Raleigh, NC (STL.News) When Ernesto Sorzano picked up his favorite Chinese take-out of fried rice and shrimp recently, he also got a Fortune cookie with a set of lucky numbers that won him a $500,000 Powerball prize.

“That was a good investment,” Sorzano said.

His Fortune cookie numbers matched four of the white balls and the Powerball in Saturday’s drawing, winning him $50,000.  Because he bought a $3 Power Play ticket, his prize jumped ten times to $500,000 when the 10X multiplier was drawn.

Sorzano, who is from Estero, Florida, claimed his prize at lottery headquarters in Raleigh on Monday and took home $353.751 after required federal and state tax withholdings.  He said he is moving to Huntersville and plans to use the money to buy a new home.

“Unbelievable,” said Sorzano.  “I’m just super happy that my dreams came true.”

Sorzano’s ticket, purchased at the 7-Eleven on Sam Furr Road in Huntersville, was one of three bought in North Carolina that matched four white balls and the Powerball in Saturday’s drawing.  The other $3 Power Play ticket, worth $500,000, was purchased through Online Play on the lottery’s website. 

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