Kentucky Couple Wins $50K Powerball, Celebrates Educational Contributions

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WBKO) – A Lexington couple has struck it lucky, winning $50,000 in the Powerball lottery after years of dedicated support for the Kentucky Lottery. Cheryl and Bobby Taylor purchased the winning ticket at Kroger on Bellerive Boulevard in Nicholasville for the February 5 drawing. The ticket matched four white balls and the Powerball, securing the game’s third prize.

Cheryl, reflecting on the moment of discovery, recalled, “Friday, he [Bobby] comes wandering in and he says, ‘Look at this!’ Our son is in town and he comes in to look at it. We just look at it and we stand there. That matches, what do we do?” The couple was stunned by their good fortune, yet grateful for the unexpected gift.

Cheryl emphasized the couple’s long-standing commitment to the Kentucky Lottery, not only for potential winnings but also for its educational benefits. “Four of our six kids received scholarships through the lottery’s education programs, saving us thousands of dollars in college expenses,” she said.

She added, “I play because it’s fun, it’s fantasy. From the beginning, this was always a program that supported education. I put my $2 in and I lose it; I’ve supported somebody else’s child to go to school, just like mine were supported.”

The Taylors visited the Kentucky Lottery headquarters on February 10, where Cheryl collected a check for $36,000 after taxes. Both retirees are excited about how they will use their winnings. “We planned a trip to Ireland this year, and so, you know, part of that is going to help us with that trip. And maybe some home maintenance things. But what a great gift. We’re humbled and we are grateful,” she noted.

Mary Harville, President and CEO of the Kentucky Lottery Corporation, commented on the significance of the Taylors’ win. “Our mission of Fueling Imagination and Funding Education truly comes full circle with the Taylors’ win. Our players know that by supporting the Lottery through the many fun and exciting games we offer, they are helping provide educational opportunities for students and their families across the state,” she said. “In fact, Kentucky Lottery proceeds have now funded scholarships and grants for more than 1 million Kentuckians.”