Trenton Rotarians Noel Jackson (left) and Mike McCullough present a donation to Mayor Steve Rzeppa and the city for trees, scholarships and new seating for the Trenton Village Theater.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
TRENTON – Rotarians Dr. Noel Jackson and Mike McCullough, city treasurer, presented $10,621 at the March 17 City Council meeting for trees, scholarships and new seating for the Trenton Village Theater.
The theater is co-managed by the Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center and the city.
The money was raised during the Feb. 13 State of the City Boujee Banquet at Westfield Center.
Mayor Steve Rzeppa said the idea for the sumptuous affair came from an idea to attract people to an event that would draw attention to the things the community had accomplished in the past year, to give it the recognition it deserved.
“Because of the efforts of you all, the Rotary Club, the whole host of committee members that put untold amounts of hours, thought and creativity into this, it was really a tremendous, tremendous event,” he said. “And, again, as you say so often, ‘Mike, it’s not about the money but what the money can do,’ because of the efforts you all put together,”
Jackson, who is president of the Rotary Club of Trenton, said the group has a great tradition of amazing people from the city to make a difference in the world and the community.
“We do all kinds of fundraising,” he said. “Money makes a difference in terms of what we are able to do, and we are going to be using this money for scholarships, for supporting arts activities, and also support for our various community charities.”
Jackson said he was pleased that people stayed around after the state of the city address and socialized and had a great time.
McCullough said the event allowed them to restore some pizazz to the city’s annual awards banquet, as well by combining it with the state of the city address and rebranding it.