Special deals offered for final push to raise $30K in 30 Days
by Amanda Ingraham
The end of this week marks the end of the 30-day time period needed to raise $30,000 for the Munising bike path project.
Early this month, a group of citizens learned that a state-funded grant was to be forfeited if matching funds the bike path project were not found soon. The City of Munising, which originally planned for the bike path, applied for, and received the grant, was unexpectedly left without the matching funds that had been planned for the path, but still pledged to find some funds if the remainder could be raised.
After determining the amount necessary would be $30,000, the group set off to raise the funds in a grass roots-style campaign.
As of Monday, thanks to outstanding generosity of local businesses and individuals with an affinity for the area, the group has come within $6,000 of their goal. Substantial donations have come from as far as Indiana and Illinois, from donors who plan to retire to the area.
The final push is here, however, and more businesses are stepping up to the plate to help out in any way they can.
U.P. Auto Tech in Wetmore continues to collect returnable cans and bottles for the bike path (906-387-5900). The new adventure boat tour Rip Tide Ride may be taken by Alger County residents through the end of July, when open seats are available, for just a ten-dollar donation to the path project (906-387-8888). The eco-touring group U.P. Overland is taking direct donations through their own PayPal account, paypal@upoverland.org.
One more business has recently jumped into the game, Munising’s Northern Waters Adventures. Owner Carl Hansen is offering to donate proceeds from up to five rentals and five day trips purchased by Alger County residents through Saturday, the end of the 30 day fundraising effort. While the rentals or trips must be purchased by the end of the week, they may be used or given as gift certificates for use any time until the end of the summer season. $100 of the $125 guided day trip fee will be given to $30K in 30 Days, while 100% of the rental fees of recreational kayaks and canoes will be donated. Rental fees for these river or inland lake-use boats range from $35 to $55 per day. More information is available by calling Northern Waters at 906-387-2323.
More options to help Munising secure the bike path are still available, including direct support. For more information on ways to help, please call $30K in 30 Days group leader Char Carberry at the Alger County Chamber of Commerce, 906-387-2138.
