The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
A great success
Foundation raises money for schools
By Sue G. Collins, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: March 6, 2008
Photo by Sue G. Collins
The enthusiasm of emcee Lucy Ann Lance and Greater Milan Area Community Foundation Treasurer Scott Dotson was contagious at the "Lighting the Way to the Future II" fund-raiser. The silent and live auctions, led by Lance, raised $15,000 for community needs.
Nearly 200 of Milan's most passionate supporters gathered Saturday at the Milan Senior and Community Activity Center for "Lighting the Way to the Future II," the annual fund-raiser for the Greater Milan Area Community Foundation.
Foundation President Isabelle Schultz welcomed guests and thanked co-founders Don Harness and Millard Phillips for their perseverance and foresight.
"Milan needs this spring event to encourage and assure us all that winter will soon be gone," Scott Dotson, treasurer of the foundation, said at the event. "More importantly, though, you have now seen a snapshot of this foundation's intentions, and we want to continue to raise awareness for all the good things we can do together."
Dotson then introduced the live auction's emcee, local media personality Lucy Ann Lance, who, for the second year, worked the crowd in her good-natured manner, to bid on the impressive collection of items.
The silent and live auctions together raised about $15,000.
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Cmdr. Dave Egler took home a four-pack of tickets, just behind home plate, to watch the Tigers play the White Sox in June.
Carolyn Wetzler had the top bid, winning a day at the state Capitol with Sen. Randy Richardville, who attended the dinner, spontaneously donating a second trip for bidder Tom Preston. Both winners will watch senate sessions, tour the Michigan Historical Museum and Capitol, have lunch with Richardville and take home the Michigan flag flown the day of their visit.
The evening began as members of the Milan High School Student Council provided valet parking and a coat check. Tips received will help support their spring activities.
Tables teemed with silent auction offerings, including baskets of beauty products gift certificates for vacations, handmade quilts, handcrafted jewelry, original art, tools and golf clubs.
Milan Area Schools Superintendent, Dennis McComb, chairman of the auction, helped greet guests.
"This is an important night for Milan," he said. "It's very exciting to see all these generous people here to support the many groups that will benefit."
The foundation was established in 2005 to create a permanent charitable endowment fund from which grants may be made to deserving nonprofit community groups and projects.
Last year, the auction raised $10,000 for the endowment fund, from which $30,000 in grants was awarded in September to 13 worthwhile causes.
Applications for 2008 grants will be available soon.
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