The Marine Trades Institute is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special fundraising event called “Crafted for a Cause.”
“Crafted for a Cause” will benefit the school’s Student Endowment Fund, which supports the purchase of essential equipment, field trips and professional development opportunities.
Originally known as the Great Lakes Boat Building School, the Marine Trades Institute has an annual student enrollment of about 30 students.
Along with the name change announced earlier this year, the school is undergoing an expansion. Construction began this summer on a state-of-the-art building that will house its Marine Technology School. The new building will also free up space at the school’s existing facility.
“As we celebrate our 20-year milestone, we are strategically investing in the future of the school and cementing ourselves as the leaders in training in the next generation of boat builders and technicians,” said Nikki Storey, who is president of the Marine Trades Institute.
What’s happening: To mark the milestone anniversary, the Marine Trades Institute is hosting a special fundraiser, “Crafted for a Cause,” to support the school’s Student Enrichment Fund. The fundraiser will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, August 22, at the Les Cheneaux Distillers in downtown Cedarville. The goal is to raise $30,000 for the Student Enrichment Fund, which enhances the student experience at the school through the purchase of essential equipment, enriching field trips and professional development opportunities.
About the event: The evening will feature dinner and drinks, live music by the Haske Brothers, boat and vendor displays, and a reverse raffle with 20 unique prizes, including a grand prize of $5,000. The event is supported by a myriad of sponsors, including the Taylor Lumber Company, a division of Tri County Building Centers. The company has a long history in Les Cheneaux Islands, dating back to the 1880s. The school recently purchased property from Taylor as part of its expansion. No firm plans are in place, but officials anticipate using the building for additional administrative offices for the growing staff and training for classes.
“We are excited to partner with MTI on this important fundraising event and celebration of some of the great things happening in the community,” said Rachel Hanna-McDermott from Tri County Building Centers. “With the establishment of our new location in Cedarville and the new project underway at the school, it is an opportune time to express our thanks and get involved.”
About the Marine Trades Institute: Originally known as the Great Lakes Boat Building School, the institute was founded in 2005 with a mission to preserve traditional wooden boat building craftsmanship. The school initially focused on wooden boat building and restoration. Since then, the school has grown to provide comprehensive career training in wooden boat building and related services, as well as establishing Marine Service Technology, a program that prepares students to become entry-level marine technicians. Marine Trades Institute is a non-profit organization recognized as a charitable organization and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The Institute is recognized as a Silver Star Veteran Friendly.
Student enrollment: Currently, the Marine Trades Institute accepts 25 to 30 students a year. Once the new facility is completed, the school will be able to accommodate 50 students each year. Students can choose to become certified Mercury Marine Level One Technician through the Marine Technology School or pursue a career in craftsmanship and restoration at the Boat Building School. The school also offers additional certification opportunities, scholarships and employer sponsorships.
Information: Tickets for “Crafted for a Cause” and other information can be found at www.marinetrades.edu.
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