Nominated by: Gary Strobel, friend & fellow board member
In 1989, Chuck founded Save Our South Channel Lights to help restore and rebuild two range lights in Lake St. Clair, Michigan that were built in 1859. For some context, that was before Abraham Lincoln was President or the zipper was invented. These lights were keys to the development of this region. One million dollars of merchandise passed through the area each day and the lights were essential to guide ships to the St. Clair River.
Painstaking volunteer hours and much dedication have brought the lights to their existing state. The front light remains to be restored and the rear light needs its keepers dwelling rebuilt. The rear light was restored in 2005 and maintenance continues. The group of 7 of us – led by Chuck – is dedicated and devotes many personal hours to come up with ways to raise money and to keep the lights in sufficient condition to hold weddings on the rear island. Chuck is 79 and does this all of this in the name of his late wife Scotty. Save Our South Channel Lights is an all volunteer 5O1(c)3 organization – 100% of money raised goes towards the restoration efforts.
Charity: Save Our South Channel Lights
Hometown: Harsens Island, MI
