MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A Marquette non-profit hospitality house held one of its biggest fundraisers of the year Thursday night.
The Mariucci Family Beacon House hosted its third annual Grill and Chill fundraiser. The Beacon House is a shelter for families and caregivers who are receiving medical care or going through a medical crisis in Marquette. The non-profit hosts this annual fundraiser to help keep the services it provides low-cost to the families in need.
The Grill and Chill fundraiser was packed and filled with people ready to try the grill master’s food and raise money for a good cause. The main attraction of the night was an appearance by Steve Mariucci and his family. Steve wasn’t the only big name to come out and support — Michigan State head basketball coach Tom Izzo and ex-NFL kicker Jay Feely were among the notable guests for the night.
The event was a grill-off with two grill masters to vote for, a bourbon tasting, and a live raffle while enjoying the festivities.
The Beacon House CEO Mary Tavernini-Dowling said this event makes it possible to service families throughout the year at the capacity they do.
“They’re going through a medical crisis, whether they’re cancer patients and they’re here for two months,” says Tavernini-Dowling. “You can only imagine how expensive staying in a hotel would be, but when we open our doors, we say, ‘You just come stay with us, don’t worry about anything else.'”
The theme for the night was “A Night in Nashville” and the night ended with live performances from country music artist, Tim Nichols and Mariucci’s son, Stephen Ray.
Last year’s event raised $268,000.
