A heartfelt thank you for a crazy evening

Smiling faces at Crazy Ca$h Night!

Submitted by Nick Steinmetz, Manchester Community Schools Superintendent

Coming from a small community in the Upper Peninsula, I understand how important traditions can be. That is why when I heard that Crazy Ca$h was in danger of not continuing, I knew, as a school district, we needed to ensure that it did!

Did I even know what Crazy Ca$h was? NO, but I knew with the support of the community we would figure it out. Were there some “rookie” mistakes along the way? ABSOLUTELY! However, we will learn from those and continue to improve. That being said, the evening was still an overwhelming success, and we were able to raise somewhere between $13,000-$14,000 (we are still waiting for a few final expenditures to roll in) for our students!

The success of this event could not have happened without the entire community. Therefore, I want to take a moment to thank as many people as possible for the effort that they put into making this event run so smoothly.

First and Foremost, Pat Vailliencourt, Anita Herman and Dana Andrews … you three are my Crazy Ca$h Yodas! David Bartley for the flawless organization and execution of the House Bank. The Lions Club, Kiwanis, CRC, Community Schools Foundation, and countless Manchester Community Schools’ employees for the planning, coordinating, and executing of the event. Borek Jennings Funeral Home for the use of the venue. Chartwells Food Service for the delicious food!

Ticket Meisters: Andrews Family Chiropractic, Ash Auto, Steelegrafix, and The Village Tap

Side Board Prizes Sponsors: Rare Tool, Food Art, Golling Chrysler Jeep, Manchester Veterinary Clinic, and Alber Orchards

Crazy Ca$h Sponsors: T&N Service, Edward Jones, Manchester Pharmacy, Gistinger & Gistinger, Sutton Agency, Village Laundry and Embroidery, Bridgewater Tire, H&R Block, and Chelsea Lumber

Merchandise Donations: Adiska Dental,Alber Orchards, Andrews Chiropractic, Ash Auto, Bethel Church Quilters, Cherry Creek Winery, Comerica Bank, Common Grill, Danley’s Country House, The Distance, Diuble Equipment, Flower Garden, Hungry Wolf, Jerry’s Pub & Restaurant, LaRock Dental, Linda’s Diner, Manchester Eye Care, Manchester Ladies Society, Manchester True Value, Marti’s Hair Salon, McLennan Landscaping, Napoleon Lawn & Leisure, Ollie’s Pizza & Grinders, Over the Edge, Peter’s Building Co., Pyramid Office Supply, Purple Rose Theatre, River Raisin  Antiques, Rustic Glen Golf, Steelegrafix, Two Black Sheep, Valiant, Weber’s Inn, and Wolf’s Westside.

While I wish this list was all inclusive, I am certain that it is not. If you have been left off the recognition list, I assure you that it was not done intentionally. I am humbled by everyone’s generosity, and willingness to make this evening such a success! I look forward to next year’s Crazy Ca$h event being even more successful.

Thank you again and Go Dutch!

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.