Sometimes life surprises us in the most unexpected ways — like finding something tucked away that suddenly changes everything.
That’s exactly what happened to a grandmother from Connecticut who stumbled upon a pack of gold-wrapped Starbursts from 15 years ago and, to her amazement, ended up winning $10,000 just before her 50th birthday.
Digging Through Memories on a Hot Summer Day
It all started on a sweltering July afternoon in New Haven. Kiya, 20, was helping her mom, Nila, 50, look through their closet for an extra air conditioner.
While digging around in a seldom-used corner, Nila pulled out a small keepsake chest.
Joined by Kiya, one of Nila’s sons, and her granddaughter, they opened the box filled with old photos and sentimental trinkets.
But mixed in with the memories was something unusual — a worn pack of Starburst candies, all wrapped in gold foil, still sealed but looking like they had been forgotten for years.
The Candy That Was More Than Just Candy
Everyone was curious about the shiny candies, but for Nila, those golden Starbursts brought back bittersweet memories.
Back in 2010, she had entered a sweepstakes connected to the candy.
She remembered the excitement when she bought the pack during a grocery run and saw the “Hunt for Gold” promotion printed on the wrapper.
With her favorite pink Starburst candies inside, she thought she might have hit the jackpot.
But when she called the number on the wrapper, hoping to claim her prize, she got heartbreaking news — she had missed the deadline to redeem it.
A Prize That Slipped Away but Was Never Forgotten
The disappointment crushed Nila. She cried for two days, devastated that she had missed out on the $10,000 prize.
Yet, she never threw the pack away, keeping it safely tucked in her keepsake chest as a reminder that she had been a winner — even if she didn’t get the money then.
Years passed, and the story slipped from her mind until that hot July day when the candy pack resurfaced.
A Viral Moment and a Second Chance
Kiya, hearing this story for the first time, couldn’t believe it and decided to share the moment on TikTok.
The video quickly caught fire, racking up nearly 30 million views and drawing the attention of Starburst itself.
Kiya playfully asked the candy company if they could still award the $10,000 prize.
Starburst responded enthusiastically, confirming they had seen the video and were contacting legal teams.
Soon, Starburst surprised the family with fantastic news — despite the sweepstakes having officially ended 15 years ago, they wanted to celebrate Nila’s upcoming birthday with the $10,000 prize.
A Blessing at the Perfect Time
The announcement came just days before Nila’s 50th birthday, lifting the family’s spirits.
Nila, who has faced health struggles this year and had been on leave from work, called the money a “miracle” and a true blessing.
She plans to use part of the prize money to pursue a longtime dream — buying an ice cream truck to start her own business.
She’s also close to publishing a book of poetry, a passion project she’s been working on.
Holding Onto the Sweet Memories
Despite finally receiving the prize, Nila has no intention of eating the Starbursts.
Instead, the pack has become a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the sweet surprises life can bring.
“I think they mean even more to her now,” Kiya said with a smile.