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An eastern North Carolina man had a big surprise in store for his wife on her birthday, according to a press release from the North Carolina Education Lottery.

Jone Buadromo, from Bayboro, won $100,000 playing Powerball, but he delayed collecting the prize for almost two months because he wanted to tell his wife the good news on her birthday.

“I waited until the end of May because I wanted to surprise her on her birthday with the win,” Buadromo said.

When he announced the news on his wife’s birthday, he said she didn’t initially believe him. “She thought I was making a joke or something,” Buadromo laughed. “I told her, ‘No we really won.’”

Buadromo’s $3 Power Play ticket matched numbers on four white balls and the Powerball in the April 11 drawing to win $50,000 and his prize doubled to $100,000 when the 2X multiplier hit.

“I didn’t believe it at first either,” he said. “I just tried to keep calm as much as possible.”

Buadromo, 72, purchased his ticket from the Handy Mart on NC 55 in Alliance. He claimed his prize Thursday, June 3 at lottery headquarters and, after required federal and state tax withholdings, took home $71,011.

Buadromo said he is considering using his winnings to buy some land at the beach and possibly build a rental home.

For details on how money raised by the lottery made an impact in 2021, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.

CHECK OUT OUR OUTLOOK EDITION FOR 2022 HERE.

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