CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A local chef, who has cooked for President Trump and President Obama, won $250,000 on a $5 lottery scratch off ticket says he plans to use the money to feed the hungry.
Chef Roberto Mendoza lives in Charlotte and purchased the winning ticket at the 7-Elven on Nations Ford Road.
“I have never won anything in my whole life,” Mendoza said. “This is an incredible feeling. I just can’t believe it.”
Mendoza said his mother suggested he buy a lottery ticket, so he bought a Hit $500 ticket.
“My mom was up visiting,” Mendoza said. “She told me she had a lucky feeling and knew I was going to win the lottery, so I bought a ticket. My hands started shaking when I saw the numbers. I’ve been shaking ever since.”
After paying state taxes, Mendoza pocketed $176, 876. Mendoza intends to finish building a cafeteria in the Dominican Republic to feed the hungry.
“We feed more than 300 children through my foundation,” Mendoza said. “I know what it’s like to be hungry. I told myself when I was a teen that, if I’m ever in a position to give back, I’d do everything I can to make sure no one else has to go hungry.”
The Hit $500 game was rolled out in July of 2018 and five of the six $250,000 top prizes have been claimed.
