Winners List
(6 Month History)
Congratulations to our winners and thank you all for your participation!
(6 Month History)
Congratulations to our winners and thank you all for your participation!
6/9/25 - Elsje Collins, Tualatin, OR
What a thrill this is!!!
I honestly was stunned (and a little overwhelmed!) when I realized I’d been picked this week. I am thoroughly middle aged - and a little bit of a technological luddite. Setting up accounts and sorting through all of the business end of this has been a learning experience. I don’t know how many hours I spent on that, but it was a lot!! Luckily, with a little bit of handholding from the admin I feel like I’m in pretty good shape. I have learned SO MUCH, and if nothing else, I’m grateful for that. I honestly had only the dimmest understanding of bitcoin and now I’ve got a bitcoin wallet! What?!?!
A bit about me… Middle aged like I said before. I’m a speech therapist, a plant lover, and I have a very rare neurodegenerative disease called Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. It’s a progressive disease, and although nobody would wish for something like that, if you’re going to have a neurodegenerative disease, I pretty much have the very best one.
Honestly, I am pretty lucky. I’m in a profession that I love, a place that I love - all of my needs for shelter, food, safety, companionship are met… I know that I’m doing better already than so many, and I have so much to be grateful for in my life.
As to what I plan to do with donations… I had a lot of time yesterday to think about it!!!
First - I need some things for my students - I need a voice amplifier and some new materials that I can use both in person and for distance learning. If I can find one cheap, I’d also really love to have a second monitor to make teletherapy easier to manage. I’ve already spent so much of my own money on teachers pay teachers and other sites, but there are many more materials and supplies that would help make this challenging school year a little better and easier.
Second - I have my eye on a couple plants - a rubber tree tineke and a manjula pothos… neither of them are very expensive or rare, I just haven’t felt like I had the leeway in my wallet to treat myself to those recently.
And last, but certainly not least. The Spastic Paraplegia Foundation (SPF) is the national organization dedicated to advancing research and finding cures for two groups of closely related, progressive neurological disorders (Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia and Primary Lateral Sclerosis). I have been participating in all of the studies available to me - (knowledge is power!) and although I don’t have a lot of money to donate towards research, I certainly don’t mind being a guinea pig in the hopes that someday a treatment or a cure might be found. There are clinical trials going on in Australia right now and they’re working on funding to bring trials to the US as well. If any of you are so inclined and want to learn more you can check out sp-foundation.org.
Thank you to all!
UPDATE: This has been a crazy 24-ish hours!! I'm not gonna lie, seeing all the notifications about money coming into my accounts has been exciting, but what's been even more meaningful to me are all the kind words, congratulations, and well wishes from all over the world. My heart feels full and warm and I sincerely wish that everyone could experience this. It's amazing and even after the money is gone I will remember this feeling. I hope all of you who have donated know that I genuinely appreciate it and I will be certain to put this money to good use. I've tried to keep up with thanking everyone - if I missed you it wasn't intentional.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me this amazing gift.
What a thrill this is!!!
I honestly was stunned (and a little overwhelmed!) when I realized I’d been picked this week. I am thoroughly middle aged - and a little bit of a technological luddite. Setting up accounts and sorting through all of the business end of this has been a learning experience. I don’t know how many hours I spent on that, but it was a lot!! Luckily, with a little bit of handholding from the admin I feel like I’m in pretty good shape. I have learned SO MUCH, and if nothing else, I’m grateful for that. I honestly had only the dimmest understanding of bitcoin and now I’ve got a bitcoin wallet! What?!?!
A bit about me… Middle aged like I said before. I’m a speech therapist, a plant lover, and I have a very rare neurodegenerative disease called Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. It’s a progressive disease, and although nobody would wish for something like that, if you’re going to have a neurodegenerative disease, I pretty much have the very best one.
Honestly, I am pretty lucky. I’m in a profession that I love, a place that I love - all of my needs for shelter, food, safety, companionship are met… I know that I’m doing better already than so many, and I have so much to be grateful for in my life.
As to what I plan to do with donations… I had a lot of time yesterday to think about it!!!
First - I need some things for my students - I need a voice amplifier and some new materials that I can use both in person and for distance learning. If I can find one cheap, I’d also really love to have a second monitor to make teletherapy easier to manage. I’ve already spent so much of my own money on teachers pay teachers and other sites, but there are many more materials and supplies that would help make this challenging school year a little better and easier.
Second - I have my eye on a couple plants - a rubber tree tineke and a manjula pothos… neither of them are very expensive or rare, I just haven’t felt like I had the leeway in my wallet to treat myself to those recently.
And last, but certainly not least. The Spastic Paraplegia Foundation (SPF) is the national organization dedicated to advancing research and finding cures for two groups of closely related, progressive neurological disorders (Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia and Primary Lateral Sclerosis). I have been participating in all of the studies available to me - (knowledge is power!) and although I don’t have a lot of money to donate towards research, I certainly don’t mind being a guinea pig in the hopes that someday a treatment or a cure might be found. There are clinical trials going on in Australia right now and they’re working on funding to bring trials to the US as well. If any of you are so inclined and want to learn more you can check out sp-foundation.org.
Thank you to all!
UPDATE: This has been a crazy 24-ish hours!! I'm not gonna lie, seeing all the notifications about money coming into my accounts has been exciting, but what's been even more meaningful to me are all the kind words, congratulations, and well wishes from all over the world. My heart feels full and warm and I sincerely wish that everyone could experience this. It's amazing and even after the money is gone I will remember this feeling. I hope all of you who have donated know that I genuinely appreciate it and I will be certain to put this money to good use. I've tried to keep up with thanking everyone - if I missed you it wasn't intentional.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me this amazing gift.
6/2/25 - Ephraem Kruger, Kent, WA
Hello! Let me start out with wow, just wow and thank you to those making this possible! I am a 21-year-old musician from the pacific northwest currently in school for composition.
I can’t accurately describe how I felt when I won. It was like a dull excitement that grew into hysteria. I cried, real tears, I was and am so happy. I screamed a bit. I am also so incredibly relieved in many ways, humbled and proud.
A Fun thing would probably be getting some computer upgrades to further my music career. Maybe like a custom build or a better laptop. The majority of this money will go to helping my fiancé and I stay afloat in rent, utilities, and transportation. This money will, in all, take away so much stress in our lives in this crazy world.
Again, thank you all so much! I can’t express how happy I am!
Hello! Let me start out with wow, just wow and thank you to those making this possible! I am a 21-year-old musician from the pacific northwest currently in school for composition.
I can’t accurately describe how I felt when I won. It was like a dull excitement that grew into hysteria. I cried, real tears, I was and am so happy. I screamed a bit. I am also so incredibly relieved in many ways, humbled and proud.
A Fun thing would probably be getting some computer upgrades to further my music career. Maybe like a custom build or a better laptop. The majority of this money will go to helping my fiancé and I stay afloat in rent, utilities, and transportation. This money will, in all, take away so much stress in our lives in this crazy world.
Again, thank you all so much! I can’t express how happy I am!
5/26/25 - Lusine Moskovyan, Temecula, CA
This has honestly been an amazing experience, just seeing the notifications pop up made me feel fuzzy inside. Never expected to be the winner of a drawing that had so many participants and I’m still in disbelief at my luck and all the kind messages that I’ve received from all of you.
I’m currently a student studying political science while doing some freelance work on the side when I have the time. I’m planning on putting this money towards new cushions for my cat to file her nails on, and maybe a little towards student loans if there’s anything left after that. I still live with my parents and grandparents, but I am in Southern California, so I don’t think it’s that unexpected. I spend most of my free time playing video games (xbox and pc), basketball, and noodling around on my guitar.
Can’t wait to pay it forward as this goes on. I think it would be amazing to crowdfund a millionaire one day. Thank you for all your donations, it means a lot to me, more than I could write up in this post just so I don’t reveal too much personal info. Wish I could message you all individually but that probably isn’t realistic, so thank you for your contributions and I hope you all have a happy holiday season, I know I’m going to thanks to your generosity.
This has honestly been an amazing experience, just seeing the notifications pop up made me feel fuzzy inside. Never expected to be the winner of a drawing that had so many participants and I’m still in disbelief at my luck and all the kind messages that I’ve received from all of you.
