North Carolina Couple Wins $1 Million Lottery — and Finally Gets the Honeymoon They Missed 31 Years Ago
HOLLY SPRINGS, NORTH CAROLINA — A North Carolina woman’s spur-of-the-moment lottery ticket purchase has turned into a dream come true — and a long-overdue honeymoon for her and her husband of 31 years.
Cheryl Bach, from Holly Springs, won $1 million after buying a $50 scratch-off ticket from a Harris Teeter grocery store in the Raleigh suburbs. The winning ticket came from the $10 Million Spectacular game, part of the North Carolina Education Lottery series.
“I Had to Put My Glasses On”
Bach said she could hardly believe her eyes when she saw the winning numbers.
“I had to put my glasses on to make sure I was seeing it right,” she told lottery officials. “I was shaking for the rest of the day.”
Her husband was equally stunned, taking a few minutes to process the news. “He didn’t believe me,” Bach said with a laugh. “I had to take a picture to show him.”
Game Details and Payout
The $10 Million Spectacular game launched in December 2023, featuring five $10 million prizes, 20 $1 million prizes, and 20 $100,000 prizes. All of the $10 million top prizes have already been claimed, and lottery officials say the game is now being phased out.
Bach had the option to take her prize as a $50,000 annual payment over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000. She chose the lump sum, taking home $430,514 after taxes.
Finally Taking Their Dream Honeymoon
After more than three decades of marriage, the couple is using part of their winnings to take their long-awaited honeymoon — a trip they never got to enjoy when they first married.
“I’m going to take a vacation with my husband that will finally be our honeymoon,” Bach shared. “I haven’t decided where yet.”
In addition to planning their long-delayed getaway, the couple also intends to pay off bills and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
A Life-Changing Win, Decades in the Making
For the Bachs, the lottery win isn’t just about money — it’s about time. After years of work and family life, the couple is finally making good on a promise they made decades ago: to see the world together.
Their story has already inspired countless North Carolinians, reminding others that sometimes, it’s never too late to make a dream come true.
Stay updated on more uplifting stories, community wins, and lifestyle features at NapervilleLocal.com, your trusted source for local and human-interest news.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.