Greater Midland’s Call of the Wild fundraiser aids local programs

Originally reported in the Midland Daily News, the each year the Greater Midland North Family Center hosts the popular Call of the Wild Fundraiser, an event that supports the center’s outreach activities in the community. This year marked the 13th annual event, attracting more than 600 outdoor enthusiasts, and raised over $15,000 for the center.

"We are very grateful for the support we received from people in the community who attended this year's event," says Tammy Bailey, Call of the Wild Chairwoman.

After expenses, the final fundraising amount will aid the Greater Midland North Family Center programs such as stocking the food pantry, helping with utility bills, provide funding for teen programs, support at-risk youth and a scholarship program. Through these avenues and more, there are 168 families served every year, and 60 teens every other week.

Bringing individuals together over common interest while supporting community needs, the event attracts a broad audience of rookie and veteran attendees every year. Community members are eager to participate, as they experience outdoor vendors, local catering and can support causes that make a difference in their own communities.

Henry Smith, a first-time Call of the Wild attendee, summarized his experience stating, “This has to be one of the best events I’ve attended in a long time. I love everything outdoors and I will definitely be back next year.”

In addition to outdoor vendors, guests included local outdoor celebrities Mike Avery, Mark Gwizdala and Art Lewis as well as internationally known survival expert and Midland native, Kellie Nightlinger. Nightlinger spoke at the event and said as a child living in the country, nature and animals were her inspiration. Now she is one of the top-ranked female survivalists in the world.

Sponsors for this year's event included Bierlein Co., Three Rivers Corp., Chemical Bank, The Dow Chemical Company, Draves Auto Center, Fisher Companies, E.E. Insulation Co., Members First Credit Union, Memorial Presbyterian Church, Niles Industrial Coating LLC, Servinski Sod Services, Valley Electric Contractors and more.