I’m currently a student studying political science while doing some freelance work on the side when I have the time. I’m planning on putting this money towards new cushions for my cat to file her nails on, and maybe a little towards student loans if there’s anything left after that. I still live with my parents and grandparents, but I am in Southern California, so I don’t think it’s that unexpected. I spend most of my free time playing video games (xbox and pc), basketball, and noodling around on my guitar.
Can’t wait to pay it forward as this goes on. I think it would be amazing to crowdfund a millionaire one day. Thank you for all your donations, it means a lot to me, more than I could write up in this post just so I don’t reveal too much personal info. Wish I could message you all individually but that probably isn’t realistic, so thank you for your contributions and I hope you all have a happy holiday season, I know I’m going to thanks to your generosity.
5/19/25 - Danielle Levine, Albany, OR
Let me start by saying this really surprised me! I was asleep when the notifications started, then I woke up and looked at my phone and was completely shocked. I had a big test that day and all i could think about was the fact that i won. (By the way, I probably failed the test).
A little bit about me: I am 23 and I am a college student, learning computer science. I work part time as a a waiter and love gaming, especially first-person shooters like Rainbow Six and CSGO. I also like making video games, but I don't publish them. The money will go to help me pay my rent and student loans, nothing special. Just trying to close my debts and stuff.
Let me start by saying this really surprised me! I was asleep when the notifications started, then I woke up and looked at my phone and was completely shocked. I had a big test that day and all i could think about was the fact that i won. (By the way, I probably failed the test).
A little bit about me: I am 23 and I am a college student, learning computer science. I work part time as a a waiter and love gaming, especially first-person shooters like Rainbow Six and CSGO. I also like making video games, but I don't publish them. The money will go to help me pay my rent and student loans, nothing special. Just trying to close my debts and stuff.
5/12/25 - Tibor Bauer, Lancaster, PA
My name is Tibor, and I’m just a regular every-day normal guy. Going to be celebrating my 33rd b-day in a couple of weeks and I could not have wished for a nicer present than this!
I work as a Technical Consultant at a local IT company, where I facilitate data migration into archiving solutions and cloud storage systems. This is every bit as fascinating as it sounds /s. In my free time I enjoy nature, climbing walls, going biking, and if the weather does not let me go out, I spend my time learning about watch complications or mixing techno with my bedroom DJ setup at home, or just watching stupid movies.
Due to an unscheduled dental emergency, I spent most of my week in the dental cabinet, and I was still pumped up on anaesthetics when I got home and opened my laptop to see the news. Surprised is an understatement. I tried my best to send a thank-you note to all commenters. Sorry if I missed yours!
I'm sure that the winnings will go mostly to cover my medical bills, but I am going to donate 10% of this to a local org called Beard Brothers. They are known for funding ambulances and creating great care packages for local orphanages and old folks homes.
I want to thank you all in advance for your donations and positive vibes. You are all amazing! I have to sleep now, it's past 4 Am where I live. What a day...
* I've been up for a couple of hours now trying to get through all messages and the mountain of notifications. I'm sure this is a once-in-a-lifetime feeling and am trying to ride it while it lasts. I'm overwhelmed by all the positive messages, amazing vibes and b-day wishes. I appreciate all of them.
Since people have been asking, I'll try to add some edits to keep you posted with progress. So far it's ~$500 on PayPal and Revolut combined and ~$45 in combined crypto. I can't thank you enough! I'll be waiting a few days for things to slow down and really looking forward to making my donation. Everything else is going to fund my pearly whites :)
My name is Tibor, and I’m just a regular every-day normal guy. Going to be celebrating my 33rd b-day in a couple of weeks and I could not have wished for a nicer present than this!
I work as a Technical Consultant at a local IT company, where I facilitate data migration into archiving solutions and cloud storage systems. This is every bit as fascinating as it sounds /s. In my free time I enjoy nature, climbing walls, going biking, and if the weather does not let me go out, I spend my time learning about watch complications or mixing techno with my bedroom DJ setup at home, or just watching stupid movies.
Due to an unscheduled dental emergency, I spent most of my week in the dental cabinet, and I was still pumped up on anaesthetics when I got home and opened my laptop to see the news. Surprised is an understatement. I tried my best to send a thank-you note to all commenters. Sorry if I missed yours!
I'm sure that the winnings will go mostly to cover my medical bills, but I am going to donate 10% of this to a local org called Beard Brothers. They are known for funding ambulances and creating great care packages for local orphanages and old folks homes.
I want to thank you all in advance for your donations and positive vibes. You are all amazing! I have to sleep now, it's past 4 Am where I live. What a day...
* I've been up for a couple of hours now trying to get through all messages and the mountain of notifications. I'm sure this is a once-in-a-lifetime feeling and am trying to ride it while it lasts. I'm overwhelmed by all the positive messages, amazing vibes and b-day wishes. I appreciate all of them.
Since people have been asking, I'll try to add some edits to keep you posted with progress. So far it's ~$500 on PayPal and Revolut combined and ~$45 in combined crypto. I can't thank you enough! I'll be waiting a few days for things to slow down and really looking forward to making my donation. Everything else is going to fund my pearly whites :)
5/5/25 - Don P, Danbury, CT
Hi All-
To say that I am shocked is an understatement. I am still in shock that I won the drawing. I never win anything.
When I saw a message informing me that I won along with the confirmation of the drawing, I almost didn't believe it. I thought it may have been a scam. But after confirming that this is all legit, it has started to sink in.
I always wondered about how this all works on the minute chance I were to ever win this- how it would all be set up for people to contribute towards this (massive THANK YOU in advance btw!!). I don't use the various payment apps, but alas here we are.
A bit about me- I live in the US. I am just a single dad trying to work hard and provide for my kids and trying to make them proud and give them all of the things in life that they deserve. I love doing fun things with my kids and girlfriend as time and funds allow. Going on hikes. Trying to keep in relative shape by going to the gym. Sports junkie. Still love to relax late at night or on the weekend by unwinding with a video game or watching a favorite show.
Being a single dad is hard work (though now happily taken, just not married - more on that in a minute). I work full time to try and provide, but honestly feel bad that I cannot give them all that they deserve. Things come up in life that take priority financially - recently a blown down fence, a broken refrigerator, a burst pipe- that take precedent. Having to say "no" or "maybe some day" more often than I would like to my kids. I am just a dude in his early 40's with two rapidly growing kids- one of which will graduate high school next year.
One thing I have always promised them is that I will take them on a legit vacation some day. A trip to Disney has always been my dream. As embarrassing as it is to say, I have never been able to take them on a legit vacation like this. Sure a weekend trip here or a trip to the local water park or zoo there. But I have always dreamed of being able to give them the trip they deserve so badly.
I have been in a relationship with the most wonderful, beautiful and amazing women for nearly 4 years. She treats both me and my kids with a tender heart and her giving all of her love and support. We both know that we will get married some day. I want to make this happen sooner than later and to give her a ring that she deserves to make it official.
So, long story short - all I want to do is to give back to those that mean most to me in my life and to give them exactly what I always dreamed and promised of doing some day. Winning this drawing will help allow me to hopefully make this a reality.
Thank you all for any generosity you are able to give. I am truly humbled.
Hi All-
To say that I am shocked is an understatement. I am still in shock that I won the drawing. I never win anything.
When I saw a message informing me that I won along with the confirmation of the drawing, I almost didn't believe it. I thought it may have been a scam. But after confirming that this is all legit, it has started to sink in.
I always wondered about how this all works on the minute chance I were to ever win this- how it would all be set up for people to contribute towards this (massive THANK YOU in advance btw!!). I don't use the various payment apps, but alas here we are.
A bit about me- I live in the US. I am just a single dad trying to work hard and provide for my kids and trying to make them proud and give them all of the things in life that they deserve. I love doing fun things with my kids and girlfriend as time and funds allow. Going on hikes. Trying to keep in relative shape by going to the gym. Sports junkie. Still love to relax late at night or on the weekend by unwinding with a video game or watching a favorite show.
Being a single dad is hard work (though now happily taken, just not married - more on that in a minute). I work full time to try and provide, but honestly feel bad that I cannot give them all that they deserve. Things come up in life that take priority financially - recently a blown down fence, a broken refrigerator, a burst pipe- that take precedent. Having to say "no" or "maybe some day" more often than I would like to my kids. I am just a dude in his early 40's with two rapidly growing kids- one of which will graduate high school next year.
