RAPID RIVER, Mich. (WZMQ) – Over the past few years, Rapid River has seen an increase in drug-related deaths among young adults. This weekend, the community is coming together to stop that trend.
On Saturday, March 15, the Rapid River Lions Club is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day dinner fundraiser, with all proceeds going to Overdose Awareness of Delta County. The meal will include corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, rye bread, and dessert. Hotdogs and macaroni and cheese will be served for children.
The event is a county-wide effort. Elmer’s County Market is donating the meat, Jack Holzworth is baking the bread, and Jack’s Restaurant is cooking the meal. The Gail Hardwick Memorial will run raffles, and community members and businesses have donated prizes.
According to event organizer Kelly Dittrich, the Overdose Awareness group will use the money to provide drug education and prevention in local schools and to help recovering addicts on their journey.
“We have had so many people reach out to offer support and tell us their stories and offer help,” she said. “It’s heartwarming. I feel good about the support we’re going to be able to offer in educating and helping people learn about this. Anybody that’s trying to get education and support out there, we’re here to back them up.”
Doors will open at 4:00 p.m., and attendees can participate in the raffles at that time. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. The meal costs $20 per plate for adults and $10 per plate for children 12 and younger.
The Rapid River Lions Club is located at 10465 South Main Street.