International Day of Friendship: Man splits $22M lottery money with friend [A 30-year promise]

On July 30, the United Nations General Assembly celebrates the International Day of Friendship. The UN encourages governments, groups, and other organizations to facilitate events promoting happiness and unity among friends.

On this special day, try to connect with people and build bridges among different cultures and countries. It is one way to divert our attention from the hard times that people have been experiencing since the pandemic happened.

Here is an inspiring story of a man who values his friendship over money. 

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(Photo : Instagram/wilottery)

The promise of longtime friends

Almost 30 years ago, longtime friends promised that if either of them wins the lottery, they will share it. In late June, Thomas Cook took home a Powerball ticket that won him $22 million. It just meant that his friend, Joseph Feeney, also won the lottery.

As part of keeping the agreement that the two friends made in 1992, the duo explained to Wisconsin's lottery their plan with the money. Cook wants to be a man and said that "a handshake's a handshake."

Feeney said that whoever hits the jackpot prize shall split the cash in two. He said that they bought tickets every week but did not think that it would happen.

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Life-changing news

A press release states that Cook bought his winning ticket priced at $2 ahead of the June 10 draw at a Synergy Coop in Menomonie. He heard the life-changing news while he was eating breakfast.

He said that it was quite an experience when he read the first two or three numbers. He admitted that he somewhat froze, so he handed the tickets to his wife. After seeing the numbers, his wife froze too.

Cook wanted to tell Feeney the good news, so he called his friend of 30 years. The shocked Feeney recalled asking his friend if he was joking.

See also: Viral video: Heartwarming reunion of 3-year-old best friends [they were separated by lockdown]

 

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A post shared by Wisconsin Lottery (@wilottery) on Jul 23, 2020 at 10:15am PDT

Retirement fund

According to the press release, the two chose the cash option. After taxes were deducted, each man took home $5.7 million. With one in 292,201,338 odds of winning, Cook was able to fund his retirement. He gave two weeks of notice at work before retiring promptly.

He said that he could not think of any better way to retire. He is looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Best of all, he is not worrying if he has time, where they can go, and if he could afford it.

The two previously traveled with their wives on a road trip riding a PT Cruiser convertible. This time, the foursome hopes to splurge on something a bit larger than that. Cook bought another two tickets, saying that he has got nothing to lose.