I won $5 million in the Colorado Lottery and my first purchase was a watermelon
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He first thought it was a mistake. But Waldemar ‘Bud’ T. from Montrose, CO, had actually struck it rich by winning the $5,067,041 Colorado Lotto+ jackpot.
And his first action was to buy a watermelon for himself and a bunch of flowers for his wife.
Bud, a 77-year-old retiree, was in the midst of a backpacking adventure in the Holy Cross Wilderness, accompanied by his faithful golden retriever, Augie, when fortune in the shape of the Colorado Lottery smiled upon him.
His chosen numbers hit the jackpot during the drawing on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.
On his return from the trip, Bud couldn't believe his eyes as he checked his ticket on the lottery website. He thought, "It must be a mistake!"
Despite his age, Bud is a dedicated outdoorsman who fully embraces the scenic beauty of Colorado. He enjoys various outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, climbing, and playing tennis.
Bud and his wife lead a unique lifestyle, dividing their time equally between Arizona and Colorado, residing in each for six months of the year.
Bud has a deep appreciation for Colorado's natural wonders, often remarking that "Colorado is the most beautiful place in the world."
During his time in Colorado, he consistently plays the Colorado Lotto+ with his personal set of lucky numbers, which he selects using a secret formula.
Bud purchased his winning ticket from the Hangin Tree Travel Plaza in Montrose, and when he decided to claim his prize, he opted for the cash option, which amounted to $2,533,520.
His first move with his newfound wealth was both simple and touching: he purchased a watermelon for himself and flowers for his beloved wife.
For Bud, life may be uncomplicated, but he is now in a position to lend a helping hand as his wife faces upcoming surgeries. He plans to take on household and yard responsibilities while she recovers, providing much-needed support during her healing process.
Additionally, Bud intends to give back to the community with his winnings, expressing his desire to contribute to charitable causes and carefully consider how he can make a positive impact.
"I'm going to give to some charities and really think about what it is I was meant to do with this," he shared, reflecting the generous spirit that has defined his life's journey.
