Maple Grove student wins T-shirt contest

Walk for Warmth coordinator Deborah Marquardt (left) with Allyssia Gomez and teacher Sheri Callans (right). LAPEER TWP. — Participants in this year’s annual Walk for Warmth will be able to sport a great-looking new Tshirt, thanks to Maple Grove Elementary student Allyssia Gomez.

Gomez, 11, had the winning T-shirt design for the annual fundraiser. Gomez was one of many students from four elementary schools around the county who chose to participate in the contest, and the Walk for Warmth organizers at the Human Development Commission (HDC) said they had a very hard time choosing just one winner.

Walk for Warmth coordinator Deborah Marquardt was on hand Friday morning to present Gomez with the first Tshirt featuring her design, along with school principal Paul Dombrowski and proud parents Emiliano and Amelia Gomez of Lapeer Township.

“We’re super excited,” said Allyssia’s mother, “and she’s really thrilled.” Her parents said Allyssia has a talent for art work and has entered several art contests in the past.

The guests temporarily interrupted fifth grade teacher Sheri Callans’ classroom to give a presentation of the Tshirt. The rest of the class applauded Allyssia as she was given her T-shirt and a plaque. Her parents were also given a framed copy of the design, which featured a drawing of the historic Lapeer County courthouse and people walking. Marquardt also presented Callans with a gift of $50 for school supplies.

The T-shirts will be given out to participants at the 22nd annual Walk for Warmth, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25. The walk raises funds to assist people with utility emergencies, especially during the cold winter months.

Walk for Warmth is a statewide event sponsored by community action agencies, such as HDC, to raise money to help local families in need heat their homes. Local citizens gather pledges and walk a one-mile route in the cold to keep others warm.

Last year, with the support of community volunteers and businesses, HDC raised over $56,000 to help struggling families and senior citizens in Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola counties. Money raised in each county stays in that county. Funds raised truly help your neighbors, not someone in the next county.

At this year’s event, walker registration will begin at 9 a.m., with the walk itself starting at 9:30 a.m. In Lapeer County, the walk begins at historic courthouse.

To make a donation to the Walk for Warmth fund, obtain more information on the event, or to have a pledge sheet sent to you, call the HDC office at 810-664-7133.