The Friends of Copper Island Academy held a benefit dinner at the school facility on Sept. 18. Our event was supported by several businesses and individuals in the local community. Without their generosity we never would have been successful in raising funds to support the success of our students.

We first have a thank you to Connie’s Kitchen for the catering of delicious food and being such easy people to work with to feed everyone who attended.

Next we’d like to thank the following businesses or individuals:

Calumet Floral, 31-Bags: Denise Moyle,Teach to Taste: Margaret Hansen, UP Foods, Café Rosetta, Cedar & Sage, Grace & Gather, Riutta Sales, Matt Kiilunen, Encompass Therapeutic, Downwind Sports, Houghton Tanning Salon, Wildwood Builders: Jay Keranen, Jodi Hyrkas, By Nature, William and Karen Hyrkas, Center Ice Skate & Sport, Kirkish Furniture, Loretta Kangas, Copper World, Annette Keranen, Maria Johnson, 5th & Elm, Rockhouse Bar and Grill, High Rock Designs, First Supply, Isle Royale Queen, Bella Vista Hotel, Andrew and Liisa Halonen, John Hill, Joel and Melissa Keranen, Nathan Ruonavaara, Sherwin Williams, Royale, Inc., Mathews Bows, Joe Berger, UpWARD Orthodontics, Kristen Tervo, Ellen Torola, Dave’s Auto, Dean Kangas State Farm, Incredible Bank, Jim’s Pizza, Keweenaw Overhead Door, Marne Anderson, JP’s Fast Track, and Superior Polymer.

If we missed someone on the list above, we apologize; know that your donation was appreciated.

Also, the Friends board would like to recognize that this endeavor would never have been possible without the help from our volunteers. Anyone who came to help with set up or clean up, we thank your efforts. Specific recognition and special thank you goes to Mary Ruonavaara and Antrisha Luoma for their participation in the success of this event.

Finally, thank you to all who came out to the school and supported with your hearts – the students and community of Copper Island Academy.

Sincere thank you,