Most people probably wouldn't just give away a $25,000 ring without thinking twice about it. But Andrea Stirling and AJ Elftmann did.

In June, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) hosted a text message scavenger hunt, "The Race for the Rock," which led 1,000 Sacramentans around the city following a series of clues leading to the ring. The race raised more than $4000 for the food bank.

The "Hearts on Fire" ring, donated by Rogers Jewelers, was eventually found by long-time Sacramento residents and couple, Stirling and Elftmann. The timing of their win was made even more special since they were still celebrating Elftmann's two-year remission from Hodgkins Lymphoma just a couple months prior.

The couple decided the ring could be put to better use than in its box, where it sat for a couple weeks after the win. They handed the ring back over to SFBFS and now one lucky winner has the chance to win the rock yet again.

"Donating it is the best thing to do," Stirling told SFBFS. "I know the money raised from an event around this ring could help provide food, clothing and education to families in need right now."

SFBFS was founded in the basement of a church in Oak Park by Father Daniel Madigan and has grown to a staff of 35 and more than 4,000 volunteers annually. There are two Sacramento locations, one in Oak Park and one in North Sacramento. In 2008, the food bank began a mobile distribution food service through their Food Assistance program.

While SFBFS is mostly known for their food services, SFBFS delivers more than just nutrition to community members in need. Some of the various services offered include daycare, adult education, art programs, as well as clothing provided at no cost to those who need it.

Elftmann and Stirling initially heard about the race because they regularly participate in SFBFS' Run to Feed the Hungry. When asked about the win, Stirling described it as "Shocking! I don't think I stopped shaking until the next day."

Raffle tickets, which are being sold for $5, will be sold at several locations (see below). Tickets went on sale September and will continue to be sold until Dec. 30. Participants must be at least 18 years old and there is no limit to the amount of tickets that can be purchased. The winner will be drawn on Jan. 4, 2010. In addition to the grand prize, Rogers Jewelers will be donating several other prizes.

Another Race for the Rock is scheduled for June 5, 2010.

Tickets can be purchased at these locations:

SFBFS' Oak Park location: 3333 Third Ave., Sacramento, CA, 95817/Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SFBFS' North Sacramento Location: 2469 Rio Linda Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815/Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All Sacramento Rogers Jewelry Co. locations: www.thinkrogers.com.
All Sacramento REI locations the week prior to Thanksgiving.
Run to Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving Day near the CSUS entrance/ 7 a.m. until noon.

For more informatin, visit the Race for the Rock website

Image courtesy of Rogers Jewelery Co.