IRON MOUNTAIN – Iron Mountain native Steve Mariucci is supplying a boost to the efforts of two local fundraising drives, committing $8000 to be split between the Northern Lights YMCA Dickinson Center and the Kiwanis Ski Club for their Capital Campaigns.
The current NFL Network analyst, nicknamed “Mooch”, is purchasing the final available step of the remodeled Pine Mountain steps for $8,000. Mariucci had previously secured one other step when the drive first kicked off. This final purchase officially completes the project, as all 500 steps will now have recognition plaques.
Mariucci, also heavily involved in the fundraising effort for the Beacon House in Marquette, was very satisfied to see all 500 Pine Mountain steps now sold. In total, the projected generated nearly $60,000 in support for the ski club and Y.
“That was quite a project, and was important to me to see it completed 100 percent,” he said. “I’m pleased to see that now done and happy to be a part of it.”
Checking off the completion of the Pine Mountain steps from Kiwanis Ski Club’s to-do list helps the organization move forward with its ongoing fundraising effort to keep world class ski jumping alive in Dickinson County.
The International Ski Federation has requested the club make several improvements within three years in order to keep the Continental Cup competition at Pine Mountain. After a hugely successful 2018 competition, the club must now work to widen the start gate, build a stair tower with a warming shelter on top of it next to the scaffold in order to qualify to host for 2019.
“We are so thankful for Steve’s support to help keep our momentum going,” Kiwanis Ski Club spokesperson Susie Fox said. “It was great to see Steve here for our event in February, and I know he plans to return for many years to come.”
Mariucci also expressed his enthusiasm for the YMCA Capital project.
“Over the years, the Community Center building and pool has meant so much to our friends, family and neighbors in the Iron Mountain/Kingsford community, including myself” he said. “The future of that building is in a real positive place with the YMCA at the helm. A vibrant and flourishing YMCA provides a community-wide benefit with long-lasting impact both socially and economically.
“I’m excited to contribute to the project, and I’m also just thrilled to see the overwhelming support that has poured in from the local community in such a short time to ensure the goal is met.”
The YMCA Capital Campaign has generated $2.2 million in support over the past three years, including more than $450,000 since the public campaign launched in late January. The campaign runs through June. A minimum goal of $2.4 million was established to ensure enough funding for a rebuild of the pool and renovations of the community center building. Additional development phases could be added if the goal is met and exceeded. The ultimate long-term plan for the center includes the possible addition of a fieldhouse with indoor running track.
“Since the beginning, Steve has always been a true supporter and friend of the YMCA, and we are extremely thankful for this latest donation toward our project,” YMCA Center Director Jonathan Ringel said.
To support the YMCA Capital Campaign, call (906) 774-4076 or visit www.WhatsYourY.org. Contributions to the Kiwanis Ski Club can be made by calling (906) 779-1110 or by visiting www.SoaringIntoTheFuture.org.