Here is a copy of the article that ran in Monday, July 26th’s Grand Haven Tribune:
You can also view the article at – http://www.grandhaventribune.com/paid/297957664182519.bsp
A Tasty Treat For a Good Cause
Monday, July 26th 2010
BY MARIE HAVENGA
mhavenga@grandhaventribune.com
SPRING LAKE – The reception for the first Ice Cream for Breakfast fundraiser on Saturday was anything but chilly.
More than 250 people showed up at the Spring Lake Holiday Inn and donated more than $1,500 to benefit the Orlando-based Give Kids the World Village — a Make-a-Wish Foundation affiliate that houses children with medical needs while they vacation at Disney World.
The money will be donated in the name of Grand Haven resident Justin Strait, who spent a week at the 51-acre village in 2008. The 7-year-old boy has undergone five open heart surgeries after being born with a detached pulmonary artery and several holes in his heart.
Justin played with his pals and tossed balloons during Saturday morning’s event, while adults and children dined on the main breakfast entree — ice cream.
The fundraiser was patterned after the village’s fun-filled atmosphere — where guests are encouraged to eat ice cream for breakfast.
Justin’s mom, Tiffany, said she couldn’t believe the turnout. Prior to the event, she said she had hoped to raise a couple of hundred dollars for the village where her family stayed for a week.
“This is way more than I ever anticipated,” said Tiffany, who is an assistant dining room manager at the Holiday Inn. “This has been just unbelievable.”
Stefanie Herder, director of sales for the local Holiday Inn, said her crew had to move in additional chairs and tables for the overflow crowd.
“It’s been really cool,” Herder said.
Spring Lake Township resident Rob Tuck brought his 6-year-old son, Robby to the breakfast fundraiser. Robby is on Justin’s Kids’ League baseball team.
“We thought it would be a good idea to come down and support an organization that helps out kids and families,” Tuck said. “And why not enjoy a little ice cream for breakfast? How often do you get to have that?”
Hailey Rykse, 6, of Grand Haven, said she’s never had ice cream for breakfast before. She ate both an ice cream cone and a bowl of the sweet cream while her mom, Kim, spoon-fed Hailey’s little brother, Abram, 1.
“I liked it,” Hailey said. “It’s fun to have ice cream for breakfast.”
Check out our Facebook page for more pictures from the event and visit our YouTube Channel to watch video of Culver’s mascot Scoopie visiting the event.
Become a fan of Give Kids the World on Facebook by clicking here
