Strangers raise $110,000 for homeless man who returned ring

Strangers raise $110,000 for homeless man who returned ring


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KANSAS CITY, Missouri — A homeless man who returned a woman's engagement ring after she accidentally gave it to him with some change is getting a big return on his honesty.

Billy Ray Harris, a homeless man in Kansas City, found a platinum diamond engagement ring in his donation cup earlier this month. The man, who lives under a bridge, could have pawned it and started a new life, but he recognized the sentimental value of such an item and hung onto it.

"My grandfather was a reverend. He raised me from the time I was 6 months old and thank the good Lord, it's a blessing, but I do still have some character," he told local news station KCTV.

The next day, the ring's owner, Sarah Darling, returned to the spot she had seen Harris the day before.

She approached Harris, asking him if he remembered her. He didn't. But when she told him she might have given him something valuable, he immediately knew what she was after.

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"It seemed like a miracle. I thought for sure there was no way I would get it back," Darling told KCTV.

She said she had placed the ring in her purse after she began developing a rash on her finger and didn't notice it was gone until that day.

"I think in our world we often jump to like the worst conclusion, and it just makes you realize that there are good people out there," Darling said.

Darling gave Harris all the cash she had in her wallet, but wanted to do something more. She and her husband set up an account* on giveforward.com for Harris. The page has racked up more than $110,000 in the first eight days of its 90 day fundraising period. The money will be given to Harris once the period is completed.

"It is so inspiring to know that someone in a difficult situation is living WITH integrity," wrote KI, who donated $10. "God Bless you Billy Ray AND the family that recognized and appreciated his good deed. Thank you for this opportunity to help you give back to him."

Bill Krejci, Darling's husband, has since spent some time with Harris. On the Give Forward site, he said he went to a bicycle shop with Harris to fix his bike's tires and tubes. Krejci said the men talked about BMX, how their fathers faught in the Vietnam War, and about Harris' plans for the future and the donations.

"I'd like to continue using the word "unreal" to describe this experience and spare you a million words of thanks and awe for another time," Krejci wrote. "Words cannot express how it feels to be a part of something like this and I can't tell you all how much I read and re-read all of your comments that you've posted."


*ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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Celeste Tholen Rosenlof

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