Catch the Spirit, Release the Potential
Annual Fish Races Fundraiser rescheduled for August 21st
Camp Fish Tales moves forward with Aug. 21 fundraiser
MIDLAND DAILY NEWS
Ashley Schafer, Ashley.Schafer@hearstnp.com
PRESS RELEASE – After facing safety concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, leaders at Camp Fish Tales have decided to move forward with the Annual Fish Races fundraiser on Aug. 21.
The event is the largest fundraiser of the year for the barrier-free, accessible camp located in Pinconning. Executive Director Shannon Forshee said the money raised allows campers with disabilities who cannot afford camp tuition to participate. All the proceeds will benefit Camp Fish Tales’ programs, scholarships, and camp maintenance.
“(Campers are) able to do things that every other person can do because of our adaptations to our activities and watching someone who has limited use of their arms and legs climb a rock wall — it is absolutely heartwarming when they make it to the top and are able to do that,” she said
Guests can purchase tickets for $25, which includes dinner and the opportunity for pari-mutuel betting on wooden fish. Six fish, which are decorated by different local groups, will race in each heat on a custom track. Tickets for the Fish Race event are available at www.campfishtales.org or by calling 989-879-5199.
New this year, are honorary chairs of the event — Chris and Molly Girard. Chris is the CEO of Do-All, Inc., which serves individuals with a disability and Molly serves as the administrator for the Episcopal Diocese.
“They have given back so much to your community,” Forshee said about the Girards.
In their free time, the Girards operate GIRARD Investments, which is a residential real estate business that manages more than 60 rental units. Chris was also recently elected as a city commissioner for Bay City. Together, they have four children, five great-grandchildren, and have been foster parents to several children.
The event will be bring-your-own-beverage-style, so guests are welcome to bring their own drinks, including alcoholic drinks in a cooler.
Guests must be 18 or older to attend. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 6 p.m. at the main lodge at Camp Fish