The Scratch

The Art of Paying It Forward

This time of year brings about a sense of generosity in people that can get lost in the shuffle the rest of the year. For some, however, giving back is just natural and inspiring. Recently, a player in Nebraska City paid forward their winnings which in turn led to a happy ending for a family in need.

According to Clerk Lori Stipe, the player – who would like to remain anonymous – plays often and wins often. A biting superstition possesses him to give a percentage of his winnings to each clerk who sells him winning tickets. Recently, he won $20,000. The clerk who sold him his winning ticket was Lori Stipe.

“He came back with 14 $100 bills and I thought ‘Surely, he’s not going to give me that much,’” she said. “I would’ve been ecstatic with $100. It was awesome.”

Lori realized that the extra money could help someone she knew who was struggling with medical expenses and has two small children at home. Christmas was going to be difficult with mounting medical bills so Lori followed the example set before her and donated to the family’s Christmas fund. She even spent some time shopping for the children’s presents. Because of her efforts, Christmas will not only happen, but it will happen under a freshly cut tree with plenty of presents beneath it.

Stipe says that even the smallest display of kindness goes a long way – something she learned from the player.

“The gentleman who comes in and plays is so generous,” she said. “He won $100 and gave each of us $5. When he wins, it’s just cool because I have $5 in my pocket I didn’t have when I got here. It’s a nice little surprise.”