#HumansOverHouses ALWAYS!

One of the greatest parts of my job is getting to support the people who make our communities stronger.

This year, I have decided to sponsor not one but TWO amazing teams that are competing in the AuSable River Canoe Marathon. For those who may not be familiar, this is a grueling, non-stop 120-mile canoe race starting in Grayling and ending in Oscoda & I’m honored to sponsor two of the best teams in this year’s race!

The first team I would like to tell you about is Bryan Bearss & Eric Dittenber (#88). In addition to competing in the marathon, they are also making an incredible impact off the river by donating 100% of their sponsorship dollars to the Crawford AuSable School District Viking Pantries!

As a third-grade teacher, Bryan sees firsthand the difference these resources make for local students and families. His commitment to giving back is exactly what makes our community so special.

The second team I am sponsoring consists of Tyler McClanahan & Ryan Anderson, and they have decided that they wish to increase the prize money awarded to the winners of the race – by partnering with local area businesses in what they are calling the “Battle of the Bars’

Read this message from the team to learn more about their cause!!

———————

“Does anyone know the prize money that is awarded to the 1st place of this race?

The answer is $6,000, $3,000 to each partner of the championship team.

The $6,000 prize money for 1st place was instituted back in 1999, so in the last 20+ years, the cash prize for our champions has never increased, even though this race has grown to record-breaking numbers in recent years. I think that is wrong, and so I’m here to help with that.

These top paddlers in the world draw large crowds that flood our town with revenue, business, and tourists who help feed and employ our locals! Grayling benefits greatly from this race, and it’s time to make sure that Grayling comes together to reward the top guys who train and sacrifice all year long to put on one of the best shows that Michigan has to offer.

I have partnered with Paddle Hard Brewing, Rolling Oak Brewing Company, Ray’s Bbq, Brews & Blues, Spikes Keg O Nails, and Dead Bear Brewing Co who have all agreed to enter a friendly competition called, “The Battle of the Bars”.

What does this mean?

Each location (starting July 1st and ending once the clock strikes 9pm on race day) will have a donation bucket somewhere in their place of business. This donation bucket will collect any donations (big or small) from anyone who wants to help make sure the champions get paid like champions! Whichever business has the most money in its bucket by the time the race starts will win the award, “Battle of the Bars”. 100% of ALL the money in each of these donation buckets will go directly to whoever wins this incredible marathon the moment they cross the finish line!

Whichever business raises the most money will receive an annual trophy and will be the one to hand the money to the winners at the finish line.

Thank you to our local businesses who were willing to be a part of this! Go to your favorite place to eat and drink here in Grayling this July to be a part of something special. With enough support, I believe it is possible we will be able to double the current amount that these champions are currently receiving!”

Needless to say, I am very proud to sponsor these two teams and wholly support their charitable endeavors! Because this is what Humans Over Houses means to me. Real estate has never just been about buying and selling homes—it’s about investing in the people and communities we call home.

Wishing Bryan & Eric, as well as Tyler & Ryan, the very best the weekend of July 24th!

May they reach the finish line safely and with Gusto! I will be cheering you on every paddle stroke!

#HupAllNight