Winner of Humane Society raffle gives back the grand prize

Marco Vigliotti When Sarnia’s Michele Stokley won the diamond ring grand prize in a Sarnia Humane Society raffle last week it appeared to be a typical end to another successful fundraiser.

Marco Vigliotti

When Sarnia’s Michele Stokley won the diamond ring grand prize in a Sarnia Humane Society raffle last week it appeared to be a typical end to another successful fundraiser.

She set off to Brian Davis Jewellery, which had donated the prize, to accept the ring and greet the store’s owner and Humane Society staff.

But Stokley, an animal lover, surprised those in attendance by giving the sparkling jewelry right back to the animal shelter.

“I know the Humane Society is usually full of animals and they’re in the need of more funding. So I thought it would be a great promotion … if they could do something with the diamond and make some money towards their fundraising campaign,” said Stokley, a well-known city restaurateur and event promoter.

As part of a month-long event coordinated by the store, raffle tickets were handed out to anyone who made a minimum $5 donation to the Humane Society.

Stokley said she never expected to win the ring and quickly made the decision to give it back.

Manager Donna Pyette said the shelter is grateful for the gesture.

“Michele is a very giving person, she is a supporter of the Sarnia Humane Society,” Pyette said. “It’s such a kind gesture.”

The draw raised $500 for the Humane Society and the ring is valued at more than $1,000.

No decision has been made about future fundraising but another ring raffle is a strong possibility, according to Pyette.

That draw would probably occur sometime around Christmas, she added.