One thing I have always promised them is that I will take them on a legit vacation some day. A trip to Disney has always been my dream. As embarrassing as it is to say, I have never been able to take them on a legit vacation like this. Sure a weekend trip here or a trip to the local water park or zoo there. But I have always dreamed of being able to give them the trip they deserve so badly.
I have been in a relationship with the most wonderful, beautiful and amazing women for nearly 4 years. She treats both me and my kids with a tender heart and her giving all of her love and support. We both know that we will get married some day. I want to make this happen sooner than later and to give her a ring that she deserves to make it official.
So, long story short - all I want to do is to give back to those that mean most to me in my life and to give them exactly what I always dreamed and promised of doing some day. Winning this drawing will help allow me to hopefully make this a reality.
Thank you all for any generosity you are able to give. I am truly humbled.
4/28/25 - David, Gresham, OR
It’s been a few hours since I got the news that I was the winner of this weekly draw. I’ve just got the kids to sleep and am still in disbelief as I sit down to write this. When I first got the reddit notification I thought it had to be a scam. I’ve entered a handful of these but just never imagined I could ever actually win one. Hands are still shaking 8 hours later!
Once it sunk in that I had actually won I was ecstatic and spent the better part of an hour running around the house jumping with joy with my dog. Can’t remember the last time we did that, so thanks! Most of my time these days is spent with my 2 incredible kids out in the backyard or exploring nature around our home. Being a dad and getting to watch those kids grow each day is my favorite part of life. When I find a bit of time for myself I love a trip to the mountain for some snowboarding or a round of disc golf at the local park. Software development and video games also take up a large chunk of my evenings!
Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read this. Remember you have to be in it to win it so keep coming back to enter each month and your time will come. If I can win, anyone can! If you are able to donate, I am so thankful but if you are unable I completely understand. The money will likely go towards a few bills that have piled up on us recently but I will be sure to get both the kids something special from all of you beautiful internet strangers. Cheers everyone, wishing you all nothing but happiness!
It’s been a few hours since I got the news that I was the winner of this weekly draw. I’ve just got the kids to sleep and am still in disbelief as I sit down to write this. When I first got the reddit notification I thought it had to be a scam. I’ve entered a handful of these but just never imagined I could ever actually win one. Hands are still shaking 8 hours later!
Once it sunk in that I had actually won I was ecstatic and spent the better part of an hour running around the house jumping with joy with my dog. Can’t remember the last time we did that, so thanks! Most of my time these days is spent with my 2 incredible kids out in the backyard or exploring nature around our home. Being a dad and getting to watch those kids grow each day is my favorite part of life. When I find a bit of time for myself I love a trip to the mountain for some snowboarding or a round of disc golf at the local park. Software development and video games also take up a large chunk of my evenings!
Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read this. Remember you have to be in it to win it so keep coming back to enter each month and your time will come. If I can win, anyone can! If you are able to donate, I am so thankful but if you are unable I completely understand. The money will likely go towards a few bills that have piled up on us recently but I will be sure to get both the kids something special from all of you beautiful internet strangers. Cheers everyone, wishing you all nothing but happiness!
4/21/25 - Cynthia E, San Antonio, TX
Hello!
Wow, haven't been able to stay off of my phone all day! So many generous donations and kind messages. I am completely overwhelmed! So many kind and welcoming messages already. I never imagined I might actually win this and I still get excited every time I receive message from so many kind donors! Thank you!
Hello!
Wow, haven't been able to stay off of my phone all day! So many generous donations and kind messages. I am completely overwhelmed! So many kind and welcoming messages already. I never imagined I might actually win this and I still get excited every time I receive message from so many kind donors! Thank you!
4/14/25 - Joshua A, KY
Where to start??
Currently I am 17 years old and a junior in high school. I live with both of my parents and my 3 younger sisters. I live in a small house and am the oldest in my family with each of us children being 2 years apart. My dad is a construction worker and my mom used to be an 8th grade algebra teacher. However, around 6 years ago my mother developed Chronic Fatigue syndrome (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronic_fatigue_syndrome) and is only able to do so much. She picked up knitting and really enjoys that so I plan to surprise her with some new needles and yarn :D. My father works very hard to keep all of us happy. He works construction during the summer and snowplows during the winter, he is currently out on an 18-hour shift plowing snow. We live in the south suburbs of Chicago, so we get a decent amount of snow each year.
My plans: I'm 17 and I am sure that many of you are thinking "Oh, he is just some dumb kid. What is he going to do with it?" So I am going to try my best to explain that down below. I'm going to start this time jump thing to my past to the time when I was in 8th grade (around 3-4 years ago) I was in 8th grade and one day I simply realized college is expensive and I did not want to put my parents through the stress of having to pay for my college and my 3 younger sisters. I came to the conclusion that during my high school years I would try my hardest to discover a way that I could go to college without putting any financial stress on my parents.
I talked to my mother about this and she was shocked at first and was convinced that it must be some scam. She is a very caring person and taught me to always look at the larger side of things so it is obvious she would be suspicious. My dad is currently at work so he has no idea any of this has happened yet. My sisters are not quite aware of the situation yet, but I will talk to them about it soon. I really think that it is amazing that everyone in the community is able to come together and be so generous. To everyone that is taking part in this I am really thankful. I will participate in the future events because many of you have made a difference in my life, so I hope to make a difference in someone else's.
Words cannot express how happy I am, I plan to use all of this for a good use. Investing is something I plan to be big into. I am grateful, while writing this it was extremely hard to put everything into words. It really has changed my life. Just.. Thank you! <3
Where to start??
Currently I am 17 years old and a junior in high school. I live with both of my parents and my 3 younger sisters. I live in a small house and am the oldest in my family with each of us children being 2 years apart. My dad is a construction worker and my mom used to be an 8th grade algebra teacher. However, around 6 years ago my mother developed Chronic Fatigue syndrome (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronic_fatigue_syndrome) and is only able to do so much. She picked up knitting and really enjoys that so I plan to surprise her with some new needles and yarn :D. My father works very hard to keep all of us happy. He works construction during the summer and snowplows during the winter, he is currently out on an 18-hour shift plowing snow. We live in the south suburbs of Chicago, so we get a decent amount of snow each year.
My plans: I'm 17 and I am sure that many of you are thinking "Oh, he is just some dumb kid. What is he going to do with it?" So I am going to try my best to explain that down below. I'm going to start this time jump thing to my past to the time when I was in 8th grade (around 3-4 years ago) I was in 8th grade and one day I simply realized college is expensive and I did not want to put my parents through the stress of having to pay for my college and my 3 younger sisters. I came to the conclusion that during my high school years I would try my hardest to discover a way that I could go to college without putting any financial stress on my parents.
I talked to my mother about this and she was shocked at first and was convinced that it must be some scam. She is a very caring person and taught me to always look at the larger side of things so it is obvious she would be suspicious. My dad is currently at work so he has no idea any of this has happened yet. My sisters are not quite aware of the situation yet, but I will talk to them about it soon. I really think that it is amazing that everyone in the community is able to come together and be so generous. To everyone that is taking part in this I am really thankful. I will participate in the future events because many of you have made a difference in my life, so I hope to make a difference in someone else's.
Words cannot express how happy I am, I plan to use all of this for a good use. Investing is something I plan to be big into. I am grateful, while writing this it was extremely hard to put everything into words. It really has changed my life. Just.. Thank you! <3
4/7/25 - Evelyn F, OR
Holy bananagrams you guys, you've made my entire year! I'm still in shock from all of this. Thank you all so much for donating and for being a part of this amazing group!
I had lost my job a couple of months ago and was drowning in the quagmire of job searches. I started getting really depressed about a week ago, as I had just about run out of the savings I had to get a new job. The other day I made an entry hoping for something but not really expecting anything.
As for what I'll do with this money, most of it will go to taking down my student debt and living expenses...all except for one dollar, which of course goes to the future winner.
This is an amazing community and I'm so blessed to be a small part of it. I'm shaking with happiness and I hope to contribute the same feeling to the next person.
Holy bananagrams you guys, you've made my entire year! I'm still in shock from all of this. Thank you all so much for donating and for being a part of this amazing group!
I had lost my job a couple of months ago and was drowning in the quagmire of job searches. I started getting really depressed about a week ago, as I had just about run out of the savings I had to get a new job. The other day I made an entry hoping for something but not really expecting anything.
As for what I'll do with this money, most of it will go to taking down my student debt and living expenses...all except for one dollar, which of course goes to the future winner.
