See how Phillip and Dawn Chippewa used their $80 million Powerball win to create Serenity Ranch, a 25-acre nonprofit changing lives in Michigan.
Numbers have a funny way of following Phillip and Dawn Chippewa. Five years ago, this Michigan couple hit it big, an $80 million Powerball jackpot that changed everything overnight. But the story didn’t stop with winning numbers on a ticket. It kept going, in the form of new numbers that now define their lives: 25 acres of land, dozens of rescued horses and mules, and the 501(c)(3) nonprofit they proudly launched together. That nonprofit is Serenity Ranch. And it’s every bit as magical as it sounds.
From Jackpot to Horsepower
When Dawn and Phillip got married, horses were in their lives. But as the couple’s family grew, she reluctantly had to let them go. Life got busy, and the upkeep was just too much.
“When Dawn got rid of our horses years ago, I promised her that I would get her horses again someday,” Phillip said. “When I made that promise, I had no idea how I would ever make it happen, but I knew how important it was to her.”
In 2019, destiny and a Powerball ticket gave him the chance to finally deliver.
Serenity Ranch Comes to Life
Nestled on Michigan’s scenic Leelanau Peninsula, Serenity Ranch is where dreams come full circle. With their winnings, the Chippewas bought 25 acres of rolling land and filled it with more than a dozen horses and mules. But instead of building a private retreat, they opened the gates to others.
“Serenity Ranch represents how our lives have truly come full circle,” Dawn told Powerball back then.
Visitors now come to experience equine-assisted therapy, interact with horses for the very first time, or simply soak in the calming atmosphere of the ranch. It’s a place designed for healing, reflection, and connection.
The ranch’s mission is summed up in its name, Serenity, with each letter standing for something bigger:
S – Self-Empowerment, Self-Esteem
E – Encouragement, Expectations, Enrichment
R – Respect, Rehabilitating
E – Energy
N – Nurturing
I – Integrity
T – Trust
Y – You
It’s a straightforward but powerful reminder that the ranch is about more than animals. It’s about people, healing, and the bond between them.
More Than Just Luck
Of course, winning millions could have led to a life of extravagance with mansions, yachts, and endless vacations. But Phillip and Dawn had a different vision. From the start, they made a plan. They worked with financial advisors to map out their future, set aside money to live comfortably, and then focused on something even more rewarding. Giving back.
That’s how Serenity Ranch came to be, not as a flashy display of wealth, but as a heartfelt commitment to community, healing, and honoring promises. It’s a space that brings together volunteers, donors, visitors, and animals in a way that ripples outward.
Operating as a 501(c)(3), Serenity Ranch thrives not just because of the Chippewas’ generosity but because of the people who support it. Donations and the work of volunteers keep the ranch running, helping it grow into a beacon of hope on Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula.
Why This Story Matters
The Chippewas’ journey is one of those Powerball winner stories that makes you realize the jackpot is just the beginning. For them, it was about keeping promises, rekindling old passions, and building something lasting for their family and community.
Serenity Ranch stands today as proof that a Powerball win can do more than change one family’s life. It can change countless others, too. Let it serve as an inspiration for anyone who plays and dreams of winning big with a few lucky Powerball numbers. And it demonstrates that while some winners struggle to adjust to their newfound wealth, others passionately find new ways to share their good fortunes with others.