Minges Brook Elementary Is finalist In National Contest

Minges Brook Elementary in Battle Creek is thrilled to announce that it is one of 10 finalists nationally in a Bridgestone fundraising contest and could win up to $25,000 to purchase new playground equipment.

Now, it’s up to the people of Battle Creek – and all of their friends, neighbors, relatives and acquaintances – to determine the winner.

The Minges Brook Parent Teacher Association, whose members nominated the school for the contest, is asking for the public’s help by participating in an online voting process every day between Nov. 12 and Dec. 14.

According to the rules of the Bridgestone Fuel the Drive 2015 Contest, the grand prize and runner-up winners will be determined by an online voting process.

Participating is easy:

1. Go to fuelthedrive.com to view the entries of the 10 finalists.
2. Select the Minges Brook entry and vote.

Voting is limited to once per day per email address. Voting opens at noon on Thursday, Nov. 12, and closes at 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14.

“We’re asking anyone and everyone to vote as often as they can until the voting closes at 9 p.m. Dec. 14. Tell your neighbors. Talk to your coworkers. Share the contest link with all your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so we can spread the word,” said Julie Greene, president of the Minges Brook PTA.

“We hope people will step up for the benefit of Minges Brook’s children and neighbors, all of whom will benefit from updated playground equipment,” Greene said. “We’re trying to modernize the playground at Minges Brook because we know that new structures will create new incentives for our children to exercise and have fun, both of which will encourage good health, effective learning and positive choices.”

Last year’s winner – a school in Monroe, Mich. – in the Bridgestone Fuel the Drive contest had 376,000 votes. Winners of the 2015 contest will be announced in January.

The Minges Brook PTA launched its playground fundraising effort earlier this year and identified a goal of at least $30,000 to add two new pieces of equipment at the school. Through individual and corporate donations, the effort already has raised $6,012.

“We are immensely grateful to our donors, including S & T Lawn Services, Kellogg Community College, Bandeen Orthodontics, Miller’s Time Out, Bob Evans and others who have given us a huge start toward our goal,” Greene said. “If we’re able to win the Bridgestone Fuel the Drive contest, we’ll exceed our fundraising goal and be able to purchase top-notch equipment.”

Additional details about the playground project can be found at the campaign’s GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/mingesbrookplay.

For more information or to donate directly to the campaign, contact Julie Greene at 269-420-9916 or mingesbrookpta@gmail.com