Wisconsin Friends Keep Promise to Split $22 Million Jackpot: A Story of Loyalty and Luck
When Thomas Cook of Elk Mound, Wisconsin, purchased a Powerball ticket in June, he probably never imagined he would soon be holding a winning ticket worth $22 million. But as fate would have it, that ticket turned out to be the jackpot, and Cook kept a nearly 30-year-old promise to his close friend, Joseph Feeney. This heartwarming tale of friendship and loyalty began in 1992, when the two men, who had been friends for many years, made a pact: If one of them ever won the Powerball jackpot, they would split the winnings evenly. True to his word, Cook, after realizing he was holding the winning ticket, immediately called Feeney to inform him of the life-changing news.
The moment Cook discovered that he had won, he could hardly believe it. “It was quite an experience,” Cook recalled in an interview with the Wisconsin Lottery. “When I read the first two or three numbers, I kind of froze.” The reality of winning $22 million was overwhelming. Cook was enjoying breakfast when the life-altering moment occurred, and in a state of shock, he handed the ticket to his wife, who also froze in disbelief. As they absorbed the news, Cook knew exactly what he had to do next: he called Feeney, his longtime friend, to let him know they were about to become multimillionaires.
Feeney, who lives in Menomonie, Wisconsin, was initially skeptical. “I thought he was joking,” Feeney said, recalling his first reaction to the call. The two men had been buying lottery tickets together for years, but they had always assumed that winning was a far-off dream. Never in their wildest imaginations did they expect their friendly handshake agreement to come to fruition. But Cook stood by the pact they had made almost three decades earlier. “That happened many years ago,” Cook remarked. “A handshake’s a handshake, man.”
Keeping a Promise and Taking the Jackpot
The two friends made the decision to take the cash option of the $22 million jackpot, which amounted to $16.7 million after taxes. This generous split meant that Cook and Feeney would each take home roughly $5.7 million after federal and state taxes were deducted. For both men, this windfall would change their lives forever, but despite the sudden wealth, they remained grounded and humble.
After receiving his portion of the jackpot, Cook retired from his job, ready to enjoy the next chapter of his life. “I can’t think of a better way to retire,” he said, expressing how the jackpot would allow him to spend more time with his family and pursue his dreams without the constraints of a 9-to-5 job. Cook, who has grandchildren and great-grandchildren, emphasized the importance of spending quality time with his loved ones. “We can pursue what we feel comfortable with,” he shared. Feeney, who had already retired from his position as a firefighter, echoed Cook’s sentiments. Both men were eager to enjoy the freedom that the money would bring, without rushing into extravagant purchases or making rash decisions.
The decision to keep the promise and share the jackpot was a testament to the deep bond between the two friends. Despite the temptation of wealth, they stayed true to the commitment they made all those years ago. It was not just about the money—it was about honoring a friendship and proving that sometimes, promises made in the past can be fulfilled in the most surprising ways. The jackpot was a symbol of trust and loyalty, a powerful reminder that even in the face of incredible fortune, personal values can remain intact.
The Impact of the Jackpot on the Community
While Cook and Feeney’s lives have been dramatically changed by the jackpot, their good fortune has also impacted their community. The Menomonie gas station where Cook purchased the winning ticket was awarded a $100,000 bonus for selling the ticket. This bonus is part of the Wisconsin Lottery’s effort to support local businesses and reward them for their role in helping to distribute winning tickets. The gas station owners expressed their excitement and gratitude for the unexpected windfall.
The jackpot win also had an emotional effect on the local community. Cook and Feeney are well-known figures in the Menomonie area, and their story of friendship and shared success has resonated with many. As news of their big win spread, the community celebrated their good fortune, with many expressing admiration for the way they handled the windfall. Cook and Feeney’s story is a reminder that the best things in life are often not material possessions but the relationships and bonds we form with others.
Wisconsin’s Powerball Jackpot History and the Odds of Winning
This $22 million jackpot win marks the first time in Wisconsin since March 2019 that someone has won the Powerball. Back then, a 24-year-old man from Wisconsin won a record-setting $768.4 million jackpot, making it the largest Powerball win in the state’s history. This latest win brings the total number of Powerball jackpots in Wisconsin to 18 since the game was first introduced to the state in 1992. For Cook and Feeney, winning this jackpot was a rare and once-in-a-lifetime event, especially considering the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are about 1 in 292 million.
The Wisconsin Lottery has a long history of producing big winners, but each win is a unique story. In the case of Cook and Feeney, their win was especially meaningful because of the promise they had made all those years ago. For them, the jackpot was not just about money—it was about friendship, loyalty, and fulfilling a promise that was made with sincerity and trust. As more Powerball winners emerge from the state, the stories continue to inspire those who dream of winning big, reinforcing the idea that luck and loyalty can go hand in hand.
The Power of Friendship and a Handshake
Cindy Polzin, the director of the Wisconsin Lottery, congratulated Cook and Feeney on their big win, highlighting the powerful bond of friendship that had been a key element in their story. “The power of friendship and a handshake has paid off. I’m thrilled for them—their lucky day has arrived!” Polzin said in a statement. The Wisconsin Lottery celebrated not only the financial success of the two friends but also the remarkable example they set for others. Their story is one of integrity, loyalty, and mutual respect, proving that even in a world driven by wealth and materialism, personal values still hold immense power.
The story of Cook and Feeney’s jackpot win is a reminder that sometimes the greatest treasures in life are the ones that money can’t buy. While the $22 million jackpot will certainly provide for them and their families, it is the enduring friendship between Cook and Feeney that will last far beyond any financial gain. Their story is a beautiful example of how loyalty and trust can lead to a jackpot that is worth far more than any dollar amount.
A Jackpot of Friendship and Fortune
The $22 million jackpot win by Thomas Cook and Joseph Feeney is a story that transcends money. It’s a testament to the enduring power of friendship, the importance of keeping promises, and the unexpected rewards that life can offer. As Cook and Feeney begin their new chapter, they are reminded that the greatest riches in life are not always measured by the size of one’s bank account, but by the quality of one’s relationships and the fulfillment of heartfelt commitments. Their story is an inspiring example of how a handshake, made nearly three decades ago, can lead to a jackpot that changes lives—and a friendship that lasts a lifetime.
