Independent Editor,
It is with great appreciation that we write to members of Owosso and surrounding communities for the outpouring of support for the Bennie Pullen for Mr. Owosso 2017 Campaign. We were able to raise $17,262, of which $15,536 went directly to the Arc Shiawassee in support of their advocacy and support programs to children, teens and adults throughout Shiawassee County that have cognitive, neurological and physical disabilities. The remaining $1,726 was donated to the Curwood Festival Committee to assist in the overall cost of providing this annual festival in Owosso.
We would not have been able to exceed our goal of $15,000 without the generous support of our T-shirt sponsors, terrific business in-kind sponsors and the following events: Hot Spot Mr. Owosso Kick-off; Pancake Breakfast at the American Legion; Rainbow Bar Kickoff Party and Poker Run; Korner Pub Cinco De Mayo Party; Car Wash at Advanced Auto Parts put on by the Ovid/Elsie Cheerleaders; Foam Party at The Hickory Lounge; WIG (10 percent of sales day); Bentley Grill (10 percent of sales day); Rivals Taphouse & Grill Cornhole Tournament and Celebrity bartender days; On Cue Pool Tournament; Arc/CPS Lunches; Golf Outing at Corunna Hills; Crimson Tattoo, tattoo and piercing event; Lance’s Bakery (10 percent of sales day); Roma’s Back Door Memorial Day patio party and Spaghetti Bender; House of Wheels bicycle donation; and the Mr. Owosso Finale. The list of attendees and volunteers is too lengthy to include but we appreciated having each and every one of you there!
We do want to express a special thank you to the family and friends of Bennie and Arc Shiawassee staff and Board. Our efforts could not have been promoted without the amazing support that we received from all of them. Our T-shirt and general donation sponsors included:
Platinum Sponsors ($1,000): Dr. Ayaz Jafri, Mid-Michigan Dental Center. Gold Sponsors ($500): Rick Morris, House of Wheels; Law Office of Patrick Marutiak; and Young Chevrolet-Cadillac-Buick-GMC. Silver Sponsors ($250 or more): Bentley Grill; Main Beverage Co.; Extreme Exteriors; The Arc Shiawassee Bingo; Harvest Moon Wood Products; Dan Thomas Lawn Sprinkler Co.; Dave & Jan Beutel; Technical Difficulties; Deana Grant In Loving Memory of Paul Grant; Crimson Tattoos; Jade Buffet; Jaida’s Busy Bees.
Other sponsors: Brad & Lisa Edwards, Dr. Terrence Johnson, Ann Manion, Rosemary Bocek, Ashley & Zaleski PC, Law Office of Barbara BakerOmerod, Arlene Sumbera, Nancy Balko, Richard Burlingame, Jana Kurrle, Rebecca McClear, Attorney Thomas Bridges, Dalene Smith, Pat, Lynn and Carla Sanderson, Premier Rental, Nelson House Funeral Home, Melco Interiors, Steve and Sandy Hall, Shelly Hernandez, VG’s, Murtle’s Handmade Chocolates, and all families who donated to The Arc Flamingo Flocking.
Even though Bennie did not win this year, we are proud of the positive campaign that we had and our ability to include youth and families in some of the events. Thank you, again, for such a supportive community that enabled us to raise $17,262!
Bennie Pullen
April Krepp, Campaign Chair
Staff and Board of The Arc Shiawassee