IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Michaud family, displaced by a devastating fire, is finding solace in the overwhelming support of the community. The GoFundMe account, initiated to aid the family during their time of crisis, has surpassed $7,000, nearing its $10,000 goal.
Jeremy Short, founder of the Southern U.P. – “SUP” – Cornhole League, expressed pride in the community’s response. “When we heard about this tragedy, it’s absolutely wonderful how the community wanted to bond together and do what they can to help,” he stated. “You know, everybody can do something. Some people can’T do anything. But even just showing up, giving support, and saying hello is the big thing.”
The cornhole league took proactive steps to contribute to the cause. They donated 20 percent of all tournament entry fees, held a 50/50 raffle, and collected over a hundred dollars in private donations at the tournament’s onset. In a heartfelt gesture, the league announced the sale of logo stickers, with half of the proceeds dedicated to the Michaud family.
At the tournament, the Michaud family, who believe the fire originated from an electrical issue behind their refrigerator, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community response. Their home, devastated by the fire, is expected to take about a year to rebuild. Despite reaching maximum capacity for item and clothing donations, the family encourages continued support through the GoFundMe account or Home Depot gift cards. The Maxx Entertainment Center is hosting a benefit next week to support the family, and also accepting generous silent auction donations from local businesses.
“There’s still a few more showing up and said hey, come on we’re waiting so we’ve got the biggest turnout we’ve had yet,” shared a family member,” remarked Short at the start of the tournament.
Short was impressed with the amount of participation in the 50/50 raffle at the start of the tournament, and commented “We put it out on the table we’re doing a 50-50 raffle a dollar per ticket or 12 tickets for 10 bucks already starting to fill up people seem the tickets on the table say give me gimme gimme.” Short announced, “I just got in, I just got some new cornhole stickers, their little 2-inch stickers, and we’re selling them for $2 apiece, and 50% of the sticker money is also going to go into the benefit.”
For those interested in supporting the cause, Short announced, “I will leave when I have left tonight for pickup here at the Maxx entertainment center, and if somebody wanted a SUP sticker, they would be able to come to the Maxx and get a SUP sticker, or the benefit on February 3. [Stickers] will be available then as well.”
To support the family’s GoFundMe, visit:
The benefit will be held Saturday, Feb 3rd, at the Maxx Entertainment Center starting at 4 p.m. CST. Live music is set to begin at 6 p.m.
The Southern U.P. -SUP- Cornhole League is active on Facebook with tournament updates.
