June 11. Four North Carolinians 18 and older will win $1 million in a series of special drawings designed to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations. Four North Carolinians 12 to 17 can win $125,000 for post-secondary education.
Here’s how it works:
North Carolinians 18 and over who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings for a chance to win a $1 million cash prize. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings to win $125,000 towards post-secondary education. The $125,000 can be used at any post-secondary institution and is awarded in the form of a NC 529 account.
“This is your shot at a million. Regardless of who wins, there’s no way to lose,” said Gov. Roy Cooper. “A chance at a million dollars is pretty good motivation. But even if your name isn’t drawn, the worst you’ll do is get strong protection from a deadly virus.”
Gov. Cooper at press conference
Runs June 23- Aug. 4
The $4 Million Summer Cash and Summer Cash 4 College Drawings will run from June 23 through Aug. 4. All North Carolina residents 12 and older who have been vaccinated with at least one dose are eligible. Those vaccinated on or after June 10, will be entered twice for each drawing increasing the chance of winning for the newly vaccinated.
Bi-weekly drawings
Drawings will take place every other week on Wednesdays with the first drawing on June 23. New entries will close at midnight on the Sunday prior to the Wednesday drawing. Winners will be verified and then announced.
The drawings are part of the state’s Bringing Summer Back get-out-the-vaccine campaign to increase awareness of the availability and safety of COVID-19 vaccines and encourage North Carolinians to get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as they can. The vaccines have been thoroughly tested and found to be safe and effective for anyone 12 and older.
Success in Ohio
Ohio, the first state to launch vaccination lotteries, saw a 28 percent increase in vaccinations among those 16 and older in the first two weeks following the announcement.
Funding
The $4 Million Summer Cash and Summer Cash 4 College drawings will use federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to pay for the program.
More info: SummerVaxCash.com
