Marine Trades Institute to host annual fundraiser August 21

What’s happening: The Marine Trades Institute (MTI) in Cedarville will hold its annual fundraiser to benefit the school’s Student Enrichment Fund on Friday, Aug. 21 at Les Cheneaux Distillers. The event is called “Crafted for a Cause,” a celebration of 21 years of tradition and talent.

About the fund: The MTI Student Enrichment Fund supports essential equipment purchases, enriching field trips, and valuable professional development opportunities, ensuring the next generation of marine trades professionals receives top-tier training, school officials said.

What they’re saying: “This evening is about celebrating over two decades of tradition, showcasing our students’ incredible talent, and supporting future marine technicians and carpenters.” says Tom Coates, who is development director at the Marine Trades Institute. “Crafted provides us with an opportunity to come together as a community to make a meaningful impact for both our school and the next generation of the marine industry workforce.”

More event details: The fundraiser will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, August 21. Event tickets include dinner, drink tokens, live entertainment, and automatic entry into the evening’s raffle draws. Attendees will have multiple chances to win boating equipment, beach gear, local experiences, a $1,000 cash prize, and a $2,500 grand prize, with attendance not required to win. Additionally, community support will go twice as far thanks to a 1:1 matching gift from a local family. Ticket sales will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $3,000, effectively contributing an extra $100 to the school for every ticket sold.

About the Marine Trades Institute: Formerly the Great Lakes Boat Building School, the Marine Trades Institute is a nonprofit educational
dedicated to preparing students for rewarding careers in the marine industry. Through immersive, hands-on programs in marine service technology and comprehensive career boat building, as well as specialized short-term training, the institute equips students with the technical
expertise and professional skills sought by today’s marine employers. MTI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and has been designated a Silver-level Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for the 2025–26 academic year.

What’s next: MTI continues to seek community partners for the event and acknowledges the event’s foundation sponsors First National Bank of St. Ignace, Hoffman Marine, Central Savings Bank, Autore Oil and Propane, and Soo Co-Op Credit Union. To purchase tickets or learn more about becoming a sponsorship partner, go to marinetrades.edu or contact gina.stegehuis@marinetrades.edu.

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