By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com


A local fundraiser netted more than a $100,000 for Cleary University student scholarships.

Following a hiatus due to the pandemic, Cleary’s Vehicle to a Better Future Fundraiser recently returned for its fifth installment. The re-envisioned event, taking place outdoors this year, raised $120,450 for student scholarships.

The fundraiser took place at Lake Trust Stadium on the Howell campus, with participants getting walk around classic cars, sample from food trucks, and enjoy a performance from country music artist Kari Holmes. A hot air balloon finale wrapped up the festivities.

Cleary Senior Vice President Dr. Matthew Bennett said, in a release, that despite so much uncertainty this year, they are humbled and proud to have raised these much-needed dollars for their students. He said the outpouring of support was energizing and the success of the re-imagined format is a testament to their staff, students and the community.

Scholarship money from this year’s fundraiser pushed their 5 year total over $600,000.