Honoring Years Old Commitment, Friend Splits $22M Lottery Winnings With Another Friend

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A promise means a promise, by keeping his word, this man has shown the real meaning behind friendship. This old man honored his decades-old promise made with a friend to split his lottery winnings.

Tom Cook, who had vowed with his best friend Joe Feeney that if either of them ever won the lottery, they'd split it.

Credit: Wisconsin Lottery

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The pair from Menomonie, Wisconsin, finally got a chance to honor their 1992 promise when Tom won a staggering $22 million in the Wisconsin Lottery, the Guardian reports.

In an interview with Wisconsin Lottery cited by USA Today, Tom said, "a handshake is a handshake, man", and the lottery has since confirmed that the pair will be splitting the winnings 50/50.

Credit: Wisconsin Lottery

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Hilariously, Joe, who is an avid fisherman, couldn't believe what he was hearing when Tom phoned him up to break the news and said: "Are you jerking my bobber?"

Two best friends chose the tax option of $16.7 million, which, after federal and state taxes, left them with $5.7 million each.

Credit: Wisconsin Lottery

This is the first time since the jackpot is scooped since March 2019, when there was record-setting $768.4 million jackpot winner in the state.

Wisconsin Lottery Director Cindy Polzin said: "Congratulations to Tom, Joe, and their families. The power of friendship and a handshake has paid off. I’m thrilled for them - their lucky day has arrived!"

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At the time of the big win, Joe had already retired and after the news of lottery winning, Tom also handed in his notice at work and retired. The duo now plan to spend time with families and relax with the money.

They're likely going on adventures together, having previously taken road trips in a small PT Cruiser convertible with their wives.

"We can pursue what we feel comfortable with," Tom said. "I can't think of a better way to retire."