B.J. Stupak Fund donates $25K for Blesch stadium project

MARINETTE — Smiles were wide last Tuesday at The Stephenson National Bank & Trust (SNBT) as members of the B.J. Stupak Memorial Fund gathered to make a $25,000 donation to The Walton Blesch Stadium Legacy Foundation.

Laurie Stupak, former Menominee Mayor and SNBT Board Member, along with Tony Furton, former Menominee City Manager, represented the B.J. Fund. Together they presented the $25,000 check to John Wills, member of Walton Blesch Stadium Project, and Casey Hoffman, current Menominee Mayor.

“We hope this donation from the B.J. Fund will generate enthusiasm throughout the community and encourage additional donations to the project,” Stupak said. “Therefore, we are encouraging individuals, families, and businesses to join us in this effort by sending donations in any amount to The Stephenson National Bank & Trust for the benefit of this project.”

SNBT, as a conduit for the donation process, helped celebrate the contribution. Both Greg Salmen, SNBT President & CEO, and Dan Peterson SNBT Executive Chairman, welcome more donations to keep the momentum of the project moving toward the finish line.

It has been almost a year since the foundation began the monumental goal of raising $750,000 to replace the existing bleachers and press box while maintaining the look and feel of the Walton Blesch Stadium. The generous donation from the B.J. Stupak Memorial Fund brings that goal even closer to realization.

“We have had some very generous donors from within on our local community; with this donation, we have reached our stage 1 funding mark,” Wills said.

“We have just over half the funds to get the bleachers up for the Menominee Maroon football season this fall,” Hoffman explained. “This donation plays a huge part to help our community stay engaged and raise more funds to accomplish our mission.”

Established in 2000 by Stupak and her husband Bart, The B.J. Stupak Memorial Fund is a donor-designated fund held within the M&M Area Community Foundation. Since its inception, the B.J. Fund has provided over $500,000 in grants and scholarships throughout the Upper Peninsula.

The Walton Blesch Stadium Legacy Foundation is the vision of several dedicated private citizens. People interested in learning more, or making a contribution, can visit the project website at www.bleschstadium.org. Checks may be made payable to: The Walton Blesch Stadium Legacy Foundation and mailed to The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, 1111 10th Street, Menominee, MI 49858.