Mini-golf raises major money

OSSINEKE, Mich. — Relay for Life got an unexpected boost in funding on Thursday.

This year, the annual “Putt–Putt for a cure” drive returned to the Dinosaur Gardens mini–golf course. Players from the community and local businesses tried to make par while dealing with wacky challenges. Registration fees and donations normally raise about $9,000.

Co–owners Gary and Connie Stephan were surprised by how much they raised this time around.

“We have a guy who steps up and says ‘who wants to match me?’ Two years ago he had a $100 dollar bill. This time it was $200. And people stepped up and matched that.” Connie said.

Gary added that they also had help from a secret someone.

“There was an anonymous donor from Team Hope, which is up in Alpena, who would go an match us dollar-for-dollar.”

Between generous guests and that mystery donor, the Stephans raised about $20,000. That’s more than twice the usual amount.

Money raised benefits relay for life.