This is an amazing community and I'm so blessed to be a small part of it. I'm shaking with happiness and I hope to contribute the same feeling to the next person.
3/31/25 - Shelley Wright, Vancouver, WA
I almost don’t know where to begin. I guess I’ll introduce myself to start. I am Shelley. Mother, granny, daughter, dog mom, aunt and divorced. I put my name in the hat on a whim, never expecting to win. I’m tearing up just talking about it. I was/am disabled, I was lost. I had just filed for divorce after 34 years of marriage. Not because I wanted to, but I was ready to walk away from the abuse, mental, emotional and verbal. I tell people I didn’t like his girlfriend. LOL. Which was true. I kicked him out after finding out about his affair with one of his employees.
If you guys only knew what being selected for this means to me! I am a mother and a grandmother in my mid-fifties, I am disabled with two grown sons and four grandchildren. Three rotten little girls and one handsome boy. I am married to a man that I thought would always be by my side. Up until February of last year I thought my life would always be the same. But, with some things you just have to say enough, done and I can’t do this anymore, for 34 years I suffered through his infidelities along with mental and emotional abuse. I asked him to leave and he did on December 26, 2020.
I have this AMAZING support system! I have my kids, my g-babies, my mom, my niece and nephews and my best friend who is my ex’s sister and her husband. My family is my life. They mean everything to me, my mother and sister in law have been my rocks. For the first time in all of these years I am free, I am ready to live. But I have been so worried. I have struggled and wondered where my next bit of money is going to come from. My disability check only covers my house payment and my truck payment. This money will hopefully give me a few weeks leeway while I figure out what my next move is. I want to stay in my home, I live next door to one son and his family, my mom lives on another side, my two nephews and niece live on my street as does my aunt and uncle. We are all so close. When I found out I had been selected I cried. It was surreal, it has given me a newfound sense of hope and has let me exhale and breath a sigh of relief even if for a little while. I am beyond humbled and grateful.
I want to thank each and every single one of you for your support, well wishes and the money you have shared. I started out trying to thank everyone individually, but I couldn’t keep up. And then my Internet went down so I lost my spot. If I have missed your message, or a chance to thank you, please know I am sorry and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Also, my ex’s name is on the PayPal account, but he is in no way part of it, it is solely my own with MY bank account info.
Thank you again! Your generosity paid my property taxes and I was able to pay one month ahead on my vehicle.
I almost don’t know where to begin. I guess I’ll introduce myself to start. I am Shelley. Mother, granny, daughter, dog mom, aunt and divorced. I put my name in the hat on a whim, never expecting to win. I’m tearing up just talking about it. I was/am disabled, I was lost. I had just filed for divorce after 34 years of marriage. Not because I wanted to, but I was ready to walk away from the abuse, mental, emotional and verbal. I tell people I didn’t like his girlfriend. LOL. Which was true. I kicked him out after finding out about his affair with one of his employees.
If you guys only knew what being selected for this means to me! I am a mother and a grandmother in my mid-fifties, I am disabled with two grown sons and four grandchildren. Three rotten little girls and one handsome boy. I am married to a man that I thought would always be by my side. Up until February of last year I thought my life would always be the same. But, with some things you just have to say enough, done and I can’t do this anymore, for 34 years I suffered through his infidelities along with mental and emotional abuse. I asked him to leave and he did on December 26, 2020.
I have this AMAZING support system! I have my kids, my g-babies, my mom, my niece and nephews and my best friend who is my ex’s sister and her husband. My family is my life. They mean everything to me, my mother and sister in law have been my rocks. For the first time in all of these years I am free, I am ready to live. But I have been so worried. I have struggled and wondered where my next bit of money is going to come from. My disability check only covers my house payment and my truck payment. This money will hopefully give me a few weeks leeway while I figure out what my next move is. I want to stay in my home, I live next door to one son and his family, my mom lives on another side, my two nephews and niece live on my street as does my aunt and uncle. We are all so close. When I found out I had been selected I cried. It was surreal, it has given me a newfound sense of hope and has let me exhale and breath a sigh of relief even if for a little while. I am beyond humbled and grateful.
I want to thank each and every single one of you for your support, well wishes and the money you have shared. I started out trying to thank everyone individually, but I couldn’t keep up. And then my Internet went down so I lost my spot. If I have missed your message, or a chance to thank you, please know I am sorry and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Also, my ex’s name is on the PayPal account, but he is in no way part of it, it is solely my own with MY bank account info.
Thank you again! Your generosity paid my property taxes and I was able to pay one month ahead on my vehicle.
3/24/25 - Robert Orosco, Sacramento, CA
First I want to thank everyone for this amazing act of kindness!!
I am a 44 year old dad with three amazing daughters and I find myself currently couch surfing at mom's. I had to leave a situation that many have encouraged and supported me to do for myself and to set the example for my littles. I plan to use this turn of fortune to get into a place for me and my girls.
I really don't know how to express my gratitude other than to let you know if ya need someone to listen to you, or talk to, I will be there. I will try to reply to everyone and i will keep all of you updated on the progress we will make. Once again from the bottom of my heart, thank you. The difference you are about to make for us will truly be life-changing.
First I want to thank everyone for this amazing act of kindness!!
I am a 44 year old dad with three amazing daughters and I find myself currently couch surfing at mom's. I had to leave a situation that many have encouraged and supported me to do for myself and to set the example for my littles. I plan to use this turn of fortune to get into a place for me and my girls.
I really don't know how to express my gratitude other than to let you know if ya need someone to listen to you, or talk to, I will be there. I will try to reply to everyone and i will keep all of you updated on the progress we will make. Once again from the bottom of my heart, thank you. The difference you are about to make for us will truly be life-changing.
3/17/25 - Jose Garcia, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Hello reader, my name is Jose. I’m a ‘young’ gen-x, a dedicated dad, a husband, a son, a brother, a “sensitive” family man and a friend to few. I’m a bit of an introvert that loves calmness, sort of a night owl, I don’t like to trouble others. I try to guard my privacy as much as I can, but consider myself to have an open heart. I don’t like to talk about my problems, I often keep them inside and try to resolve them myself, but reach out when I find there’s no other way. I live in what many call the beautiful island Puerto Rico (a territory of the USA). It never snows here, great Caribbean weather all year round, and nights get nice and slightly chilly in December, but you can still walk around in flip flops, t-shirt and shorts, no winter gear needed, and for those who like the sun and sand, you can go visit the beach any time you want. I am a video editor / graphics designer / computer tech repair guy. Been loving what I do since before graduating college. And even though much is not going the way I would like right now, I’m trusting my path, accepting the process.
I can’t thank you enough guys, I’m not the type to let others know about my personal stuff, or ask for things, I have always felt like it burdens others. I personally prefer to be the one listening or helping out. I sincerely did not expect to win. I am extremely humbled and grateful. I sincerely hope everyone that read this gets paid back by life abundantly in a very positive way!
Thank you all and take care!
Hello reader, my name is Jose. I’m a ‘young’ gen-x, a dedicated dad, a husband, a son, a brother, a “sensitive” family man and a friend to few. I’m a bit of an introvert that loves calmness, sort of a night owl, I don’t like to trouble others. I try to guard my privacy as much as I can, but consider myself to have an open heart. I don’t like to talk about my problems, I often keep them inside and try to resolve them myself, but reach out when I find there’s no other way. I live in what many call the beautiful island Puerto Rico (a territory of the USA). It never snows here, great Caribbean weather all year round, and nights get nice and slightly chilly in December, but you can still walk around in flip flops, t-shirt and shorts, no winter gear needed, and for those who like the sun and sand, you can go visit the beach any time you want. I am a video editor / graphics designer / computer tech repair guy. Been loving what I do since before graduating college. And even though much is not going the way I would like right now, I’m trusting my path, accepting the process.
I can’t thank you enough guys, I’m not the type to let others know about my personal stuff, or ask for things, I have always felt like it burdens others. I personally prefer to be the one listening or helping out. I sincerely did not expect to win. I am extremely humbled and grateful. I sincerely hope everyone that read this gets paid back by life abundantly in a very positive way!
Thank you all and take care!
3/10/25 - Faizaan Farooque, Beaverton, OR
Hello, all. I am freaking out. I always thought that this subreddit was such an amazing idea and it was always exciting to enter for the chance to win so much money, but I really never expected to actually win! What an amazing thing to happen!
