After a deadly tornado devastates the small town of Gaylord, Dr. Bob Lorinser – a candidate for US Congress in Michigan’s 1st District – changes plans for a previously planned fundraising campaign. One hundred percent of the proceeds from Dr. Lorinser’s event will now benefit charities leading disaster relief efforts in the region.

From 5-7 p.m. at the Big Buck Brewery on Tuesday, June 7, Dr. Lorinser do not accepting donations for his US Congressional campaign. Each guest is invited to make a monetary contribution of $50 to a selected Gaylord community organization working in response, recovery and reconstruction. Gift cards are welcome.

“As soon as we understood the need, our focus for this planned event immediately changed,” Dr. Lorinser said. “Campaigns need financial support, but there are priorities and people always come first. After the tornado, fundraising in Otsego County was no longer appropriate. Instead of canceling on Gaylord, I asked my events team to help generate more generosity for the community. Our sponsors have graciously accepted, and we are all eager to help these amazing organizations.

Dr Lorinser says principles drive his candidacy and he wanted his campaign and supporters to be part of the solution in Gaylord.

“Too many of our neighbors are struggling with unexpected shifts,” Dr Lorinser said. “Until I am honored to serve and connect voters to federal resources, my campaign will do whatever we can with the resources we have to uplift our neighbors. It is our mission to put an end to this partisan division. Before we were a “red” or “blue” district, we are a united district, and the generous organizations and selfless people of Gaylord have proven it.

Lorinser asks guests to contribute to the Otsego Community Foundation Tornado Response Fund or United Way of Otsego County for admission. Campaign staff will collect checks, cash and gift cards to redistribute and help facilitate digital contributions to the restaurant. Non-clothing and non-monetary gifts are also welcome, and the campaign asks guests to check with United Way for up-to-date items they need closer to the event.

Dr. Bob and Peggy Lorinser, host-sponsor Vicky Rigney, and local leaders will kick off the festivities with a social hour at 5 p.m. Brewery. Dr. Lorinser will spend one-on-one time with guests before a keynote and Q&A. The campaign also invites community leaders and organization representatives to toast and provide an update on the local recovery effort.

“Gaylord is one of the strongest and most resilient communities in America, but they are also part of a district-wide community,” Dr. Lorinser said. “I hope this event celebrates the same Northern Michigan spirit that we’ve seen so many of us bring together.”

No immediate donation is necessary for reservations. The event is open to the public, but space is limited, and the campaign encourages an RSVP to voterbob.com/gaylord.