By Lonnie Allen
Reprinted with permission from the Pioneer
DONATION: Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill in Big Rapids sold its entire memorabilia collection and many other restaurant furnishings during an online auction. The money raised was given to the Mecosta County Community Foundation for their 2014 Match Day Funds. Pictured from left are Mecosta County Community Foundation members Deb Patterson, Stacy Chaput, Dave Hamelund, Laura Waltz, Stephanie Woodworth, Tim Zehr, Karl Linebaugh and Team Schostak Family Restaurant official Barb Pasciak. (Pioneer photo/Lonnie Allen)
BIG RAPIDS — After a complete remodel and online auction of its memorabilia collection and many other restaurant furnishings, Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill, 718 Perry Ave, in Big Rapids held its grand re-opening on Friday.
The online auction raised more than $3,000 for the Mecosta County Community Foundation, which will bolster Match Day grant funding.
“This is a real honor for the Community Foundation,” said Tim Zehr, Foundation president. “Mecosta County will be the benefactor of your gift today.”
The Foundation addressees community needs to make positive change in art and culture, education, health, nature conservation and the environment, community development, historical resources and social services.
The funds will be used in future Foundation Match Day events to help local nonprofits. In the past four years Match Day has been able to generate more than $2.3 million in the one-day event held each year, Zehr said.
“We are going to turn the generous gift Applebee’s has given us into 10 and 20 times that amount,” Zehr said. “Your gift to us today will likely generate $40,000 to $50,000 that we are going to give back to the schools, health care facilities, food pantries and other programs in our community.”
RIBBON CUTTING: Representative from the Mecosta County Community Foundation, Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce and students from Big Rapids High School were on hand to celebrate with officials representing Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill in Big Rapids during its ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday. (Pioneer photo/Lonnie Allen)