A little bit about me: I’ve been in a terrible situation for a very long time now. I won’t go into detail about it, but this situation causes much interruption in my life, really gets in the way of me doing the things that I want to do and has really, really gotten me down. I haven’t gotten too many happy memories as of late, but this is just positively exhilarating and is something that I will remember for the rest of my life, I’m sure.
As for what I like to do, I like to play games (mostly video games), discuss philosophy and I absolutely love music. Music is everything to me. It can really bring my mood up and it makes me feel things that I can’t really describe, especially singing. Recently I’ve been interested in playing instruments, particularly fascinated by the violin at the moment. I’ve wanted to buy one, maybe rent (it’s expensive!), and I wanted to take lessons for it as well. I’ve been excited about doing this for a while now so, maybe that’s what I will use the money that I receive from this giveaway on; maybe play some other instruments as well down the line.
I am truly happy and grateful to be chosen as the winner in this week’s giveaway and will certainly be paying it forward. Thank you all and I wish you all luck to also be chosen one day
Hello, all. I am freaking out. I always thought that this subreddit was such an amazing idea and it was always exciting to enter for the chance to win so much money, but I really never expected to actually win! What an amazing thing to happen!
A little bit about me: I’ve been in a terrible situation for a very long time now. I won’t go into detail about it, but this situation causes much interruption in my life, really gets in the way of me doing the things that I want to do and has really, really gotten me down. I haven’t gotten too many happy memories as of late, but this is just positively exhilarating and is something that I will remember for the rest of my life, I’m sure.
As for what I like to do, I like to play games (mostly video games), discuss philosophy and I absolutely love music. Music is everything to me. It can really bring my mood up and it makes me feel things that I can’t really describe, especially singing. Recently I’ve been interested in playing instruments, particularly fascinated by the violin at the moment. I’ve wanted to buy one, maybe rent (it’s expensive!), and I wanted to take lessons for it as well. I’ve been excited about doing this for a while now so, maybe that’s what I will use the money that I receive from this giveaway on; maybe play some other instruments as well down the line.
I am truly happy and grateful to be chosen as the winner in this week’s giveaway and will certainly be paying it forward. Thank you all and I wish you all luck to also be chosen one day
3/3/25 - Pritesh Patel, Orlando, FL
Greetings fellow Earthlings! Just your regular joe type guy here who has never won anything online so this is an amazing feeling! I live in Florida with my wife and 2 kids. I'm in between jobs at the moment so this win could not have come at a better time! I actually thought I was in a dream when I saw the mention of my win and it took me a few to get my act together. The wifey does not know yet so its going to be a surprise for her. At the moment she is wondering why I have been grinning like an idiot all day.
I am a geek (big surprise there) and love to dabble in a range of stuff from composing music, playing instruments, video gaming to being an ape on wall street. The pandemic sucked me into the whole options trading game and turned me into a reluctant benefactor to the hedgies. Live and learn I guess.
The money I get here will be going to much needed repairs around the house and my Prius. Real or toy Lambo depends on the leftovers..... lol. Jokes aside, I have always wanted to do the thing where I can pay for someone's groceries at the store so I will definitely do that and show my boys what spreading some good and love in the world does. Besides, when else would I get to say "I will help you. I have spoken"?
While I have your attention, please tell the people who matter to you that you love them and give smiles to strangers you might meet everyday. The world needs love and compassion like never before. Lets teach our kids to love and not hate. Peace!
Greetings fellow Earthlings! Just your regular joe type guy here who has never won anything online so this is an amazing feeling! I live in Florida with my wife and 2 kids. I'm in between jobs at the moment so this win could not have come at a better time! I actually thought I was in a dream when I saw the mention of my win and it took me a few to get my act together. The wifey does not know yet so its going to be a surprise for her. At the moment she is wondering why I have been grinning like an idiot all day.
I am a geek (big surprise there) and love to dabble in a range of stuff from composing music, playing instruments, video gaming to being an ape on wall street. The pandemic sucked me into the whole options trading game and turned me into a reluctant benefactor to the hedgies. Live and learn I guess.
The money I get here will be going to much needed repairs around the house and my Prius. Real or toy Lambo depends on the leftovers..... lol. Jokes aside, I have always wanted to do the thing where I can pay for someone's groceries at the store so I will definitely do that and show my boys what spreading some good and love in the world does. Besides, when else would I get to say "I will help you. I have spoken"?
While I have your attention, please tell the people who matter to you that you love them and give smiles to strangers you might meet everyday. The world needs love and compassion like never before. Lets teach our kids to love and not hate. Peace!
2/24/25 - Michael Welch, Klamath, CA
Hello everyone! My mind is reeling as you might imagine! What a wonderful opportunity, I’m feeling quite fortunate.
A little about me: I’m Michael and I live in a little off-grid cabin in the beautiful Redwood forest of Northwestern CA with my sweetheart Anne, a rescued cat (Pearl), and Pearl’s son CJ (Chamois Junior). We’re hoping to add a dog to our household in our future. We’ve previously inherited a rescued Chihuahua who passed last year. I love and have had Great Danes in the past, but our home is small so we’ll end up with a more mid-sized addition to the household when the time comes.
I’m not your typical retiree, I’ve spent most of my adult life as a community activist and was forced into Social Security when the magazine I worked for (Home Power magazine) as an editor went under in 2018. My longest-term passion is the promotion and use of homemade renewable energy. I was so fortunate to find employment in the field of renewable energy activism. My other passions include train travel, volunteerism, walks in the woods, finishing our cabin, and working with Anne to hold back the encroaching forest to keep the sun shining on our solar panels.
My being selected will be so helpful for us as we live on my fixed income. I have no expectations—just gratitude for this good fortune—but hope that I do well enough here to also help out some of our local, and important national, nonprofits.
Thanks so much to all who participate. I hope one of you is selected next and you can bet some support will come from me.
Hello everyone! My mind is reeling as you might imagine! What a wonderful opportunity, I’m feeling quite fortunate.
A little about me: I’m Michael and I live in a little off-grid cabin in the beautiful Redwood forest of Northwestern CA with my sweetheart Anne, a rescued cat (Pearl), and Pearl’s son CJ (Chamois Junior). We’re hoping to add a dog to our household in our future. We’ve previously inherited a rescued Chihuahua who passed last year. I love and have had Great Danes in the past, but our home is small so we’ll end up with a more mid-sized addition to the household when the time comes.
I’m not your typical retiree, I’ve spent most of my adult life as a community activist and was forced into Social Security when the magazine I worked for (Home Power magazine) as an editor went under in 2018. My longest-term passion is the promotion and use of homemade renewable energy. I was so fortunate to find employment in the field of renewable energy activism. My other passions include train travel, volunteerism, walks in the woods, finishing our cabin, and working with Anne to hold back the encroaching forest to keep the sun shining on our solar panels.
My being selected will be so helpful for us as we live on my fixed income. I have no expectations—just gratitude for this good fortune—but hope that I do well enough here to also help out some of our local, and important national, nonprofits.
Thanks so much to all who participate. I hope one of you is selected next and you can bet some support will come from me.
2/17/25 - Dakotah Johnson, Spring Grove, MN
Hello to all! I’m Dakotah, or Dak for short, living in the great state of Minnesota, you betcha! I turned 30 this year which wasn’t as traumatic as I thought it would be! My fiancée and I are a couple of cat mommas to Sushi who is spoiled rotten and the bestest boy who ever boyed, in my unbiased opinion.
I work as an assistant manager at a local mom and pop grocery and really enjoy my coworkers and my job most days. At the end of the day I feel like I’m a very typical millennial. Some of my favorite pastimes include going to brunch, listening to podcasts (leave a recommendation in the comments I’m always looking for new shows), spending way to much time on Reddit, being continually disappointed by my Minnesota sport teams (take pity on me), and thinking my partner is the best human in the world.
I was at Easter with my Fiancée’s family when I had got the notification about being the selected winner, wallowing in my sorrow from losing the very competitive Easter egg hunt. After I read the email I jumped off of the couch, from my post-lunch lay and started shouting “BABE! BABE! BABE!” whilst running through the house to find my fiancée and share the delightful news I had just received. Her response, “No way! That would be really helpful for the wedding,” which is a perfect segue into what the money will be used for.
