NEWS from SAUGATUCK/DOUGLAS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Tom Anthrop, Task Force Chair
(269) 857-1183
anthropjt@wmol.com

CELEBRITY WAITERS SPARK SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISER
AT CLEARBROOK BENEFIT FOR THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE

SAUGATUCK (MI), MAY 18, 2007 -- A "celebrity waiter" fundraising dinner at Clearbrook Golf Club last Wednesday (May 16) turned into an enthusiastic "fun-raiser" as more than 100 diners left $5,260 in tips as donations to benefit Saugatuck/Douglas Historical Society's Old School House Project. Project leaders noted that this total automatically doubles to $11,240 due to the Pleasant T. Rowland matching grant that enabled the Society to fulfill its initial goal of purchasing the building late last year.

Eight well-known local citizens sparked the evening as waiters, who outdid themselves to inspire a number of three-figure tips ranging as high as $325. Biggest tips were celebrated loudly with frequent ringing of a school bell. Giving their energy for this event were: Judy Anthrop, Douglas artist and historical preservationist; Anne Gudith, co-owner of Water Street Gallery; Michael Holmes, local jazz musician; Sue McIlwaine, co-owner of Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast; Ray Riker, co-owner of Kirby House Bed & Breakfast; and Tim Wood, Superintendent, Saugatuck Public Schools. Jim Gowran, co-owner of Kirby House, and Mike Jones, co-owner of The Dunes Resort, served water, desserts and cleared tables.

Clearbrook owners Candy and Jim Jeltema and nine staff regulars had their hands full keeping the volunteers out of trouble.

The Society's Old School House Project, in collaboration with the area's Public Library and District Schools, embodies a commitment to convert the 1860's vintage Douglas-Union School into a unique community Discovery Center where children and adults alike can explore the area's genealogy, history, culture, ecology and architecture. The building is treasured as one of the oldest multi-classroom school buildings in Michigan and one of the finest examples of 19th century school architecture in America. Work began in mid-May to reconfigure the interior and convert the upper floor into rental offices for income generation.

With approximately $500,000 remaining to be raised -- largely reflecting added costs for second-floor conversion, landscaping and increased operating-cost projections -- the Historical Society urges more area businesses and residents to contribute toward the earliest possible completion of this distinctive community asset. Contributions may be sent to The School House Project, Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society, PO Box 617, Douglas, MI 49406.

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Judy Anthrop greets friends.	Anne Gudith serves a meal.
Michael Holmes chats with diners.	Mike Jones offers desserts.
Ray Riker answers menu questions.	Sue McIlwaine notes dinner selections.
Tim Wood delivers a drink order.	Candy & Jim Jeltema joke with Jim Gowran (right).