Lottery winner never forgot that handshake from nearly three decades ago
By Kate Northrop
Handshakes still haven't gone out of style after one Wisconsin man honored a deal he made with his close friend 28 years ago.
When Thomas Cook won a $22 million Powerball jackpot from the June 10 drawing, he called up his buddy Joseph Feeney to let him know of the news and that he would be upholding his end of their bargain struck three decades earlier.
Back when the Powerball game started in 1992, the two Wisconsin natives shook hands on a deal — that if either one of them won the lottery, they would split the winnings equally.
Finally, after years' worth of buying lottery tickets, Cook purchased the winning Powerball ticket at the gas station convenience store at the Synergy Coop on Exit 45 in Menomonie, Wisconsin. He checked his numbers while having breakfast with his wife and had her double-check them for him once he realized he won.
"It was quite an experience when I read those first two or three numbers," Cook recalled. "I kind of froze and handed them to her, and she froze."
Then, he gave his job two weeks' notice and got ready to call Feeney, who was already retired from his job at a fire department.
"Are you jerking my bobber?" Feeney asked Cook out of disbelief during their phone call.
"A handshake's a handshake," Cook said.
The two friends visited the Wisconsin Lottery headquarters in Madison to claim their shared prize with their wives. After choosing the lump sum payment of $16.7 million before taxes, they both took home about $5.7 million each after federal and state taxes were deducted.
"We said whenever the big winner comes, we're going to split it, so we buy every week... not really thinking it would happen," Feeney said.
With their newfound wealth, the pair said they could pursue whatever they feel comfortable with and could not think of a better way to retire. They've already taken some road trips with their PT Cruiser convertible. As far as plans go, they're considering upgrading it for future road trips and intend on spending quality, stress-free time with family while traveling.
And, to this day, Cook still plays the Powerball.
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A great feel good story. So happy the ticket purchaser had the integrity to remember his friend and handshake. $5.7 million on top of his friend's nice retirement as a firefighter is jus wonderful.
Rare to find, men of their words.
Rarer still for a winner to claim openly.
Thank you for restoring faith that their is no shame in sharing your name.
Enjoy the friendship and enriched life style.
You don't find that type of Friendship around too much these day's
Enjoy your new found wealth Gentlemen.
Nice for those guys! Good Friends?
But if I ever win the "jackpot", I'm in trouble? I told many people that I will give them lots of money if I ever win it "Big"?
I might be "Broke". "Oh No!" I just hope they don't remember or find out! "Yeah"!
ohiopick3, "lots of money" changes with each rollover. I just stopped talking about the lottery. I only discuss it with a few friends and a couple of relatives.
I have only promised three people the amount the IRS allows as gift tax free. This year that amount is
$15,000.00. So the total is $45,000.00 I use that thought as lessons for keeping quiet. As each jackpot rolls over the pain is less.
These are life lessons each of us learns.
Financial Counselors and Wealth Managers could be in your future.
That's what l am talking about. For some people..
"Honesty is absolute - your word is your bond, a handshake is more binding than a contract."
Not sure I could do that. Wonder how the wife felt when her hubby told her of his decades old deal.
I'm sure she felt good about it, she married him for a reason, he's a good honest man.
I"m happy for them!!
Keeping a promise lays the foundation for trust and respect.
That's a really great story! Congrats to them all!
BTW, I wonder how they split it since WI only allows one person to claim the prize?
That's awesome. Be a person of your word. Congrats💯
Am I math challenged, or did the reporter make a mistake? $16.7 Million (after tax) lump sum payout and each of them took a check home for $5.7 Million? Who got the other $5.3 Million?
Wonder if the Chief Bottle washer won the Mega Millions last night???
It's as l have been saying for years- " it's the water." Not Nebraska or Wyoming,but tiny Jersey- with a perfect ocean view.
How do you explain a winner coming out of a State with a population of less than 9 million inhabitants? One can always trust water, never underestimate it.
At least we have PB to win.
Every State wants to be #1` in wins.
The IRS, it reads lump sum "before" taxes
Excellent, noise-gate , the time honored Code of The West is depiction of authentic 3D validity.
Mi grand daddy taught me that for men to have a honest long term relationship with other men, it will not depend on world politics, economics, philosophy, psychology, history, theology or women- the gold standard one word .... HONOR
noise-gate, your water theory was partially destroyed last night in that Nebraska won a million on Powerball last night. Now if they hit the whole thing then I'd say destroyed! LOL
The word is partially, and you are correct Jeff. In fact l had a dream last night in which one of the lottery god's told me to " cut it out or else." But l am driven to tell the truth even if it mean l never win.
Yes it is excellent eddessaK, l have read where " back in the day," when one rancher was selling his cattle to another rancher, he would say " l have 1800 head of cattle " and he was taken at his word. No counting was required because you shook hands on it. Of course, one could always do a private count, just as when money is dispensed from an atm machine, you always count.. regardless.