After a deadly tornado devastated the small town of Gaylord, Dr. Bob Lorinser – a candidate for US Congress in Michigan’s 1st district – is changing plans for a previously scheduled campaign fundraiser. One hundred percent of Dr. Lorinser’s event proceeds will now benefit charitable organizations leading disaster relief efforts in the area.
From 5 to 7 p.m. at Big Buck Brewery on Tues., June 7, Dr. Lorinser will not accept donations to his US Congressional campaign. Each guest is asked to bring a $50 monetary contribution to a selected Gaylord community organization working in response, recovery, and rebuilding. Gift cards are welcome.
“As soon as we understood the need, our objective for this planned event immediately changed,” said Dr. Lorinser. “Campaigns need financial support, but there are priorities, and the people always come first. After the tornado, a campaign fundraiser in Otsego County was no longer appropriate. Instead of canceling on Gaylord, I asked my events team to help generate more generosity for the community. Our sponsors graciously agreed, and we are all eager to help these incredible organizations.”
Dr. Lorinser says principles drive his candidacy, and he wanted his campaign and supporters to be part of the solution in Gaylord.
“Too many of our neighbors are struggling with unexpected displacement,” said Dr. Lorinser. “Until I’m honored to serve and connect constituents with Federal resources, my campaign will do all we can with the resources available to us to lift our fellow neighbors up. It’s our mission to end this partisan divide. Before we’re a ‘red’ or ‘blue’ district, we are a united one, and Gaylord’s relentlessly generous organizations and selfless people have proved that.”
Lorinser asks guests to contribute to the Otsego Community Foundation Tornado Response Fund or the Otsego County United Way for entry. Campaign staff will collect checks, cash, and gift cards to redistribute and will help facilitate digital contributions at the restaurant. Non-clothing and non-monetary gifts are also welcome, and the campaign asks guests to check with the United Way for up-to-date items of need closer to the event.
Dr. Bob and Peggy Lorinser, host-sponsor Vicky Rigney, and local leaders will begin festivities with a social hour at 5 p.m. A complimentary first round and appetizers are courtesy of the campaign, followed by an optional sit-down menu service by Big Buck Brewery. Dr. Lorinser will spend one-on-one time with guests before a speech and Q&A. The campaign also welcomes community leaders and organization representatives to offer a toast and provide an update on the local recovery effort.
“Gaylord is one of the strongest, most resilient communities in America, but they’re also part of a district-wide community,” said Dr. Lorinser. “I hope this event celebrates the same Northern Michigan spirit that we’ve seen bring so many of us together.”
No immediate donation is necessary for reservations. The event is open to the public, but space is limited, and the campaign encourages an RSVP at votedrbob.com/gaylord.
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