Published: October 18, 2009 08:00 am      

Northern Notes: Help 'make a difference'

The Cherryland Post 2780 VFW Ladies' Auxiliary in Traverse City is asking the community's help to make a difference.

The auxiliary is collecting canned goods and dry goods for the Goodwill Inn. Donations may be dropped off at the VFW Post, 3400 Veterans Drive, through Oct. 23, which is VFW "Make a Difference Day."

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What started out as a challenge between friends ended up benefiting the Benzie Women's Resource Center.

Cherry Bowl Charlie's Cafe at Cherry Bowl Gifts and Goodies in Honor offers a new two-pound hamburger suitably dubbed "The Big Bopper." Cherry Bowl Gifts and Goodies owner Harry Clark mentioned the new burger in casual conversation with one of Benzie County's finest, Sgt. Troy Lamerson. Lamerson soon began boasting that he could eat the two-pound burger without a problem. The classic "you wanna bet?" was thrown down and Harry bet $100 to Lamerson's favorite charity that he would fail. Lamerson named the Benzie Women's Resource Center as his charity and the challenge was issued.

Lamerson mentioned the upcoming challenge to fellow deputies, Deputy Troy Packard and Deputy Joe Send, who wanted in on the challenge, which was refereed by Deputy Rick Zych and ended with none of the three being able to finish the behemouth burger by the end of the challenge's one-hour time frame. Harry made good on his promise, not only for Lamerson's attempt, but also for Packard and Send, and a check for $300 in their honor was delivered to the Benzie Women's Resource Center.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan is grateful to announce the success of Cartridge World's Big Brothers Big Sisters Month.

During August, Cartridge World generously donated $1 for each remanufactured ink cartridge it sold to Big Brothers Big Sisters, for a total of $3,287.

"We are grateful to Cartridge World and the customers for contributing to the success of this fundraiser," said Gary Swaney, program director for the local agency. "The funds raised will be used to make and support one-to-one mentoring matches between local volunteers and at-risk youth. Achieving positive results ... is critically important to the future of the youth we serve, but without the funding to be able to recruit mentors, as well as support the volunteers and children we already have matched, our efforts become more challenging.

The support of Cartridge World and its customers is a vote of confidence in our efforts and outcomes for children."

Donations for the mentoring mission may be sent to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan, 521 S. Union St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Donations also may be made online at www.bigsupnorth.com.

Stephanie Beach can be reached at sbeach@record-eagle.com.