Back in 1992, Thomas Cook and Joseph Feeney made a simple, almost whimsical promise. Over a casual conversation, the two friends sealed a handshake pact: if either ever won the lottery, they would split the winnings equally.
At the time, it seemed like little more than a fun hypothetical—but it became a commitment that would last nearly three decades. Year after year, the friends continued their ritual. Every week, they faithfully bought Powerball tickets together, never wavering in their agreement.
The routine became more than a habit; it was a testament to their friendship, a symbol of trust and mutual respect. Through jobs, family obligations, and life’s unpredictable twists, the handshake promise endured—a quiet, steadfast bond that money could never truly measure.
Then, in June 2020, fortune finally smiled on Cook. He won a staggering $22 million Powerball jackpot. Yet, true to his word, the very first thing he did after discovering the win was call Feeney. There was no hesitation, no second thoughts. Just a simple act of loyalty: honoring a promise made decades earlier.
After taxes, each friend walked away with approximately $5.7 million, a sum that would be life-changing for anyone. Yet, what sets this story apart is not the size of the jackpot—it is how the two men chose to approach it.
Rather than indulging in extravagant purchases or flashy displays of wealth, they opted for simple, meaningful pleasures. They spent time with family, enjoyed travel experiences, and savored the satisfaction of knowing that their friendship had been honored in the most literal sense.
In a world often dominated by headlines of lottery winners squandering fortunes or disputes over inheritance, Cook and Feeney’s story stands out as a rare example of integrity and loyalty.
Their tale reminds us that while money can alter circumstances, it cannot buy the kind of trust and camaraderie that comes from decades of shared experiences. The handshake that began as a casual joke in 1992 became a lifelong symbol of honesty, mutual respect, and unwavering friendship.
Beyond the financial windfall, the story resonates because it highlights the enduring value of human connection. Cook and Feeney’s relationship shows that real wealth is measured not in dollars but in loyalty, honesty, and the willingness to honor commitments—even when no one is watching.
Their lives were enriched not merely by the lottery itself, but by the act of keeping their word and sharing their good fortune. For nearly 30 years, a simple handshake defined the friendship of Thomas Cook and Joseph Feeney.
In 2020, that handshake transformed into millions—but more importantly, it became a timeless testament to the kind of friendship money can never buy. Their story is a reminder that true wealth lies not in what you gain, but in the trust and loyalty you share with those who matter most.
