Cedar Springs CBDT Gala Fundraiser
A Night of Generosity and Community
Cedar Springs CBDT Gala Fundraiser: A Night of Generosity and Community
On September 21, the Cedar Springs community gathered for the highly anticipated CBDT Gala Fundraiser—a remarkable evening of unity, generosity, and celebration! From start to finish, the night was filled with laughter, meaningful connections, and a powerful spirit of giving. The warmth and support from everyone, both in attendance and in spirit, truly embodied the heart of Cedar Springs. It was inspiring to witness the dedication to creating spaces that will enrich our community for generations to come.
The evening kicked off with warm welcomes from Sue Spahr and Perry Hopkins, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support our community has received over the years. Sue Wolfe followed with captivating stories about Cedar Springs' rich history, reminding us of the hard work, passion, and nearly $3 million previously raised in donations that have laid the foundation for the heart of Cedar Springs—a legacy we continue to build for future generations.
Next, Duane McIntyre took the stage to unveil the exciting design plans for our latest project: the transformation of the space in front of the Cedar Springs Library, situated on the footprint of the former fire station. This new area will feature lush greenery, vibrant art installations, a soothing water feature, cozy benches for reflection and connection, and much-needed additional parking. This project has been a collaborative effort with the library board, the City of Cedar Springs, Solon Township, and countless community organizations, businesses, and individuals.
During a poignant moment, guests were invited to reflect on the people, organizations, and businesses in Cedar Springs that have positively impacted their lives. In a heartfelt gesture, attendees were encouraged to make Honor Donations, recognizing those who have made a difference. Over 40 honorees were celebrated, and more than $6,000 was raised in this touching tribute! The room buzzed with shared stories about the past and present individuals who have made Cedar Springs a wonderful place to live, work, and grow.
A special thank you goes out to our fantastic auctioneer, Don Carlson! In his fun, energetic style, Don kept the crowd laughing, motivated, and even playfully guilted into giving generously. With his humor and charm, he encouraged guests to dig deep, leading to an evening full of laughter, dancing, and enthusiastic bidding. Thanks to everyone's generosity, the fundraiser reached an astounding $74,600.
We’d also like to express our gratitude to Kelly's Restaurant for providing the delicious appetizers that kept everyone energized throughout the night, and to the American Legion Glen Post 287 for offering the perfect venue for the event. A special thank you goes to Jodi Coxon for her exceptional work in organizing and planning this unforgettable evening!
Because of the generous donations and hard work of everyone involved, this new community space will soon become another beautiful, functional spot for connection, reflection, and joy. This project is a testament to the strength and generosity of our community. We are excited to see how it will bring people together for years to come.
While we've already made incredible progress, we’re still $45,000 away from our fundraising goal. If you’ve been inspired and would like to make an Honor Donation or a regular contribution to the Cedar Springs CBDT, please reach out to any board member or drop off a check at Independent Bank, made payable to the CBDT. For our tech-savvy donors, a QR code is included below for easy online giving!
Together, let’s continue building the future of Cedar Springs!
