Michael Gilbert may have won the grand prize in the Senior Center Meal Raffle, but the big winner was the Senior Activities Center.

Gilbert's ticket was randomly selected by Mayor Pro-Tem Peter Rubino this week as the $3,000 grand prize winner. 

He is a member of the center, and decided to donate $1,000 back to the facility.

"It is an important cog in this city," he said after returning part of his prize money.

The drawing followed weeks of ticket sales to raise funds for the senior meal program at the center.

St. Clair Shores has the only center in the county with an on-site chef, who prepares low-cost meals for members throughout the year. Nearly 5,500 meals are served a year from the center.

Proceeds from the raffle will be used to offset the costs of the meal program.

The list of winners include:

• $3,000 Winner - Michael Gilbert
• $1,000 Winner - Fran Finazzo
• $1,000 Winner -Emily Everett
• $500 Winner - Evelyn Willems
• $500 Winner - Curt Guthrie 
• $250 Winner - Louise Hunt
• $250 Winner - Aaron Rockensuess
• 32-inch television for ticket sales - Cathy McCormick

The St. Clair Shores Senior Activities Center also expanded hours this week to accomodate growing demand for services at the facility.

New hours for the center will be 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday - Thursday, and 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday. 

Membership fees were also modified to reflect the extended hours. Residents can join for $25 per year, and the general public can join for $40 per year.

Included in the membership fee are classes and use of the fitness room, which is staffed throughout the day. New activities which are proposed for the center include Mexican train dominoes, Zumba and swing dance lessons.

For more information about the center, or to volunteer, call (586) 445-445-0996.