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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2024
Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167
New season will see Marco Kasper continue the assist
as scoring drives donations to scholarships
GRAND RAPIDS — The Grand Rapids Griffins, in partnership with GR Consumers Credit Union, are excited to announce a $1,000 donation to the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, a result of center Austin Czarnik’s standout performance on the ice last season.
Czarnik netted 10 goals for the Griffins, each worth $100 in contributions from GR Consumers Credit Union, marking a meaningful team effort toward helping Michigan’s foster youth achieve their educational dreams.
The puck isn’t stopping there. This season, forward Marco Kasper will pick up the stick for the cause. Every goal Kasper scores, whether donning the Griffins jersey or skating for the Detroit Red Wings, will continue to boost donations for Fostering Futures.
“This partnership stands as a powerful reminder of how the goals achieved on the ice can translate into life-changing opportunities for foster youth off the ice,” said Robin Lott, executive director of the state’s Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning. “We are incredibly grateful to the Grand Rapids Griffins and GR Consumers Credit Union for their continued support of the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund.”
Administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund provides essential scholarships to young adults who have experienced foster care, helping them pursue higher education across Michigan. Since 2012, various fundraising efforts have raised more than $1.3 million for the fund. Students who receive this scholarship can use the money for tuition, housing, books and other expenses at a Michigan degree-granting college or university.
More than 9,500 youth are in the Michigan foster care system run by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Fewer than 10% of former foster youth nationally enroll in school after high school and fewer than 3% eventually earn a degree.
The Michigan Education Trust (MET) and MDHHS partner to make the Fostering Futures Scholarship program possible.
“Austin’s efforts last season were a great win both on and off the ice,” said Diane Brewer, MET executive director. “We’re excited to see Marco Kasper take the lead this year, and we look forward to netting even more donations to help Michigan’s foster youth achieve their educational goals.”
The Griffins’ partnership with GR Consumers Credit Union and Fostering Futures highlights how sports teams and local businesses can team up to create lasting change in the community. The $1,000 donation from Czarnik’s performance last season is just the start, as Kasper’s goals this season — whether in Grand Rapids or Detroit — promise to take the impact to the next level.
About MET:
MET is Michigan’s Section 529 prepaid tuition program that locks future tuition at any of the state’s public universities and colleges at today’s rates. The total contract price is eligible for a state tax deduction and earnings are tax-exempt if used for qualified higher education expenses. MET contracts are portable. MET funds can be used to pay out-of-state and Michigan private college and university tuition. MET credits can also be transferred to other eligible family members.
More information about MET is available at www.michigan.gov/setwithmet or 800-MET-4-KID (800-638-4543).
About GR Consumers Credit Union: GR Consumers Credit Union, headquartered in Kalamazoo, is a member-owned financial institution committed to supporting its communities through various philanthropic initiatives, with a strong focus on empowering local youth. For more information, visit www.consumerscu.org.
About the Grand Rapids Griffins: The Grand Rapids Griffins, the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, are dedicated to both on-ice excellence and community involvement. They play their home games at Van Andel Arena and remain actively engaged in community-focused initiatives across West Michigan.
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