MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – This years ‘Grill and Chill’ Grill-off raised over $268,000 for The Mariucci Family Beacon House. The House is a place to stay for the families and care takers of those receiving care at UP Health Systems – Marquette.
Last months event raised money through ticket sales and a live auction. The funds will go towards daily operations, and providing extra support to those stay at the house. The Hospitality House’s CEO, Mary Tavernini-Dowling, said It means so much to them to have so many donors supporting what they do – helping relive a little bit of stress from the loved ones of those receiving care next door.
“Perhaps someone is in need of some additional support,” Tavernini-Dowling said. “We are able to do that with funds like this from this event, and it just makes us so happy. we can go a really long time with this and do so many wonderful things.”
Tavernini-Dowling says these funds keep the house staffed and clean and allows them to continue providing a safe affordable place to stay. She says many families with young children spend time in the house, and fundraises like The Grill and Chill help them maintain the happy kids game room, provide stuffed animals and blankets, and even special meals for kids.
This is the second Grill and Chill fundraiser hosted at The Beacon House in its year and a half in operation. Tavernini-Dowling says it’s the donors who help to make it happen that are the real superhero’s.
