Every now and then we learn something we never knew about the way we touch others' lives - and that deeply touches our own.

We knew Michelle Miller's entry in the 2011 Creatin' Contest was a winner, but we later learned it wasn't just her work that was worth the prize; Michelle herself is a real winner.

Late last year, a customer got in touch with our internet Customer Service guru Harry about a plea posted on the Greenleaf Forum from Ann Selchick, whose organization, Dollhouses for Kids Battling Cancer, was in need of dolls for finished houses Santa was scheduled to deliver on Christmas Day. Harry contacted Ernie, and Ann received her choice from the Houseworks Resin Doll Collection in time so no one was disappointed. Ann expressed her thanks through our Facebook page and we learned more about her wonderful work and the nearly 200 donated dollhouse kits she has completed and furnished as gifts to hospitalized children and medical facilities that help them.

Michelle is not a Facebook member, but she checks our page occasionally and saw Ann's post. What she did next . . . well, we're just glad she said it's OK to share with you. She had a (sizable) balance remaining in her miniatures.com account from a previous Creatin' Contest win, so she got in touch with Harry, and asked him to transfer the amount as an e-gift certificate to Ann's work. Here's what Michelle said:

"Her story really touched me. Someone who would so generously give of her time to build all these houses for these children is #1 in my book. I am a cancer survivor and still cannot imagine what these children go through. Please share the story if you think it will create a good gesture for Ann and her cause."

And when she was notified she was this year's Grand Prize winner, her first response was: "Before I forget, could you ask Harry to take $500 of my certificate dollars and give it to Ann at Dollhouses for Kids Battling Cancer."

Thanks, Michelle, for showing us what a real winner can be!

If you'd like to help DKBC, Ernie has offered to match any eGift Certificate donations made through miniatures.com.

We know the miniatures community is filled with people who quietly go about helping others in their own "small" ways. If you know someone whose story makes them an Ernie's Angel, let us know; we'd like to help spread the word.