Capital Campaign Hits MAJOR Milestone!

CEDARVILLE, MI, July 14, 2016– Clas Nilstoft, of Harbor Springs, Michigan, and his son Erik are attending a “Build Your Own Boat” workshop this week at Great Lakes Boat Building School (GLBBS). While assembling a Northeaster Dory, the elder Nilstoft was impressed with the Cedarville school and was eager to contribute.

“What a great opportunity for a father-son experience! I wish we would’ve done this years ago. What an amazing place and high quality instruction. I see the value in what the school is accomplishing with both the summer workshops and the academic-year programs. It feels good to support hands-on education like this” said Nilstoft.

Nilstoft’s donation to the Capital Campaign, which was launched July of 2015, helped the school surpass the $500,000 milestone. The three-year campaign is an effort to raise $1.3 million which will secure the long-term infrastructure of the school. The first phase of the campaign reached out to current supporters of the boat school.

“It’s all about our students. A skill today, a job tomorrow, and a career forever. By supporting the Capital Campaign, our donors are investing in the long-term future of GLBBS and ensuring this fantastic opportunity for more students,” said Angeline Boulley, Director of Development. Boulley is coordinating the Capital Campaign as well as all other fundraising efforts for the school.

Established in 2006, GLBBS teaches students in the art and craft of traditional and modern wooden boat building, preparing them for careers in the marine trades. For the past two years, the school has achieved a 100% placement rate for all graduates who were looking for jobs within the trade.

“Because of the generosity of people like Clas, who have supported Great Lakes Boat Building School, we are able to continue to provide an outstanding education at an exceptional facility of which the entire state and region can be proud,” said Ken Drenth, GLBBS Board Chair. “To achieve our goals without having to hike our tuition, to a point where all but a privileged few can afford to attend, is paramount to our success. Thank you to everyone that loyally continues to support our school.”