You Might Be Rich: A Local Man's Story
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You Might Be Rich: A Local Man's Story
A local man is featured on national television. INSIDE: VIDEO of his surprise!
Reporter: Leigh Mills
Email Address: lmills@nbc15.com
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UPDATED Monday, April 27, 2009 --- 9:15 p.m.

If you missed the Dateline report on Sunday, you can watch it in the video player to the right of this story (in the flash player). Just click on "You Might Be Rich! Madison Man's Treasure." See what Nick inherited!

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Posted Friday, April 24, 2009 --- 10:00 p.m.

A local man is featured on national television after the network tracks him down to tell him he's inherited a lot of money!

Sound like a dream come true?

For 55-year-old Madison resident Nick, who lives alone and suffers from Parkinson's disease, NBC's phone call was too good to be true!

"We call our series 'You Might Be Rich,' and what we do is we find people who don't know they have money coming to them and return it," explains Dateline NBC producer Rob Buchanan, "It's a big surprise!"

"What makes Nick's case really interesting is that it's a big dollar amount and it's been sitting with the state for a bunch of years," he adds.

But every time Buchanan called Nick, Nick hung up on him.

He was skeptical.

So Dateline enlisted my help.

After numerous phone calls and visits, Nick agreed to the Dateline interview, and crews flew to Madison to film the big reveal.

"It's not an uncommon reaction for someone to be a little skeptical," says reporter Matt Bean as he meets Nick for the first time, "But I hope with all the lights, the cameras, Leigh is here, have we been able to convince you that we're legit?"

Nick responds, "Yes, you are very legit. You're lucky you had Leigh!"

Bean continues, "We've got a little surprise for you Nick!"

Nick quickly responds with a smile, "I think I'm getting spoiled here!"

Then a group of singers walks into the room.

Bean says, "Nick you're probably wondering what all these people are doing here, why we're making such a fuss right now."

Nick has had a hard life. He lost him mother in 1997 and was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2005. But today, he had something to celebrate!

"Well, Nick, your mom left something behind for you that I think is really going to change your life!" Bean continues, "But before I tell you exactly what that is, do you have any idea what it could be? What your mom left behind for you?"

Nick responds with a mischievous smile, "A new hairline?"

The room erupts in laughter.

No, it wasn't a new hairline!

But, you'll have to watch Dateline this Sunday at 6 p.m. to find out how much money Nick's mom left for him.

It's not our decision -- so please don't email us!

NBC won't let us say what he got until their broadcast on Sunday.

So make sure to watch Dateline this Sunday night at six!

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Could you be rich?

If you'd like to know whether you have any unclaimed property or cash, check the database on the state treasurer's website, http://www.statetreasury.wisconsin.gov or call 1-877-699-9211 or (608) 267-7977.

There are more than one million names in Wisconsin's database worth more than 352 million dollars!

There is also a national database you should check, if you or your family members have lived in other states. That website is www.missingmoney.com.


Latest Comments

Posted by: JB on Apr 29, 2009 at 10:15 AM

I recognize this guy from Woodmans....how could you miss those classic side burns. Im so sorry to hear about the Parkinsons, but Delighted to hear about his windfall. What made me smile was here he is with his own problems and medical needs, and yet he comes into money and wants to give some to charity.
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Jessica Olejniczak Location: St. Mary's Hospital/APDA on Apr 28, 2009 at 11:29 AM

This is a great story. Working with people with Parkinson's disease, I see hardships all the time, including the insurance aspect. It's great to see this has such a positive outlook for this gentleman.
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Diane Location: Stoughton on Apr 28, 2009 at 03:03 AM

What a wonderful story. Nick, you certainly earned what you have gotten rewarded to you. God bless you and everyone who fought to find you. You are truly a blessed man.
[ Report Abuse ]
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