Cleary University’s annual Vehicle to a Better Future fundraiser on June 6 raised a record $175,000 to provide scholarships for students in need. Since this fundraiser began seven years ago, it has raised over $850,000 for scholarships.
The event featured a custom car showcase, a live on-stage concert, cocktails and cuisine, and the coveted Cleary Cup Culinary competition, featuring Grace & Porta Benefits, Ideal Group, Lake Trust Credit Union, MS Ultrasonic Technology and Piston Group.
This year’s winner of the cup was James “Buddha” Edwards, manager of Brand Marketing for Piston Group. The former Detroit Piston “Bad Boy,” paired with Detroit BBQ Company, won the sellout crowd over with a “Battle of Burnt Ends,” the food truck’s signature dish.
“He’s already looking forward to the 2023 competition and reclaiming his title,” said Matt Bennett, executive vice president and chief advancement officer at Cleary who organized Vehicle to a Better Future.
“Every dollar raised from this event directly supports scholarships for students in need,” Bennett said. “This is the only major fundraising event Cleary hosts each year; we invest a great deal of time and energy to make it a celebration of our students and university, and our results have been extremely successful, thanks to the overwhelming support and generosity of local businesses and community members.”
The event not only supports student scholarships and success initiatives, but also offers an opportunity to connect the business community with Cleary’s campus, students, and the Cleary University community at large.
“At Cleary, we are proud to serve this region by developing aspiring business leaders who support organizations throughout our region, state and nation,” Bennett said. “Cleary takes tremendous pride in ensuring our students leave this university ready for success.”
Food trucks supporting the event and supplying the cuisine for the crowd include Captain’s Wood-Fired Pies, Fortune Cooking, Daley Grind, Detroit BBQ Company, Whoa Taco and Cookies & Cream desserts.
