Set Sail for “Crafted for a Cause”
Fundraiser Supports Student Training at Marine Trades Institute
Published: Thursday, August 13, 2026 9:00 am
The Marine Trades Institute (MTI) invites the community to dust off their favorite tropical shirts and set sail for "Crafted for a Cause," an island-inspired evening celebrating 21 years of tradition and talent.
This fundraising event will take place on Friday, August 21, from 6:00-9:00pm at Les Cheneaux Distillers. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the MTI Student Enrichment Fund. This vital resource elevates the MTI student experience by supporting essential equipment purchases, enriching field trips, and valuable professional development opportunities, ensuring the next generation of marine trades professionals receives top-tier training.
“This evening is about celebrating over two decades of tradition, showcasing our students' incredible talent, and supporting future marine technicians and carpenters.” says Tom Coates, Development Director at MTI. “Crafted provides us with an opportunity to come together as a community to make a meaningful impact for both our school and the next generation of the marine industry workforce.”
Guests will enjoy a festive island experience featuring tropical heavy hors d’oeuvres and two complimentary drink tokens. Live music will set the rhythm of the night, while attendees explore boat and engine displays along with featured MTI student projects. Prizes abound at the event, where guests can test their knowledge in a self-guided Trivia Challenge, or wear their most festive tropical attire to compete for the title of “Best Island Outfit.”
Event tickets include dinner, drink tokens, live entertainment, and automatic entry into the evening's raffle draws. Attendees will have multiple chances to win boating equipment, beach gear, local experiences, a $1,000 cash prize, and a $2,500 grand prize, with attendance not required to win. Additionally, community support will go twice as far thanks to a 1:1 matching gift from a local family. Ticket sales will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $3,000, effectively contributing an extra $100 to MTI for every ticket sold.
MTI continues to seek community partners for the event and gratefully acknowledges the event’s foundation sponsors First National Bank of St. Ignace, Hoffman Marine, Central Savings Bank, Autore Oil and Propane, and Soo Co-Op Credit Union. Certain sponsorship tiers also qualify for the 1:1 donation match through the end of the month.
To purchase tickets or learn more about becoming a sponsorship partner, please visit marinetrades.edu or contact [email protected].
tags: Festive, Fundraiser, Island, Marine Trades Institute, MTI Student Enrichment Fund, sailing, Student, Tradition, Training
