Northern Notes: Fundraisers are work

Stephanie Beach: Northern Notes

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Beach
Five generations got together for a photo recently. Standing, left to right, are mother Amanda (Stroup) Malburg, grandmother Melissa (Gauld) Anderson, both of Ludington, and great-grandmother Judy (Howard) Gauld, of Lake Ann. Seated is great-great-grandmother Wilma (Guinan) King, of Traverse City, holding Carson Henry Malburg, of Ludington. Special to the Record-Eagle

September 18, 2011

By Stephanie Beach, sbeach@record-eagle.com ---- The Record Eagle Tue Mar 13, 2012, 10:56 AM EDT

Light drizzle and temperatures in the 50s didn't dampen the spirits of the 175 people who participated in the inaugural ABC Challenge Walk, a new fundraiser for the Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer.

The event was held at the base of Schuss Mountain and was a success due, in part, to event organizers Judy Husby and Jami Gray, and great volunteers including the Elk Rapids princesses, the Bellaire Rotary and National Junior Honor Society members from Cherryland Middle School, who manned the rest stations.

After the event was over, organizer Jami Gray said, "I think we did it. We heard stories of struggle and triumph, (and) I think that this event will continue to bring people together for years to come and allow them to share their stories."

Gray added that the walk raised nearly $3,400 for ACHT, an exciting total for the organizers.

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The Leelanau Democratic Party's recent chicken barbecue was a success in every possible way, with beautiful weather, delicious food, music from Bill Dungjen, outstanding speakers and more than 100 generous Democrats having fun for a great cause.

Leelanau County Democratic Party Chair Betsy Johnson pointed out that the successful event didn't come together on its own.

"Our party is blessed with an incredible team of dedicated people who plan, cook, set up, decorate, run and then take down the entire event ... and make it all look fun and easy in the process," Johnson wrote.

She went on to single out the following for contributing to a successful chicken barbecue: co-chairs -- Kay Rose, Barb Schneider and Donna Dodd; dinner team -- Penny Boulton, Donna and Larry Dodd, Mary Easthope, Marsha Gillispie, Kathleen Halloran, Joy Ham, Dorothy and Bill Mudget, Sally Neal, Martha Ryan, Mary Sutherland, and Laura Swire; head chef -- Tom Rose; sous chefs and helpers -- Jon Boulton, Jay Johnson and Bob Marshall; and money men -- Charlie Godbout and Jim Ham.

"You're a terrific team and make us all proud to be Leelanau Dems. Thank you," Johnson wrote.

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Joanie Abbott, regional coordinator fo the NW Michigan Students in Transition Empowerment Program (STEP), wrote to thank everyone who attended two events held to benefit the STEP program in Traverse City Area Public Schools.

A special thank-you goes to the members of the Tri-County Medical Society for donating proceeds from the sale of Mardi Gras beads at its annual event in March; and to Joe and Bob Frost, of Frost Shoes, for dedicating the funds raised at the Soles4Souls/Barefoot Benefit to help pre-K-12 students have what they need to be successful in school; and to Stella Trattoria for its contribution to both events.

"Both benefits were overwhelmingly supported by members of the local medical community, downtown TC merchants and the many individuals who attended," Abbott wrote. "I wish I could thank each person individually for making a difference in the lives of the children and youth we serve. The generosity of this community continues to amaze me!"

Stephanie Beach can be reached at sbeach@record-eagle.com.