GLBBS and Les Cheneaux Distillers Partner to “Raise Funds and Spirits” for Marine Training

Cedarville, Michigan – May 21st, 2024 – Great Lakes Boat Building School is partnering with Les Cheneaux Distillers to host Beerfest 2024 and raise “funds and spirits” for the school. The annual fundraiser was canceled last year due to space restrictions on the GLBBS campus as planning for construction began on a new 10,000 sq. ft. training facility. This year, the school has partnered with Les Cheneaux Distillers in Cedarville to bring back this fundraiser which celebrates the school, the community, and the new group of students who will be coming to Les Cheneaux for the 2024-25 school year. “The idea of us hosting Beerfest at the Distillers started after we heard of the space limitations and other challenges of having the event at the school,” said Jason Bohn, owner of Les Cheneaux Distillers. “Our goal at LCD for this event is to raise funds for the Boat School since it is such an important part of our community. At the same time, we want those in attendance to enjoy themselves while supporting the school and its students.”

Proceeds from Beerfest support the GLBBS Student Enrichment Fund, which helps the school provide excellent experiences for students who will spend the next year training to become marine carpenters and technicians. GLBBS works year-round to raise support for the Student Enrichment Fund, which helps keep tuition affordable and provides funding for special field trips and training opportunities. “We are excited to be partnering with Les Cheneaux Distillers for this event as we celebrate and thank the LCI community. It’s such a great venue,” said Tom Coates, Director of Development at GLBBS. “The community embraces our students, sometimes providing housing and employment opportunities for them as they work towards their graduation. I often see them with their friends and families in the stores and restaurants and the welcome they receive from community members is really appreciated.”

The event will take place on Friday, August 23rd from 6pm to 9pm at Les Cheneaux Distillers in Cedarville. Beerfest will feature food, unique vendor displays, raffle prizes, and live entertainment by local talent, the Haske Brothers. GLBBS will be featuring equipment used in delivering the school’s Marine Service Technology program and finished projects completed by Comprehensive Career Boat Building students. GLBBS is seeking support for Beerfest and multiple sponsorship levels are available which include vendor space, complimentary event tickets, businesses featured on the event t-shirt, web-page, publicity, newsletters and more.

Tickets are $50 a person and include two drink tickets, one food ticket, and entry to the entertainment and vendor booths for the evening. You can find tickets at www.glbbs.edu/beerfest-2024. For more information about sponsorships or event details contact Gina Stegehuis, Communications and Outreach Coordinator at gina.stegehuis@glbbs.edu or (906) 484-1081.

About Great Lakes Boat Building School

GLBBS produces qualified students from their Comprehensive Career Boat Building Program (CCBB) and the Marine Service Technology Program (MST), in partnership with Mercury Marine University, with a consistent 100% placement rate.  The School addresses the shortage of skilled trades and craftspeople in the marine industry following graduation. For prospective student enrollment information go to www.glbbs.edu or call 906.484.1081.

 Great Lakes Boat Building School is a non-profit organization recognized as a charitable organization and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.