Abilene Contortionist Adds "Kansas Lottery Winner" to
List of Feats
42-year-old Raymond Gonzales' claim to fame is being featured
in Ripley's Believe It or Not® books and comic strip in 2009 and
2011. Gonzales is a contortionist, who can turn his feet backwards,
a fact that was confirmed when he demonstrated his talent for
Lottery officials. Now, Gonzales can add "Kansas Lottery
winner" to his lists of feats. Last Friday, Gonzales
purchased a $2 New Royalty instant scratch ticket, winning a
$10,000 top prize!
"I stopped at a convenience store in Salina before picking up my
kids for the weekend," explained Gonzales. "After buying the
ticket, I stopped at my daughter's house and ate pizza. While
we were eating, I scratched the ticket. When I realized I had
won $10,000, I asked my daughter to double check it. She was
astonished. All she could say was, 'Oh my goodness! You
just won $10,000!'"
According to Gonzales, he buys Kansas Lottery instant scratch
tickets a few times a month and usually plays $2 games.
"Winning $10,000 came at a great time," said Gonzales. "My
wife Rachele and I were married in July. We are going on a late
honeymoon trip next week. We're also moving soon, so part of
my winnings will go towards those expenses."
Gonzales, who has been in the National Guard for 23 years and
served a tour in Iraq and Egypt, plans to retire from the military
soon. He has eight children and three stepchildren and works
as a technician, building tank engines, at Fort Riley.
The winning ticket was purchased at Iron Pump, located at 418 E.
Iron Ave. in Salina.