A simple gesture of kindness turned into one of the most legendary lottery stories ever told.
On the evening of March 30, 1984, NYPD officer Robert Cunningham sat down for dinner at Sal's, a beloved pizzeria nestled in the lively neighborhood of Yonkers, New York. The spot was well-known for its cozy vibe and freshly made pizzas, and Robert was a regular. When it came time to settle up, he made an unusual decision — instead of leaving his waitress, Phyllis Penzo, a standard cash tip, he proposed something unexpected. Why not go in together on a lottery ticket and split whatever they won? Phyllis, intrigued by the offbeat suggestion, agreed. Neither of them could have possibly imagined how profoundly that lighthearted moment would reshape both of their futures.
The very next day, that shared ticket hit big — $6 million in the New York Lotto. True to his word, Cunningham honored the arrangement and handed Penzo her half, a cool $3 million. The story quickly captured hearts both locally and across the nation, eventually serving as the inspiration behind the 1994 film It Could Happen to You, with Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda in the lead roles.
So here's something to think about: could a small act of generosity and a little bit of luck change your life forever? Stranger things have certainly happened.
Fun Facts:
- Date: March 30, 1984
- Location: Sal's Pizzeria, Yonkers, NY
- Lottery Prize: $6 million
- Split Winnings: $3 million each
- Pop Culture: Inspired the movie It Could Happen to You (1994)