We are getting married in October on a very cute little farm. We have chosen to go the more frugal route overall because we would like to buy a house (lol maybe someday in this market), but have a lot of extended family, so making sure everyone eats and has a good time does add up quickly! We will also probably set some aside for our hopeful mini-moon after the wedding where we hope to go to Harry Potter world, I know I know big nerd energy over here. Sushi also has demanded a new scratching post from said funds, so he will get one of those.
Thanks for reading my little about me and thanks in advance for anyone kind enough to send anything!
Hello to all! I’m Dakotah, or Dak for short, living in the great state of Minnesota, you betcha! I turned 30 this year which wasn’t as traumatic as I thought it would be! My fiancée and I are a couple of cat mommas to Sushi who is spoiled rotten and the bestest boy who ever boyed, in my unbiased opinion.
I work as an assistant manager at a local mom and pop grocery and really enjoy my coworkers and my job most days. At the end of the day I feel like I’m a very typical millennial. Some of my favorite pastimes include going to brunch, listening to podcasts (leave a recommendation in the comments I’m always looking for new shows), spending way to much time on Reddit, being continually disappointed by my Minnesota sport teams (take pity on me), and thinking my partner is the best human in the world.
I was at Easter with my Fiancée’s family when I had got the notification about being the selected winner, wallowing in my sorrow from losing the very competitive Easter egg hunt. After I read the email I jumped off of the couch, from my post-lunch lay and started shouting “BABE! BABE! BABE!” whilst running through the house to find my fiancée and share the delightful news I had just received. Her response, “No way! That would be really helpful for the wedding,” which is a perfect segue into what the money will be used for.
We are getting married in October on a very cute little farm. We have chosen to go the more frugal route overall because we would like to buy a house (lol maybe someday in this market), but have a lot of extended family, so making sure everyone eats and has a good time does add up quickly! We will also probably set some aside for our hopeful mini-moon after the wedding where we hope to go to Harry Potter world, I know I know big nerd energy over here. Sushi also has demanded a new scratching post from said funds, so he will get one of those.
Thanks for reading my little about me and thanks in advance for anyone kind enough to send anything!
2/10/25 - Danielle Tarkum, Chicago, IL
My name is Danielle. I’m 26 and working at a restaurant as a hostess right now. I’m trying to save some money for when I start grad school in September. I’m nervous to go back since it has been so long since I’ve been in school, but very excited to earn my masters in mental health counseling.
I was catching up with an old friend when I found out that I won. I think I didn’t breathe for a full minute and thought I was hallucinating. I am eternally grateful that I was lucky enough to win. I’ve been having a lot of losses these past few months and it feels incredible to finally have a win. I think I really needed it.
I live in Chicago with my best friend and our cat Cholesterol. I have no idea who named her that and for what reason. The human mind is inscrutable . When I’m not killing my soul working for the man , I like to dance and paint and occasionally socialize with real people. But I also love doing nothing and binge watching shows and movies. If you mention a show or movie, I’ve probably seen it. However, I don’t like loud noises because sometimes loud noises make the squirrels go in my head, and…and I don’t fight in the ring anymore, but I still fight with the demons in da’ Maniac’s head.
With the money I am going to pay off a chunk of my debt and my rent and my mountain of bills. I also have a lot of people in my life to thank for helping me through some tough times, so I’d like to treat them in some way. My mom offhandedly said one of her favorite memories was getting a pedicure with me on New Years Eve, so I think I’ll book us an appointment together.
Thank you all so much in advance for your donations. Please know that I am very, very grateful .
*Holy crap you guys . I am just so incredibly thankful for you all. I am finally going to be able to pay off my credit card debt that has been hanging over me since college. It’s like a giant weight has been taken of my shoulders and I can finally breathe. It’s just crazy because two days ago I had -$33 in my account . You guys are the best, and I plan on finding a way to pay it forward. For those who want to see my fave little weirdo Cholesterol (Ester is her nickname) , here she is https://imgur.com/a/i02qj5S
My name is Danielle. I’m 26 and working at a restaurant as a hostess right now. I’m trying to save some money for when I start grad school in September. I’m nervous to go back since it has been so long since I’ve been in school, but very excited to earn my masters in mental health counseling.
I was catching up with an old friend when I found out that I won. I think I didn’t breathe for a full minute and thought I was hallucinating. I am eternally grateful that I was lucky enough to win. I’ve been having a lot of losses these past few months and it feels incredible to finally have a win. I think I really needed it.
I live in Chicago with my best friend and our cat Cholesterol. I have no idea who named her that and for what reason. The human mind is inscrutable . When I’m not killing my soul working for the man , I like to dance and paint and occasionally socialize with real people. But I also love doing nothing and binge watching shows and movies. If you mention a show or movie, I’ve probably seen it. However, I don’t like loud noises because sometimes loud noises make the squirrels go in my head, and…and I don’t fight in the ring anymore, but I still fight with the demons in da’ Maniac’s head.
With the money I am going to pay off a chunk of my debt and my rent and my mountain of bills. I also have a lot of people in my life to thank for helping me through some tough times, so I’d like to treat them in some way. My mom offhandedly said one of her favorite memories was getting a pedicure with me on New Years Eve, so I think I’ll book us an appointment together.
Thank you all so much in advance for your donations. Please know that I am very, very grateful .
*Holy crap you guys . I am just so incredibly thankful for you all. I am finally going to be able to pay off my credit card debt that has been hanging over me since college. It’s like a giant weight has been taken of my shoulders and I can finally breathe. It’s just crazy because two days ago I had -$33 in my account . You guys are the best, and I plan on finding a way to pay it forward. For those who want to see my fave little weirdo Cholesterol (Ester is her nickname) , here she is https://imgur.com/a/i02qj5S
2/3/25 - Nathan Huijsman, Salem, OR
Hey! Hope everyone is having a great day/night. Well let's see, my name is Nathan, I'm 27 just living life going with the flow. I really didn't expect to win. I thought I'd give it a shot. You know i don't have anything to lose and here we are. I was pretty shocked. I'm just really excited and thankful for all the nice comments.
Here's a little bit about me: I have 4 cats. I love them with all my heart: Taby, Odin, Gabriel, and little Gypsy who unfortunately passed away. I make art, I paint, I do photography, and I'm just always fixing something. I really do miss working on a farm. Hopefully I can get my own one day. I am also a carpenter, pretty much an outdoors hippie kinda guy. I keep to myself and help anyone i can.
So what will i do with the donations? I'm going to try and help myself get back on my feet and invest into my creativity. Hopefully my photography will catch someone's attention. I have many projects that I want to get out of my head besides that. Honestly, save as much as i can and secretly take my friend out on a nice date. Again, thank you to everyone. I really appreciate this.
Hey! Hope everyone is having a great day/night. Well let's see, my name is Nathan, I'm 27 just living life going with the flow. I really didn't expect to win. I thought I'd give it a shot. You know i don't have anything to lose and here we are. I was pretty shocked. I'm just really excited and thankful for all the nice comments.
Here's a little bit about me: I have 4 cats. I love them with all my heart: Taby, Odin, Gabriel, and little Gypsy who unfortunately passed away. I make art, I paint, I do photography, and I'm just always fixing something. I really do miss working on a farm. Hopefully I can get my own one day. I am also a carpenter, pretty much an outdoors hippie kinda guy. I keep to myself and help anyone i can.
So what will i do with the donations? I'm going to try and help myself get back on my feet and invest into my creativity. Hopefully my photography will catch someone's attention. I have many projects that I want to get out of my head besides that. Honestly, save as much as i can and secretly take my friend out on a nice date. Again, thank you to everyone. I really appreciate this.
1/27/25 - Manuel Lara, Eugene, OR
Hi everyone! My name is Manuel, I’m a 23 year old from Oregon. I definitely never considered I could be a winner here. After reading I was the winner, I didn't believe it at first. It feels so exciting and amazing! I was taken by complete surprise by it. You always hear people winning things in the news, but you never expect it to be you one day.
I am currently a 4th year student studying a bachelors of science in cyber security. Around my second year studying I fell into depression and lost all my motivation to study or do anything. I previously made the perfect plan of which classes I should take every semester and had all the details sorted out to graduate early. But that’s when I learned that no matter how much you plan something, things can turn out completely different. After failing multiple classes I decided to take a gap year while trying to work on myself and what I should do next. Fortunately after some time I began seeing hope in things again and a purpose. I went back to my university and decided to finish the degree I had begun.
