A crowd of bidders faces auctioneer Valerie Chandler at a paddle auction fundraiser held last year. Photo: Mark Videan
From staff reports
MANISTEE – Mason Stapley, a 2020 graduate of Brethren High School, worked as a deputy for the Manistee County Sheriff’s Office and loved to hunt and fish before he succumbed to a rare type of brain cancer in 2024. Now his family and friends hope to create a memorial scholarship in his name that will help support Manistee, Mason, Lake and Benzie County students studying law enforcement or conservation (MDNR), two of his passions.
To that end, a paddle auction fundraiser will be held 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Stronach Township Hall, 2471 Main St. Proceeds will go toward establishing the Mason Stapley Memorial Scholarship.
At the event, paddle-auction attendees may rent one or more numbered paddles for $5 each. Attendees raise their paddles in the air to bid on items donated by area businesses and individuals. Bids range from one quarter to four quarters. In the event of multiple bids on an item, paddle numbers will be drawn to determine the winner. Freshwater Reporter contributor Valerie Chandler will serve as the auctioneer.
Soup, salad and other concessions will be available.
Stapley was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed each of the four seasons and was an advocate for land stewardship. He studied law enforcement at West Shore Community College, attended the police academy and joined the sheriff’s department. He worked as a deputy for as long as his illness allowed.
To donate auction items or for more information, contact Heather at (231) 633-7890 or email her at stapley777@yahoo.com, or call Amanda at (231) 655-9551 or email her at PurpleArtist50@gmail.com.
