CADILLAC — A Northern Michigan man is helping veterans in Cadillac by holding a fundraiser that could have you in the driver’s seat of a bump and run race.
David Stanley from Mesick said this fundraiser is the latest he’s organized for veterans in Northern Michigan.
Stanley said he tricked out his truck to take part in a bump n’ run race that will take place as part of the Wexford Fall Bash, put on by the TNT Demolition Derby.
“My family’s big into the vets. My grandpa was a vet, my wife’s uncles are vets, so to me, it’s good to give back. It’s amazing what they went through. So, for us to fight for our country and stuff. So, if I can just give even a little bit back, I would do it. And that’s what I’m doing,” said Stanley.
Stanley said he’s been helping veterans whenever he can with the help of TNT, who hosts demolition events, like bump and run races,
“A bump and run race are cars running around the circle track and they bump into each other or push each other out of the way and stuff and they’re trying to win first place, second and third,” said Stanley.
He said this year TNT added trucks
“I talked to them, and they let me build one for the vet. So, ever since we’ve been doing that, I’ve been going around to the races and having fundraisers, raising money for the vets.
He said he souped up this truck to take part in the Wexford Fall Bash.
Stanley said people can enter for a chance to drive that truck on race night.
“You got to wear long sleeved shirts and pants. And of course, you got your helmet, and you got a good roll cage. It’s a lot of fun,” said Stanley.
All the proceeds will go to benefit the AMVETS Post in Cadillac.
Finance officer and army veteran Don Grage said the post wouldn’t be able to keep their doors open if it wasn’t for fundraising.
“We raise funds every year. That’s a never-ending thing. We’ll never stop doing fundraising again. Just the rising costs of everyday life,” said Grage.
Grage said AMVETS help support other veterans and their families.
“Maintenance is never ending. And then veterans’ needs are never ending. We’ve just this year alone, we’ve helped with a couple of different veterans’ funerals because we’ve helped with some heating and cooling bills for some veterans that were struggling,” said Grage.
Stanley said the post couldn’t survive with the help of others.
“We wouldn’t be able to do it just with veterans only donations. I mean, it gets us part of the way there. But nonveterans and the public civilians, other folks who have not had ties to the military directly, that’s what takes it home,” said Grage.
Stanley said he may not be a veteran himself, but he has many loved ones that are.
“My family’s big into the vets. My grandpa was a vet; my wife’s uncles are vets. To me, it’s good to give back, “said Stanley.