Wilmington dad becomes lottery winner after 'Father’s Day gift'

William Bon Viso, who usually receives scratch-offs as a Father’s Day gift from his aunt, has won a $250,000 prize, according to a news release from the North Carolina Education Lottery.

But this year instead of any scratch-offs, he received $20 cash.

“I kept the tradition and bought them myself,” Bon Viso said. “A $20 Father’s Day gift became a blessing.”

When Bon Viso checked his ticket, he started shaking because he couldn’t believe how much he won.

“I was like in another world,” he recalled. “I was on a cloud.”

Bon Viso bought his lucky 20X The Cash ticket from the Walmart on Sigmon Road in Wilmington.

“Life is just all about timing,” Bon Viso said. “It just shows you have to always follow your gut.”

He claimed his prize at lottery headquarters Friday and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $178,751.

“This is beyond a dream come true,” he said.

Bon Viso said he plans to invest his winnings and possibly take a trip.