Camel Race helped raise $44,000

Dear Editor,

The Family Literacy Center is thrilled to announce that their recent Camel Race Fundraiser helped raise nearly $44,000 to support the Center.

Executive Director Mary Shelton stated, “Thanks to our wonderful sponsors, supporters and volunteers, we were able to raise $43,947 to support our programs.”

So far in 2025, FLC has helped sixty-five of their students earn their GED with many more in process. In all of 2024, FLC helped 76 of their students earn their GED. Thanks to a partnership with GST Michigan Works, FLC also provides literacy services at the GST offices in Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac, and Shiawassee Counties. In addition, FLC offers adult English as a Second Language tutoring, adult basic literacy tutoring, and tutoring programs for kids (focusing on 2nd and 3rd graders who are not performing at grade level).

Shelton stated, “We are especially grateful to our very generous sponsors and guests who attended the event on October 3 at the newly remodeled Metamora Lions Club. These businesses, service clubs and individuals helped us raise a record amount for this fundraising event.”
At the Camel Races, area sponsors decorate wooden camels to represent their business or cause. The camels “race” to the toss of big, fuzzy dice (much like a giant board game). Guests cheer on their favorites. Emily Caswell of the View Newspaper Group emceed the event. Twenty area sponsors had camels in the races including premier sponsors ChoiceOne Bank and Security Credit Union. New sponsors for the event in 2025 included Barragan Landscaping, Job Impulse and HealthQuest Physical Therapy.

FLC is also thrilled that an anonymous donor has offered to match 4th quarter donations to FLC up to $20,000, plus an additional $1,000 for new donors. Gifts can be mailed to them at 311 Higgins Street, Lapeer, MI 48446. They also accept PayPal and Venmo. Their website is www.readlapeer.org. Volunteers are always needed in various capacities.

For more information, contact them at ican@readlapeer.org or 810-664-2737.

Thank you,
— Mary Shelton
Executive Director
Family Literacy Center
Lapeer