Handshake to Millions In 1992, longtime friends Tom Cook and Joseph Feeney made a handshake promise to share any lottery winnings they might secure.
28 years later, Cook purchased a $2 Powerball ticket at a Synergy Coop in Menomonie, Wisconsin, which resulted in a $22 million jackpot and led him to inform Feeney of their shared fortune. When Cook called to give Feeney the good news, the friend couldn’t believe it.
The pair opted for a cash payout of roughly $16.7 million, with each friend netting about $5.7 million after taxes to support a comfortable retirement, travel, and more family time. Cook retired after hitting the jackpot while Feeney was already retired. Neither has any extravagant plans for the winnings. The won with odds of 1 in 292 million.
A Promise Kept – 28 Years Later, a Handshake Leads to $22 Million
In a heartwarming tale that proves true friendship knows no bounds, longtime friends Tom Cook and Joseph Feeney fulfilled a 28-year-old handshake promise by splitting a $22 million Powerball jackpot. Their story, a testament to loyalty and trust, began in 1992 when they vowed to share any lottery winnings they might secure. Decades later, a simple $2 Powerball ticket purchased at a Synergy Coop in Menomonie, Wisconsin, turned their dream into a reality, proving that some promises are truly worth keeping.
The Handshake Pact: A Bond Forged in Friendship
In 1992, amidst the casual camaraderie of friendship, Tom Cook and Joseph Feeney made a simple yet profound promise: they would split any lottery winnings. This handshake pact, born from a spirit of fun and camaraderie, remained a cherished bond between the two friends for nearly three decades.
- The handshake promise was made in 1992, showcasing their enduring friendship.
- It symbolized a bond of trust and loyalty between the two men.
- This pact remained a cherished part of their friendship for 28 years.
The Winning Ticket: A $2 Dream Come True
Tom Cook’s purchase of a $2 Powerball ticket at a local Synergy Coop turned out to be a life-changing decision. The ticket matched all the winning numbers, resulting in a staggering $22 million jackpot. This incredible stroke of luck transformed their long-standing promise into a tangible fortune.
- The winning ticket was purchased at a Synergy Coop in Menomonie, Wisconsin.
- It matched all the winning Powerball numbers, leading to a $22 million jackpot.
- This turned their 28 year old promise into a reality.
The Unbelievable Call: Sharing the Good News
When Cook discovered their shared fortune, his first call was to Feeney. The friend, initially in disbelief, was overwhelmed with joy upon realizing the reality of their win. The moment was a culmination of their enduring friendship and the fulfillment of their long-held promise.
- Cook called Feeney to share the incredible news of their win.
- Feeney was initially in disbelief but overjoyed upon confirmation.
- The moment symbolized the fulfillment of their long-standing promise.
The Cash Payout: $5.7 Million Each After Taxes
The friends opted for a cash payout of approximately $16.7 million, which, after taxes, resulted in each netting about $5.7 million. This substantial sum will allow them to enjoy a comfortable retirement, travel, and spend more time with their families.
- They opted for a cash payout of approximately $16.7 million.
- Each friend received about $5.7 million after taxes.
- This will allow them to enjoy a comfortable retirement and family time.
Simple Plans: Enjoying a Comfortable Retirement
Neither Cook nor Feeney has extravagant plans for their winnings. Cook, who retired after hitting the jackpot, and Feeney, who was already retired, plan to use their newfound wealth to enjoy a comfortable retirement and spend more time with their loved ones.
- Both friends plan to enjoy a comfortable retirement.
- They aim to spend more time with their families.
- They have no extravagant plans for their winnings.
Incredible Odds: 1 in 292 Million
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are a staggering 1 in 292 million. Cook and Feeney’s story is a testament to the sheer improbability of winning and the extraordinary nature of their shared fortune.
- The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million.
- Their win is a testament to the improbability of winning.
- It highlights the extraordinary nature of their shared fortune.
Key Takeaways
- Tom Cook and Joseph Feeney split a $22 million Powerball jackpot.
- They had a 28-year-old handshake promise to share any lottery winnings.
- Each friend received about $5.7 million after taxes.
- They plan to enjoy a comfortable retirement and spend time with family.
- The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million.
Conclusion: A Story of Friendship and Fortune
Tom Cook and Joseph Feeney’s incredible story is a heartwarming reminder of the power of friendship and the enduring nature of promises. Their shared lottery win, born from a 28-year-old handshake, is a testament to loyalty, trust, and the extraordinary possibilities that life can offer.