MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – $5,000 was up for grabs this weekend during a charity raffle supporting the Mariucci Family Beacon House.
Since the opening of the new Beacon House over 4,000 people have spent the night. The home provides a ray of sunshine in what is often the worst day of someones life, half the guests are there to support a loved one in a life threating situation, the other half are recieving medical treatment themselves.
“Many of those say they would not have received the treatment if they did not have a safe, affordable place to stay,” remarked Mary Tavernini-Dowling, the CEO of the Beacon House.
Sunday was a day of celebration for the beacon house. a chance to reflect on the hard work of the staff and the life changing work they are doing.
“[The staff] really just go above and beyond for the community, when you are stressed out and dont have time to think about those things they are there to take care of that and just relax everybody,” added Pat Digneit, the DJ for the event.
As with all good celebrations the party had gifts. They came in the form of $100 raffle tickets, 250 to be exact. The beacon house was able to sell every single one, raising a total of $25,000.
The money will go directly towards providing fresh food to guests of the Beacon House. Staff members say when guests have the chance to eat a good meal it can drastically change their moods.
“When people come to your house where do the end up? In the kitchen and that is where so much love is shared,” commented Tavernini-Dowling.
The raffle tickets came with a chance to win big. thanks to Enbridge, one of the Beacon Houses biggest sponsors, someone was going to walk away with $5,000. If you spoke to anyone who purchased a raffle ticket, or was at the celebration, even those who didn’t take home the grand prize walked away a winner
“Listen no one here’s a loser, the Beacon House is winning and that’s what were all about,” said Robert Caron, the Co-Owner of Vango’s in Marquette. His restaurant purchased 25 raffle tickets for the event.