Some of the things I enjoy doing include playing video games, reading, hiking, photography, and just learning in general. Another hobby I had was making origami, modular (or 3d) origami to be specific. With this type you take a sheet of paper then cut it into small pieces, around 64 or 128 depending on the size you want. You then fold them into identical triangles and glue them together. With the amount of time it would take to fully fold an object I would always tell myself that what I was making would be a gift to someone I care about, otherwise I would never finish it. I had a friend tell me she still had a figure I had made for her years ago, she showed it to me. Turns out paper holds worse than I expected over time. I wanted to keep making gifts for people, but I wanted something more durable, so I began looking at alternative things people make. I looked at clay, woodworking, and others, but they all have hardware requirements that I can't meet. Eventually I learned about 3d printers. The materials used seemed to be so durable and long lasting, at least compared with paper. Seeing the creations other people make fascinated me with how they looked, so I ended up buying one.
The main thing I plan on doing with everyone’s support is help pay for my university costs. With student loans I have managed to get the money for classes in the past, but there are some things like books that are more tricky to get, especially when the teachers are demanding the latest version or require an online access code to solve things. I also want to set money aside to take different IT certifications like the CCNA or different CompTIA ones. I am around 3 semesters left from graduating. We were always told to try to get an internship before graduating, but since I failed multiple classes before, this was quite challenging for me to achieve. This is why I decided to try and get the certifications and the research project to boost my quite empty resume.
I want to thank all of you for what you are doing. Every one of you is so generous and kind for trying to help a complete stranger online. I wish that everyone receives much more in return and that you all achieve your goals and dreams. If there was anyone depressed who was reading this, I also want you to know that things will get better. It may not seem like it, but just try each day to keep going on.
Hi everyone! My name is Manuel, I’m a 23 year old from Oregon. I definitely never considered I could be a winner here. After reading I was the winner, I didn't believe it at first. It feels so exciting and amazing! I was taken by complete surprise by it. You always hear people winning things in the news, but you never expect it to be you one day.
I am currently a 4th year student studying a bachelors of science in cyber security. Around my second year studying I fell into depression and lost all my motivation to study or do anything. I previously made the perfect plan of which classes I should take every semester and had all the details sorted out to graduate early. But that’s when I learned that no matter how much you plan something, things can turn out completely different. After failing multiple classes I decided to take a gap year while trying to work on myself and what I should do next. Fortunately after some time I began seeing hope in things again and a purpose. I went back to my university and decided to finish the degree I had begun.
Some of the things I enjoy doing include playing video games, reading, hiking, photography, and just learning in general. Another hobby I had was making origami, modular (or 3d) origami to be specific. With this type you take a sheet of paper then cut it into small pieces, around 64 or 128 depending on the size you want. You then fold them into identical triangles and glue them together. With the amount of time it would take to fully fold an object I would always tell myself that what I was making would be a gift to someone I care about, otherwise I would never finish it. I had a friend tell me she still had a figure I had made for her years ago, she showed it to me. Turns out paper holds worse than I expected over time. I wanted to keep making gifts for people, but I wanted something more durable, so I began looking at alternative things people make. I looked at clay, woodworking, and others, but they all have hardware requirements that I can't meet. Eventually I learned about 3d printers. The materials used seemed to be so durable and long lasting, at least compared with paper. Seeing the creations other people make fascinated me with how they looked, so I ended up buying one.
The main thing I plan on doing with everyone’s support is help pay for my university costs. With student loans I have managed to get the money for classes in the past, but there are some things like books that are more tricky to get, especially when the teachers are demanding the latest version or require an online access code to solve things. I also want to set money aside to take different IT certifications like the CCNA or different CompTIA ones. I am around 3 semesters left from graduating. We were always told to try to get an internship before graduating, but since I failed multiple classes before, this was quite challenging for me to achieve. This is why I decided to try and get the certifications and the research project to boost my quite empty resume.
I want to thank all of you for what you are doing. Every one of you is so generous and kind for trying to help a complete stranger online. I wish that everyone receives much more in return and that you all achieve your goals and dreams. If there was anyone depressed who was reading this, I also want you to know that things will get better. It may not seem like it, but just try each day to keep going on.
1/20/25 - Tyler Long, Portland, OR
I've always loved the idea of this site. Much like any drawing I always had that deep lingering hope it might happen, but always tried smothering that with the expectation that it never happens to me. Yet, here we are!
I'm a 27-year old single dad to an incredible little 5-year old girl. I've had an interesting last few years, 2020 notwithstanding. Her mother and I separated back at the start of 2019 a few short months after we bought a house. So suddenly I was without her income, splitting time with our very young daughter, and working full time and then some, in an attempt to keep up on old bills and new and try wrangling all of the debt we carried into the house with us. To put it lightly I had a rough year. I went into 2020 thinking of new beginnings! "spoilers it was not to be."
Since that whole debacle I've mostly settled my life into a decent rhythm, raising my girl, developing my property, and working to teach her the importance of living sustainably outside of excess. This money will pretty much go towards clearing up some debts, towards my daughters savings account, and finish paying for my final quarter's tuition for this Associates degree I'm finishing. I'll also likely donate a portion of it to a charity or two, as well as paying some forward to next week's winner.
I can only express my thanks to anyone who decides to donate and I hope to see this place continue to grow and give folks this crazy and incredible experience and opportunity. As others have I will update probably over the next week and attempt to give thanks to each individual.
Thank you!!!
I've always loved the idea of this site. Much like any drawing I always had that deep lingering hope it might happen, but always tried smothering that with the expectation that it never happens to me. Yet, here we are!
I'm a 27-year old single dad to an incredible little 5-year old girl. I've had an interesting last few years, 2020 notwithstanding. Her mother and I separated back at the start of 2019 a few short months after we bought a house. So suddenly I was without her income, splitting time with our very young daughter, and working full time and then some, in an attempt to keep up on old bills and new and try wrangling all of the debt we carried into the house with us. To put it lightly I had a rough year. I went into 2020 thinking of new beginnings! "spoilers it was not to be."
Since that whole debacle I've mostly settled my life into a decent rhythm, raising my girl, developing my property, and working to teach her the importance of living sustainably outside of excess. This money will pretty much go towards clearing up some debts, towards my daughters savings account, and finish paying for my final quarter's tuition for this Associates degree I'm finishing. I'll also likely donate a portion of it to a charity or two, as well as paying some forward to next week's winner.
I can only express my thanks to anyone who decides to donate and I hope to see this place continue to grow and give folks this crazy and incredible experience and opportunity. As others have I will update probably over the next week and attempt to give thanks to each individual.
Thank you!!!
1/13/25 - Bryant Montgomery, Redmond, OR
This is not how I was expecting to welcome 2025, but I can't say I'm too upset. I am 27 years old. I'll do my best to make this short and sweet! I'm still shaking from the excitement as I write this.
While 2024 wasn't a particularly fantastic year by any standard, I had a new passion enter my life in the form of my daughter. She took a few extra days in the hospital but is happy (hopefully) and healthy. While I will continue to live and find happiness for myself, I am beyond excited to share the wonders of our world with her. I know the world isn't full of rainbows and butterflies, but I DO know that there are people in this world who can make it worth living.
What would I do with the money? I do have bills and a lot of this will definitely be going towards those. That being said, I can't in good mind not do something enjoyable with such a generous gift. Since I haven't been able, I will most definitely be treating my wife in some way, shape, or form.
One last note because you don't know me and I don't know you. If you don't want to donate to me or if you are unable, that's fine, no hard feelings. If you'd rather tell me that you contributed to a charity, please do! I want you to feel that your contribution is going to something you support.
Update: Your generosity is amazing. We've reached almost $1,900. My plan is to wait until 1/25 and I will donate, at minimum, 10% of the total. My wife is absolutely stunned at the concept and is grateful for all of you. I would thank each of you individually but I don't want to sound insincere to you each. So Thank You. Truly, truly, thank you.
Update 1/25: It has been just over a week. Once again, thank you to everyone who has given to this awesome experience. As per my previous comment, I donated a portion of what I've received to the American Cancer Society. Today's total, from the different forms of payment, is around $2,200 USD. I hope this year looks up for everyone.
This is not how I was expecting to welcome 2025, but I can't say I'm too upset. I am 27 years old. I'll do my best to make this short and sweet! I'm still shaking from the excitement as I write this.
