BEDFORD — For Sonya Ingram, retirement was already a high-octane affair. Between gardening, maintaining her yard, and the meticulous restoration of a 1969 Ford Torino GT Fastback, she and her husband have kept their schedules full. Now, that schedule includes a trip to the bank after a routine lottery play turned into a $50,000 windfall.
The Bedford resident claimed her big prize this week after matching four out of five numbers and the Powerball in the Wednesday, March 11 drawing.
Ingram is a regular at the Quick Stop on 16th Street in Bedford, where she frequently stops to pick up her favorite Draw games. While she has seen smaller wins of $50 and $500 over the years, the five-figure prize was a shock.
“You go through the years just playing for fun, never thinking you’ll actually win,” Ingram told Hoosier Lottery officials. “When I realized I had won, it was hard to believe it had really happened.”
The “Scream” of Success
The discovery process was a journey in itself. Ingram first scanned her ticket using the Hoosier Lottery mobile app, which prompted her to contact the main Prize Payment office rather than showing a specific amount. After double-checking the ticket at the retailer, she finally made the call that changed her month.
“When I called and found out the amount, I screamed,” she admitted. “I couldn’t believe it.”
While most of the winnings are destined for the couple’s savings account, a portion of the prize is being diverted to a very specific project: the garage.
The Ingrams have been working to restore a 1969 Ford Torino GT Fastback, a classic piece of American muscle. The $50,000 win will provide a significant boost to the restoration fund, helping bring the vintage vehicle back to its former glory.
Indiana’s Powerball Legacy
Ingram’s win adds to Indiana’s storied history with the game. Since the first drawing in 1992—which produced a jackpot winner right here in the Hoosier State—Indiana has led the nation with 39 Powerball jackpot wins.
For those looking to follow in Ingram’s footsteps, the Powerball jackpot for tonight, Monday, March 16, is estimated at $88 million.
The winning numbers for Ingram’s $50,000 draw were 3-6-55-58-63 with a Powerball of 12.
Powerball® Overall Odds are 1 in 25. You must be 18 or older to play. Please play responsibly. For Gambling problems call the Gambling Helpline at 1-800-994-8448.
