A raffle ticket worth just over $100 has turned into one of the most talked-about stories right now. In Paris, a man who made a simple and unplanned purchase is now the owner of a painting valued at $1 million.This is the kind of story that stands out because it connects everyday life with something extraordinary. It also shows how a small decision can sometimes lead to something much bigger.
Winner left questioning the news
Ari Hodara, 58, who works as a sales engineer, received a call informing him that he had won a painting by Pablo Picasso, as reported by The Associated Press.Instead of celebrating immediately, he was unsure if the news was even real.“How do I check that it’s not a hoax?”The winning draw was conducted at Christie’s auction house in Paris, where his ticket was selected.
Bought a ticket without planning
As mentioned in the report, Hodara shared that he came across the raffle by chance while he was out for a meal at a restaurant over the weekend.He sees himself as someone who enjoys art and likes Picasso’s work, but buying the ticket was not a serious plan. It was a casual decision. The ticket cost him 100 euros, around $117.After finding out about the win, he spoke about what he would do next.“First, I will tell the news to my wife, who has yet to return from work.”
“And at first, I think I’ll take advantage of it and keep it.”
The painting that became the prize
The artwork he won is called “Head of a Woman.” It was painted in 1941 and shows Dora Maar, who was Picasso’s muse and partner.This raffle was part of the third edition of the “1 Picasso for 100 euros” campaign.
A raffle with a social goal
The initiative was organized to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research. A total of 120,000 tickets were sold worldwide, bringing in 12 million euros.Out of the proceeds, 1 million euros will go to Opera Gallery, which owns the painting.Gilles Dyan, the gallery’s founder, said the artwork was offered at a lower price than its public value.
Funds used for wider causes
The raffle is run by the Alzheimer Research Foundation, based in a major public hospital in Paris. Since 2004, it has become one of the leading private contributors to Alzheimer-related research in France.Thumb image: X
