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The newly formed Brethren Boosters Junior group was on hand to pass out candy during the Halloween Trunk or Treat Brethren Boosters event on Oct. 31.
Photo: File PhotoThe newly formed Brethren Boosters Junior group was on hand to pass out candy during the Halloween Trunk or Treat Brethren Boosters event on Oct. 31.
The newly formed Brethren Boosters Junior group was on hand to pass out candy during the Halloween Trunk or Treat Brethren Boosters event on Oct. 31.
The newly formed Brethren Boosters Junior group was on hand to pass out candy during the Halloween Trunk or Treat Brethren Boosters event on Oct. 31.
BRETHREN — For years, the Brethren Boosters nonprofit organization has been enriching the Brethren community through improvements to public spaces and by supplying assistance to other area groups and individuals.
Recently, the next generation has stepped up to lend a helping hand, and the newly formed Brethren Boosters Junior group has already started making a difference in the community.
Ashley Gutowski, treasurer of the Brethren Boosters, said the junior group has already made its presence felt.
"They are currently working on a project supplying feminine products in inconspicuous ways to those in need at (Kaleva Norman Dickson) Schools," she said. "On their own they have already raised nearly $1,000 to launch this project locally by collecting bottles and cans. Family and friends have also donated their Ipsy bags to use as take-home containers."
Meridee Gutowski, president of the Brethren Boosters Junior group, said hearing about students in need was the call to action necessary to get the group up and running.
“One of the things that mainly motivated us was, I had heard stories around the school that people can’t afford feminine products," she said. "With this group, we’re able to put together the needed items to help them. That was the main thing that pushed us.”
The Brethren Boosters Junior group is comprised of Meridee Gutowski; vice president, Ashlynn Wardie; treasurer, Paige Gutowski; secretary, Cheyann Paynter; trustee, Sophia Fischer; founding president and online member, Alandria Agster; founding trustee, 2020 Brethren graduate Rhiannon Gillis; and members Dawn Bradley, Sydney Bialik, Angelina Agster and Abby Kissling.
Ashley Gutowski said she is excited to see a group of students willing to put in the work to help the community.
"We are thrilled to have a group of young people inspired to give back to their community and participate in a meaningful way. Often, youth today feel disconnected from their community," she said. "This is an excellent group of kids that want to not only participate, but want to make a difference by being a support and bringing a perspective that is not always heard by adult community leaders."
Meridee Gutowski said the members of the junior group wanted to unite in order to serve the community. By being organized, the students are able to make the biggest impact.
“We wanted to have a group for the town that would do things to help the students of our area," she said. "We all just wanted to get to where we could have a group to put more projects together that would be able to help more students.”
Meridee said the group is currently working to ascertain the community's needs and is also collaborating with the Brethren Boosters on an upcoming Christmas event.
Ashley Gutowski said the junior group brings a fresh perspective and a new way of thinking.
"They will benefit the community in many ways by bringing completely different projects and focus. In addition, this group is inspiring the leaders of tomorrow," she said. "They have complete autonomy in creating, planning, fundraising and executing their projects. Once their group agrees on a project, they develop a presentation to request support and approval from the Brethren Boosters Inc. We assist in any areas they need an adult perspective for creation and launch."
The Brethren Boosters Junior group is actively seeking new members and donations. Those looking to join can email 23gutmer@manistee.org. Donations can be mailed to Junior Brethren Boosters, C/O Brethren Boosters, P.O. Box 53, Brethren, MI 49619. Those seeking more information can call (231) 510-6155 to speak to an adult advisor or ask for Meridee Gutowski to speak to the Junior Boosters president.
November 09, 2020 at 04:14AM
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Brethren Boosters Junior group already making a difference - Manistee News Advocate
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