Washing up, saving up: youth group car wash raises money for amusement park trip

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A hose and a few buckets of soapy water provided more than just the essentials of a car wash fundraiser.

They gave some kids a wet summer day of fun with friends, and even a life lesson or two.

The “Salttweens” youth group from Shepherd’s Glad Tidings Church held a car wash fundraiser on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The event took place in the parking lot of Autozone, 1010 S. Mission St. Autozone also furnished the group with soap, buckets and other essentials.

The goal of the fundraiser was to collect money so the 12 group members can go to Michigan’s Adventure amusement park this summer.

By the end of the event, they had washed about 10 vehicles and raised over $80.

They plan to continue fundraising until they reach their goal of $600.

Destiny Craft, 11, is excited for the trip to the park.

“We haven’t been there in over a year,” she said. “I get to just hang out with my friends and ride a bunch of roller coasters. I like the rides a lot.”

She said she had fun washing cars with her friends.

Grant Hall, 5, of Shepherd, sponges a window during a car wash to raise money for a Michigan's Adventure trip for the "Saltweens" group of Glad Tidings Church of Shepherd, Saturday afternoon on Mission Street (Libby March/Staff Photographer

She also liked giving her friends a well deserved soak.

“I like the sprayer. You can spray people if they get you wet,” she said.

Destiny’s mother, Peggy Craft, is the associate pastor and children’s pastor of Glad Tidings Church.

“It’s a time for us to hang out, enjoy each others company and make some money too,” she said. “It’s our desire that the kids have fun things to do that can keep them out of trouble.”

Craft is in charge of the tween youth group, which caters to children under the age of 13.

She said the kids are looking forward to the Michigan Adventure trip, which costs $40 per child.

Craft said she was pleased with the fundraiser turnout.

Each participant received a car wash for whatever donation they were willing to give.

Some donors gave as much as $20.

“Considering economic times right now, that’s really awesome,” Craft said.

The fundraiser was also a learning experience for the children, Craft said.

“They’re learning the value of working for their money,” she said.

Shepherd resident Tracy Ames, the mother of a child involved in the youth group, agreed with Craft.

“It shows that their hard working effort matters and they get rewarded for it,” she said. “They kind of all work together as a team. They’re doing a good job too.”

Mt. Pleasant resident Edward Amroian let the youth group wash his Porsche.

“I like to help the cause,” he said. “With the economy the way it is and stuff, donating is a real big factor. It’s how we keep our community going.”

He said people should show support to the community when they can afford to.

“I think it’s good to give. I think you get it back, it’s important,” he said.