24 Jun June 18 Fundraiser Nets $21,000 for Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail

Over 400 trail enthusiasts showed up last Thursday to enjoy a good meal and bid on some great silent auction items – all in efforts to complete the last six miles of the Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail. The event was hosted by the Charlevoix County Trail Team and Top of Michigan Trails Council.

The “Let’s Finish the Trail” pasta supper and silent auction fundraiser took place June 18 at Boyne City’s Veterans Memorial Park pavilion under blue skies. The event raised over $21,000 and saw donated auction items from individuals, merchants, and other businesses all over Charlevoix and Emmet counties.

Trail lovers of all ages converged on the pavilion for Chef Michael Sader’s donated Italian pasta bonanza, which included salad and breadsticks donated by B.C. Pizza, and donated desserts by Mo Shipley, Becky Goral, and Scott Southwell.

Event organizers Bob McLain and Becky Goral, along with Steve Van Dam, all Charlevoix County Trail Team members, were on hand to answer questions and share new information about the ongoing effort to finish the trail’s six remaining miles.

“The turnout for our event clearly illustrated the community’s enthusiasm for this trail and its completion,” Bob said. “We can’t thank our sponsors and donors and volunteers enough for helping us. But, the hundreds of supporters who showed up to eat and bid really stole the show. We’re sincerely grateful.”

Steve said an initial fundraising goal ($50k for trail conceptual design and engineering) has already been achieved. “Now we’re working toward a $240,000 goal, which will finance final trail design and related engineering,” he said. “Our recent fundraiser put a nice dent in that goal, and we’re excited to see so much support for this project.”

Boyne City’s park pavilion made a fine setting for this dining event, thanks to its modern, commercial kitchen and ample seating. A range of ages attended the fundraiser and tables were filled with young families, laughing friends, and smiling elders – all united in support of finishing the trail.

To date, over $4 million has been invested in the Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail, and that’s far too big of a commitment to abandon now, according to Steve.

“Finishing the trail fulfills a promise to the community,” Steve said. “And it avoids wasting what we’ve already invested. Our area needs more economic support, and residents want a safe place to run, walk, or bike. This trail makes sense in so many ways.”