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Upon Jason's death March 23rd, 2003 we established the "Jason Plite Memorial Fund" in hopes
of being able to give a gift to the Swimming and Art Departments (two of Jason's passions)
of the Grand Ledge High School where he attended and graduated from in 1999.
The Fund did so incredibly well we felt it was imperative that we incorporate the Fund,
appoint a Board of Directors, and establish it as a charitable/non-profit organization and continue
to raise funds so that we can give out Grants and Scholarships to students in the Grand Ledge
Community pursuing further education in Art and Swimming!
We will continue to raise funds by holding an annual Fund Raising Dinner Event each April.
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7th Annual Jason Plite Memorial Fund Dinner
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Thirty Five Thousand Five Hundred dollars in scholarships awarded to 18 Grand Ledge High school seniors since the Jason Plite Memorial Fund was established 7 years ago. At the 7
th
annual Jason Plite Memorial dinner, held Friday April 16
th
at the Grand Ledge Opera house, it was all about current and previous scholarship recipients. There were 8 scholarship Alumni in attendance. They were recognized for their accomplishments, allowing our guests and contributors to see first hand the benefits of the scholarships and how they have touched their lives. Several Art scholarship Alumni donated art for the silent art auction, along with many other local and out of state artists.
The MSU Air Force ROTC “Silver Eagles” were in attendance to present and retire the colors. Colleen’s Cuisine provided an exquisite meal, and Cakes a Blooming donated a beautiful and delicious cake. A very lovely flower arrangement from Delta Flowers and roses from Horrock’s adorned the room. Natalie Simpson, a local dance and piano instructor, started the evening out playing piano for our guests during the social hour. Nashville recording artist, Kelly Trudell, treated our guests to an impromptu performance. She is a strong supporter of Gold Star families, as well as the active duty military. She performed her compelling song “Reverence”. Shaynah Peterson, ended the evening with a touching rendition of Lady Gaga’s song “Speechless”.
Our guest speaker, WWII Navy Veteran, Richard Thelen, a USS Indianapolis survivor , one of 317, made the evening complete with his heartfelt speech about his experience and what it meant to him. Dick is a longtime Lansing resident, spends most of his days doing for others, volunteering, delivering food, and just being a friend and father of 6 (and many grandchildren/great grandchildren).
Jason, like the select few that endure, and attain the honor of being a Pararescueman, had an abundance of talent and special qualities. The “PJ” promise to the world “That Others May Live” says it all, as Jason lost his life while on a mission to rescue 2 Afghani children, just after completing a mission that saved 3 severely injured Afghanistan Nationals. Jason set, and still holds, swimming records at Grand Ledge High School and his keen eye and artistic soul came alive in his art.
The Jason Plite Memorial Fund holds an annual dinner to raise funds for the Artistic and Swim scholarships. It is a challenging task to select a recipient, as Grand Ledge has many talented Artists and Swimmers. This year’s recipient’s qualities rose to the top! The following recipients were honored at the dinner.
Kayla Bedaine - was awarded the Jason Plite Memorial Swim Scholarship in the amount of $2,500. Kayla will continue her education at Lansing Community College pursing a career as a Registered Nurse.
Crimson Cook - was awarded the Jason Plite Memorial Art Scholarship in the amount of $2,500. Crimson also plans to attend Lansing Community College to get her degree in Graphic Design.
Olivia McCormick - was recognized for her swim and art accomplishments with a special “Donor” scholarship award in the amount of $500. Olivia will be attending Northern Michigan University pursing a career in Graphic Design. Congratulations Scholarship recipients!
We would also like to recognize and thank all those that continue to generously support the Jason Plite Memorial fund.
The Jason Plite Memorial Fund Board of Directors
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2010 dinner event
Grand Ledge Opera House
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Grand Hall
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Air Force ROTC “Silver Eagles”
Keynote Speaker - Richard Thelen
WWII Navy Veteran - USS Indianapolis Survivor
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Art Auction
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Dinner Guests
Performers!
Kelly Trudell
Shaynah Peterson
Scholarship Recipients:
Olivia McCormick, Crimson Cook (Dawn Peterson) & Kayla Bedaine
Scholarship Alumni:
Stanley Stine, Megan Schinderle, Becky Schaffer, (Dawn Peterson),
Jay Paquette, Nick Ballou & Laura Pierce
The Jason Plite Memorial Fund Board Of Directors
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Mary Gwardzinski, Colleen Austin,, Dawn Peterson, Sara Clark-Pierson, Amanda McDonald & Pam George
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Jason's Family
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Alyssa, Charles, Dawn, & Shaynah Peterson & Sean Cunningham
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Thank you to all for the very generous donations. The support from our Community
and throughout the USA has been overwhelming. This is such a special way to keep
Jason's Memory alive, and to turn a tragedy into something good.
Your support and kindness is truly appreciated !
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Send a tax deductible contribution to:
Jason Plite Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 81064
Lansing, MI 48908
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For additional information, send e-mail to following address:
info@jasonplitememorial.com
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