Grandmother who used ChatGPT to pick winning Powerball numbers reveals why she donated all $150,000

A grandmother who turned to an AI chat bot to help her pick winning lottery numbers has donated all of it to charity.

Carrie Edwards of Midlothian, Virginia, amazingly won big with her Powerball numbers when playing the Virginia Lottery.

The grandmother revealed she used ChatGPT to help her pick all of the numbers, which came up as a match for four of the first five as well as the Powerball in the September 8 game.

Recalling the moment she turned to AI to help, she said: "I’m like, ‘Hey, ChatGPT, talk to me. … Do you have numbers for me?’"

While the chatbot said it all boils down to luck, Carrie decided to go with the numbers it generated.

Two days later, she said she received a notification to collect her lottery winnings.

She won big playing the Virginia Lottery (Getty)

The result saw her win $50,000 straight off the bat, but because she also purchased the Power Play option, her prize draw tripled to a whopping $150,000.

Yet rather than keep it all to herself, Carrie has selflessly decided to give every dollar of her massive winnings to causes close to her heart.

She said: "I knew I needed to give it all away because I’ve been so blessed, and I want this to be an example of how other people, when they’re blessed, can bless other people."

"I feel blessed that this unexpected lottery win could serve a greater purpose," she added.

Her first donation went to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), an organization that supports research, education and other resources to help those affected by early-onset dementia and their families.

Carrie said in a news conference that she chose the AFTD as her late husband, Steve, who worked as a firefighter, died after battling the disease.

The retired PR executive said on her donation: "This cause is deeply personal."

Carrie tripled her winnings after playing the Power Play (Getty)

Next, she chose to give to Shalom Farms, a farm and food justice nonprofit in Richmond that dishes up more than 400,000 servings of fresh produce every year, where she also volunteers.

Shalom Farms said in a post on Facebook: "Carrie has poured her time and energy into our work for years, and her generosity reflects the same spirit she brings as a volunteer: neighbors caring for neighbors.

"Her gift will help us keep building a more equitable food system here in Richmond.

"Thank you, Carrie, for showing what community looks like in action, and proving once again- that we have the BEST volunteers."

Her third and final charitable gift went to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) which supports active-duty service members, veterans and their families with financial and other emergency assistance.

Carrie volunteers at the farm (Facebook/Shalom Farms)

The donation came in honor of her father, Captain Peter Swanson, a Navy fighter pilot.

The charity said in a statement: "He [Capt. Swanson] and his wife instilled in their children the importance of giving back, making giving to NMCRS a family tradition.

"Now, with Carrie’s extraordinary gift, the Swanson family’s commitment grows even stronger — ensuring Sailors, Marines, and their families receive the vital support they deserve."

Carrie added when announcing her top three chosen charities: "Shalom Farms heals through food and soil, AFTD brings hope through research and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society carries forward the tradition of supporting military families in times of need."

Khalid Jones, executive director of the Virginia Lottery also said: "All of us at the Lottery are delighted to see this prize being shared with worthy causes, due to the wonderful generosity of Carrie Edwards."