Crosstown Showdown to recognize Port Huron Schools counseling and mental health staff

McKenna Golat, Port Huron Times Herald
·2 min read
Northern quarterback Dylan Bloink looks to throw a pass during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.
Northern quarterback Dylan Bloink looks to throw a pass during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

As Port Huron's two high school football teams kick off for the ninth annual Crosstown Showdown Friday, the district's mental health staff will be honored.

The fundraising event is hosted by the Port Huron Schools Endowment Fund and raises money for pre-K through 12th grade classroom grants, student programs and college access initiatives.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

Kim Dooly, Chairperson for the Port Huron Endowment Fund, said the fundraiser will recognize the mental health support staff in the school district because of the mental health struggles that were brought to light as a result of COVID-19.

“Our social workers and counselors have always played a key role in the district,” she said. “I think it’s safe to say their work has doubled since COVID.”

Last year, the fundraiser honored the food service workers in the school district.

For a $50 ticket, people can enjoy seats right in front of the action with the fundraiser tent, located at the north endzone. A buffet is included as well. New this year is a $25 fundraiser ticket that allows people to send a positive message to the mental health staff of Port Huron. This ticket does not include a spot in the end zone.

General admission is $5.

“We decided to do the (the $25 ticket) this year because it’s a nice way to add additional recognition to our school counselors,” Dooley said. “It also lets families who didn’t want a $50 ticket to still support the fundraiser.”

On average, the Crosstown Showdown raises $17,000 for the Port Huron school district.

Dooley said she is proud of the community for supporting the fundraiser. She said without them, the event could not happen.

“It’s a great to see everyone from the community in one spot enjoying the Friday night lights,” she said.

This year’s sponsors:

Safety Sponsors - $2,000

  • Mueller Brass Co.

Extra Point Sponsors - $1,000

  • Dave and Denise Brooks

  • The Dooley Family

  • The Pasia Family

  • Drs. Bashar Samman and Randa Jundi-Samman

  • Zimmer Roofing and Construction

Time-Out Sponsors - $500

  • The Beck Family

  • Fort Gratiot Meijer

  • Chris and Tiffany Francis

  • The Gaytan Family

  • Chuck and Gail Kelly

  • Supt. Theo Kerhoulas

  • Dr. Geof and Jenifer Kusch

  • Dr. and Mrs. Dave Lomasney

  • Drs. Chadi Saleeby and Tamar Finan and family

  • TCGoldman & Associates

  • Tom & Jessica Wilson - Teacher’s Pet Tutoring

Half Time Sponsors - $250

  • Baribeau Pediatric Dental Specialists

  • Carol Campbell

  • Koppinger & Associates

  • Maiers Family Fund - Community Foundation of St. Clair County

  • Port Huron Vascular Clinic

  • YMCA of the Blue Water Area

  • Sir Speedy

  • Rico Ruiz

Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com or (810) 292-0122.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Crosstown Showdown 2022 to recognize mental health staff