ERIE — Bobbie’s Staff began in 2022 with one purpose: to pay off school meal debt incurred by Mason Consolidated Schools’ students.
Bobbie’s Staff did that. In 2023, it gave Mason Schools checks totaling about $2,000. Later in 2023, school meals became free for all Michigan public school students.
“It was an amazing thing. Kids don’t have to worry about food; no kid should have to,” said Dennis Butch, vice president of Bobbie’s Staff. His daughter, Marleigh, a junior at Mason High School, is the president.
But, the Butch family and others involved with Bobbie’s Staff still wanted to help local kids. So, they made new plans. Today, Bobbie’s Staff sends Mason kids in need home with weekend meals, and it stocks two blessing boxes in the area. It’s also planning to extend its programs beyond Mason Schools and is making final plans for its biggest fundraiser of the year.
“We’re happy to be able to help the most vulnerable folks in the community, like kids; they don’t have a choice,” Butch said.
Learn about the upcoming fundraiser and the work of the non-profit Bobbie’s Staff.
Mason High School junior Marleigh Butch, president of Bobbie’s Staff, looks through the fruit bags that were packed. She and her father, Dennis Butch, the organization’s vice president, wait for families to arrive to pick up their spring break care packages at Erie Restaurant and Bar on March 18.
Heroes on the Hardwood fundraiser
Now in its third year, Heroes on the Hardwood is Bobbie’s Staff’s biggest fundraiser of the year. First responders from the Monroe County and Toledo areas compete in a mini basketball tournament.
Heroes on the Hardwood is set for 1-5 p.m. April 6 at Mason High School, 2400 Mason Eagle Drive in Erie. Admission is $5; all proceeds will be used for the organization’s programs.
“We have stepped up planning for the next Heroes on the Hardwood charity basketball event. Last year’s event saw over 40 first responders from 10 departments from around southeast Michigan. It is our hope to surpass that number this year. We will once again have the Special Olympics Unified team participating as well,” Butch said.
Butch is looking forward to watching the Special Olympics team.
“The advanced team is playing. They say it’s a legit basketball team, and they want to play a game,” Butch said.
Two first responders who died since last year’s event will be honored: Corey Bomia of Erie Township Fire Department and Brandon Bacome of Luna Pier Fire Department.
Also offered at Heroes on the Hardwood will be raffle baskets, 50/50 drawings, face painting, concessions and a Mason quilt raffle.
“It’s made of old Mason spirit wear,” Butch said.
Guests will include Muddy, the Toledo Mud Hens’ mascot, and Rocky and Rocksy, mascots from the University of Toledo.
“Last year we had around 5,000 (attendees). We are hoping to do a little better this year,” Butch said.
Here’s a look at Bobbie’s Staff’s programs that will benefit from Heroes on the Harwood’s proceeds.
Blessing Boxes
Bobbie’s Staff has two permanent Blessing Boxes in south county. The large boxes offer food and, sometimes, other supplies.
The first Blessing Box was placed in 2023, in front of Luna Pier Branch Library, 4349 Oak St. in Luna Pier. One was later added at Erie Township Hall, 2065 Erie St. in Erie.
“Luna Pier was the most pressing need. Lots of people are struggling,” Butch said. “The intent is to help people who need help.”
Butch stocks the boxes whenever he can.
“We could easily spend $500 on them, if that was an option. We have some community support and people randomly leave things,” Butch said. “They have a little bit of everything. People leave all kinds of stuff. The focus is on non-perishable food, and we have some hygiene items. A couple school groups did a hygiene drive (for us).”
Food for Mason kids
Mason High School junior Marleigh Butch places a box of frozen foods, such as chicken, pizzas and ground beef, in the trunk of Nora Valencia’s car on March 18. Marleigh is the president of Bobbie’s Staff. The food was part of spring break care packages for local families in need.
While public school meal programs provide free food during school days, many local children still struggle to eat on weekends and school breaks. So, Bobbie’s Staff began sending Mason students in need home with bags of food.
“It started the end of last school year. We send weekend meal bags home to kids at Mason on Fridays. It’s two breakfasts, two lunches and two snacks,” Butch said. “We started at 40 bags. It continued through the summer and has steadily grown. It’s now 35 bags.”
Bags also are sent home for school holiday breaks.
“We did 88 for winter break. They had breakfasts, lunches and snacks,” Butch said.
Previous Coverage: New state budget provides free meals to all public school students
Food for each bag costs about $3.
Another local ministry’s food efforts: Helping those in need: The Table sends kids home with weekend meals for families
Money comes from donations and fundraisers, like Heroes on the Hardwood, a comedy show in January and Backyard Bash, a party in August. Backyard Bash is returning this summer for a third year.
“It’s my favorite event. It’s geared toward kids. Kids show up and they get to eat for free,” Butch said.
New this year is a Turkey Trot fundraiser, planned for the Sunday after Thanksgiving in Luna Pier. A 5K run and a 1-mile walk are planned.
Bags of potatoes were included in Bobbie’s Staff’s spring break care packages.
The Butch family, which includes Dennis’ wife, Jacque, and a small group pack the weekly meals. Sometimes others help.
“People step up and help. We had a mobile food pantry last July. We got a bunch of people. We have a really nice network of folks. When we need something, we can reach out,” Butch said.
Butch also has a full-time job, and his daughter is a full-time student.
“It does take a lot of my day. Things just need to be done and you do it,” Butch said.
Expanding
Bobbie’s Staff hopes to start moving into the Bedford area.
“There are also a lot of folks who need a hand-up in Bedford. We’ve had some folks reach out. When we did summer bags last year, some (recipients) were from Bedford,” Butch said.
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Donate to Bobbie’s Staff
Non-perishable food and money are accepted.
“Drop food in any Blessing Box. Reach out to us through email (info@bobbiesstaff.org) or my phone number (517-250-1605), and we’ll make arrangements,” Butch said.
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Last year 5K attended Heroes on the Hardwood fundraiser