While 2024 wasn't a particularly fantastic year by any standard, I had a new passion enter my life in the form of my daughter. She took a few extra days in the hospital but is happy (hopefully) and healthy. While I will continue to live and find happiness for myself, I am beyond excited to share the wonders of our world with her. I know the world isn't full of rainbows and butterflies, but I DO know that there are people in this world who can make it worth living.
What would I do with the money? I do have bills and a lot of this will definitely be going towards those. That being said, I can't in good mind not do something enjoyable with such a generous gift. Since I haven't been able, I will most definitely be treating my wife in some way, shape, or form.
One last note because you don't know me and I don't know you. If you don't want to donate to me or if you are unable, that's fine, no hard feelings. If you'd rather tell me that you contributed to a charity, please do! I want you to feel that your contribution is going to something you support.
Update: Your generosity is amazing. We've reached almost $1,900. My plan is to wait until 1/25 and I will donate, at minimum, 10% of the total. My wife is absolutely stunned at the concept and is grateful for all of you. I would thank each of you individually but I don't want to sound insincere to you each. So Thank You. Truly, truly, thank you.
Update 1/25: It has been just over a week. Once again, thank you to everyone who has given to this awesome experience. As per my previous comment, I donated a portion of what I've received to the American Cancer Society. Today's total, from the different forms of payment, is around $2,200 USD. I hope this year looks up for everyone.
1/6/25 - Martin Bellamy, Sacramento, CA
Well... this is surreal :)
Hi everyone, I'm Marty! I'm a 36 year old Brit living in the US with my wife and our dogs, Pixel and Toast. My birthday was the day before the announcement, so this has been just the best present I could have hoped for! A big thanks to the Invested Alternative team for bringing this idea into reality. I've always loved this idea!
So, full of the holiday spirit, I'm going to do a reverse-Scrooge and I'll donate 100% of everything received to a cause that's really close to my heart! My wife works for an amazing non-profit based in Sacramento, California called CTEC, and they were devastated by the pandemic. They're a small, but very hardworking team of speech pathologists, mentors, and trainers who travel all over California to give the power of speech to hundreds of children and adults with developmental disabilities, or to those who have had life-altering events, such as accidents or strokes.
For the people they help, this new ability to communicate brings with it independence, a new lease on life, and the ability to do the simple things that you and I might take for granted.
Since the pandemic, CTEC's funding has been slashed, so they've been more reliant on grants and donations than ever before. They've managed to keep their heads just above the water line, but I'm hoping this boost will come at just the right time! When I have a donation receipt I'll update with proof, but I'll donate 100% of the received money to CTEC and I'll be contributing as well.
If you don't want to send anything, or aren't in a position to, then all I ask is that you just make someone's day a little brighter, even if it's your own :)
More info on CTEC : ctecaac.org, ctecaac.org/about/
Oh, and if you buy stuff on Amazon, CTEC are listed on Amazon Smile under their parent non-profit "Supported Life Institute", and Amazon sends 0.5% of every purchase their way at no cost to you.
Presumably, it also takes 0.5% away from Jeff Bezos, so win-win!
Happy holidays, much love, good luck in the next drawing, and a huge, massive, overwhelmingly large thanks to everyone! ❤️
Your donations will make a huge difference to the service we provide to people in California. I'm so lucky to work with the amazing people that I do, and your money can really help give someone a voice to express their opinion, tell someone what they need, and even go and order their favorite coffee at Starbucks for the first time! All things we all take for granted!
What a way to start the new year!!
Well... this is surreal :)
Hi everyone, I'm Marty! I'm a 36 year old Brit living in the US with my wife and our dogs, Pixel and Toast. My birthday was the day before the announcement, so this has been just the best present I could have hoped for! A big thanks to the Invested Alternative team for bringing this idea into reality. I've always loved this idea!
So, full of the holiday spirit, I'm going to do a reverse-Scrooge and I'll donate 100% of everything received to a cause that's really close to my heart! My wife works for an amazing non-profit based in Sacramento, California called CTEC, and they were devastated by the pandemic. They're a small, but very hardworking team of speech pathologists, mentors, and trainers who travel all over California to give the power of speech to hundreds of children and adults with developmental disabilities, or to those who have had life-altering events, such as accidents or strokes.
For the people they help, this new ability to communicate brings with it independence, a new lease on life, and the ability to do the simple things that you and I might take for granted.
Since the pandemic, CTEC's funding has been slashed, so they've been more reliant on grants and donations than ever before. They've managed to keep their heads just above the water line, but I'm hoping this boost will come at just the right time! When I have a donation receipt I'll update with proof, but I'll donate 100% of the received money to CTEC and I'll be contributing as well.
If you don't want to send anything, or aren't in a position to, then all I ask is that you just make someone's day a little brighter, even if it's your own :)
More info on CTEC : ctecaac.org, ctecaac.org/about/
Oh, and if you buy stuff on Amazon, CTEC are listed on Amazon Smile under their parent non-profit "Supported Life Institute", and Amazon sends 0.5% of every purchase their way at no cost to you.
Presumably, it also takes 0.5% away from Jeff Bezos, so win-win!
Happy holidays, much love, good luck in the next drawing, and a huge, massive, overwhelmingly large thanks to everyone! ❤️
Your donations will make a huge difference to the service we provide to people in California. I'm so lucky to work with the amazing people that I do, and your money can really help give someone a voice to express their opinion, tell someone what they need, and even go and order their favorite coffee at Starbucks for the first time! All things we all take for granted!
What a way to start the new year!!
12/30/24 - Jeremy Copeland, Redmond, OR
My name is Jeremy and I’m 35 years old. I love playing computer games and spending time with my wife and friends. I work in medical transportation and will be celebrating my sixth wedding anniversary with my beautiful wife Christina in less than a week. About 4 years ago, I lost my job and my wife was diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures at the same time, causing both of us to be out of work temporarily. With both of us unable to work, we had to move back in with her parents and we’ve been here ever since. Luckily, her condition has improved dramatically and we’re starting the process of paying off bills we racked up while unemployed.
Anything we receive would go towards paying off the debt we accrued and help with putting a down payment on a home soon. I would also plan on donating to a foundation named after one of my best friends who passed away in 2017 from stage 4 breast cancer- she was diagnosed at the way-too-early age of 30 and fought it bravely for 4 years. I wear pink at least once a week for her.
We love and miss you Keesha!
Update 1 - You guys are amazing. This community is amazing. I told my wife early this morning when all this happened and she didn't really understand it. I can't wait to tell her tonight how generous this community is. I'll update this later tonight or tomorrow. I'm trying to thank everyone directly in comments but I've definitely fallen behind. I appreciate all of you!
Update 2 - Wow. We are at just under $2,500. I worked with a mortgage banker yesterday and we are submitting the final paperwork, but it looks like we're going to be approved for a mortgage!!
Update 3 - Well, just wanted to let you guys know that my wife and I signed an offer to buy a house! The money we received from you guys pushed us over the top for what we needed for a down payment. I love everyone in this community.
My name is Jeremy and I’m 35 years old. I love playing computer games and spending time with my wife and friends. I work in medical transportation and will be celebrating my sixth wedding anniversary with my beautiful wife Christina in less than a week. About 4 years ago, I lost my job and my wife was diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures at the same time, causing both of us to be out of work temporarily. With both of us unable to work, we had to move back in with her parents and we’ve been here ever since. Luckily, her condition has improved dramatically and we’re starting the process of paying off bills we racked up while unemployed.
Anything we receive would go towards paying off the debt we accrued and help with putting a down payment on a home soon. I would also plan on donating to a foundation named after one of my best friends who passed away in 2017 from stage 4 breast cancer- she was diagnosed at the way-too-early age of 30 and fought it bravely for 4 years. I wear pink at least once a week for her.
We love and miss you Keesha!
Update 1 - You guys are amazing. This community is amazing. I told my wife early this morning when all this happened and she didn't really understand it. I can't wait to tell her tonight how generous this community is. I'll update this later tonight or tomorrow. I'm trying to thank everyone directly in comments but I've definitely fallen behind. I appreciate all of you!
Update 2 - Wow. We are at just under $2,500. I worked with a mortgage banker yesterday and we are submitting the final paperwork, but it looks like we're going to be approved for a mortgage!!
Update 3 - Well, just wanted to let you guys know that my wife and I signed an offer to buy a house! The money we received from you guys pushed us over the top for what we needed for a down payment. I love everyone in this community.