn received a check for $104,000, but calculates that with the fees still to come, she’ll pocket about $75,000.
But, in addition to the unexpected and timely help, she says the main meaning of the award was knowing that, in a way, she shared her luck with other people. “I believe in trying to help others,” she says.
Dunn reported having struggled throughout childhood and adolescence. At age 9, he began to live in foster homes, until, at 16, he ran away. Afterwards, he managed to graduate from college and join an insurance company where he works to this day. “I went through a lot of things that kids should never go through.”
Officials at the Kentucky lottery, where the bet was placed, said they were moved by the winner’s action. But Chip Polston, deputy head of communications for the venue, said Dunn’s action well symbolized the real value of the award for many of the winners.
“For most, it’s not the material things that really brought them the most joy, it’s what they were able to do for other people,” he told the Post.
Dunn agrees. “No matter what life you have, you can make decisions to make it better and make a positive impact on the lives of others,” says the American, who was reluctant to grant interviews but decided to do so to fill the news with cases of hope.
