Art in the Park to the Playground!

Many displays at this year’s Art in the Park were dedicated to the Playground Project!  A big thank you to everyone who put their efforts toward the kids!  THANK YOU!!!

Roxie knitted colorful creations before and during the show, and all her sales went to the playground!

Roxy with her art and the playground posters

Gail English from Eagle Rock Studio painted us some beautiful dragonfly wine glasses and a cheese plate.  Sounds like a party to me!  This prize was raffled off with all proceeds benefiting, you guessed it, a safe and merry playground!

Gail and George pose by the prize

Naomi Haycock twisted up a world of fun making balloon animals, hats and more!  All proceeds went right back to the kids.

Naomi sports a silly hat… what will she make next?

The hard working men of the Copper Harbor Volunteer Fire Department cooked up brats, dogs and corn all day while remaining on duty to the community.  This year they donated their profits to the playground too!  What swell guys!

The CHVFD heats things up at the grill in the park

Our very own Lynn O’Callahan even set up a silent auction for Italian Night at her place.  She’ll do the cooking and entertaining!  Thank you Lynn!

And thank YOU for all your donations and support over the past few months.  We’re really keeping things rolling in the right direction!

Copper Harbor Events Earn Big $$

We are almost half way to our goal!!! Did you notice that thermometer over there?  Over $70,000!  We should all get an ice cream cone and celebrate.

The End of the Road Keweenaw Tour & Car Show brought in some big bucks for us.  A special thanks goes out to Peg & Don Kauppi for gearing people’s heads toward our project to think about the kids.

Thanks also to Staci Gibson for finding a piggy bank amongst the hogs during the Thunder in the Harbor motorcycle fest.  It’s great to see that our visitors are willing to help the youth of the town.

This weekend we will celebrate Art in the Park in the Copper Harbor Community Park.  Artists from all over will display their crafts and creations, so come on and check it out!  The Playground will have a booth set up in case you have a few dollars left in your pocket after you shop.  Proceeds from the Fire Dept cookout are earmarked for the Playground as well.  Thank you boys!  Well, okay.  Thank you men!

Keeping up with Marty

Marty is the man.  He is the ignition and the fuel behind this operation.  In the beginning he helped dream up the layout of the new playground.  He found out what options were available, got input from the school kids and helped put it all together.  Now he stays on top of things by taking pictures, doing research, meeting with possible donors, attending local events and other tasks we probably don’t even know about.

Fortunately there are other key players in this project making phone calls, handing out envelopes, planning events and keeping records.  We are grateful for them all.  (Thank you!!!)  But Marty is really the go-to man in this project.  He even has his contact info on this web page if you have questions or ideas.

This past weekend Marty went to the Copperman Triathlon, right here in beautiful Copper Harbor.  He got the opportunity to set up a little stand to make people aware of this project.  Athletes and spectators donated on site and picked up an envelope for later.  The kids and adults at this race were quite interested in the new playground.  Thanks to everyone who donated!

Marty enlightens the crowd with his words, posters and donation can

Way to represent the kids!

During the awards ceremony of this event, the Keweenaw Health Foundation presented us with a $1,000 check.  Thank you Keweenaw Health Foundation!  If laughter and prevention are the best medicines, then they know this playground is a great way to keep today’s children happy and healthy.

Marty receives the big check with applause from the crowd

While we’re on the subject of business donations, Superior National Bank also donated to our project.  Thank you Superior National Bank!  Is your business next?

“Into the Woods” for Fun!

Our latest and greatest fundraiser was held at Into the Woods Mini Golf and Gardens.  Here are some pictures of the silliness that ensued.

Our hostess with more than the mostess: Staci!

The look of determination

Not looking at all!

Trying a different technique

Using a little more oomf

The putters pose for a group shot

“Hey, I’ll try to get some balls back out of here!”

As you can see, a fun time was had by all 17 teams who attended.  Plus, we raised about $800 for the playground!

Thanks to everyone who came out to support and have a ball.  And thank you Staci Gibson for hosting this event.  Sometimes parties are more fun in the woods!