It takes a mountain of coins to add up to $2,451.34, but that’s exactly what the students of Mather Elementary accomplished during the Third Annual Holiday Hustle.
A week of playful competition and heartfelt compassion brought students, teachers and Munising families together in this service- learning project, combining teamwork, strategy and thoughtfulness to make a meaningful impact. The funds, benefiting The Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation CHAMP Fund, will directly support cancer patients in Alger County.
Jessica Kelto, a fourth-grade teacher and the catalyst of the Holiday Hustle at Mather Elementary, brought the idea to Munising three years ago. Inspired by her experience at Superior Central, Kelto pitched the idea to the Parent Advisory Committee as a replacement for traditional classroom gift exchanges.
“We saw this as the perfect opportunity to teach our students about service learning and how we could unite as a school family to give back to our community during the holidays,” Kelto said. With enthusiastic support from staff and guidance from her former colleagues, the Holiday Hustle was born.
The rules of the Holiday Hustle are simple yet strategic, with each classroom working together to compete for the win.
“The school rallied the kids to put in pennies for points, and any silver would count against the amount in each class’s totals. The school sent out letters to the students’ families and engaged with them,” said Danielle Beverly, co-founder of The Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation. “It’s amazing to see young students supporting such an important cause.”
The CHAMP Fund, established by The Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation, provides financial assistance to Alger County residents battling cancer.
The fund distributed more than $29,000 in grants in 2024 alone, assisting local families with the costs of treatment and care. Beverly noted that contributions like the Holiday Hustle have allowed the foundation to continue meeting the growing needs of Alger County.
Dawn Mattson’s fifth-grade class emerged as this year’s champions, finishing with an impressive -$46.92 balance. For Mattson, the event was about much more than winning.
“We talk a lot about integrity and empathy throughout the school year, and cancer hit home for so many of our students,” Mattson said. “Giving back to our community is a vital lesson for all youth. It’s not about winning or losing — it’s about making a difference in other people’s lives.”
The fifth graders saved their pennies until the final day while strategically targeting their silver coins toward classrooms ranked in third, fourth and fifth places.
Mattson joked that they didn’t “pick the obvious losers” and instead assumed others would handle the top two spots. Despite their strategy working this year, the class was shocked by their win, as the same approach didn’t succeed the year before.
For Mattson and her students, the Holiday Hustle was about much more than winning. For them, the importance was giving back and making a difference in others’ lives. The excitement and joy of giving could be felt every single morning of the Holiday Hustle.
Jolene Hetherington, a thirdgrade teacher, viewed the Holiday Hustle as a meaningful opportunity for students.
“Cancer hit our school family this year, and I thought that donating to a cancer fund would help our students process this, especially those who have family and friends with cancer,” she said.
Hetherington proposed the Alger County CHAMP Fund as the fundraiser’s recipient, acknowledging the remarkable work of Danielle and Eric Beverly in supporting individuals battling cancer.
“It’s important for students and their families to be involved in our community, to support local causes and to see the good that occurs when we work together,” Hetherington said.
This year’s fundraiser carried added significance beyond Mather Elementary, as many families in the Munising area have been affected by cancer. To honor loved ones affected by the disease, students and staff displayed photos on a giant Mustang Ribbon in the school foyer. Created by paraprofessional Emily O’Neil, the ribbon was filled with pictures of individuals who have fought cancer, are currently battling it or have passed away.
“Watching the ribbon fill throughout the week was an incredible response to how our community comes together to support one another,” Kelto said.
Shannon DeFrancesco, Mather’s principal, said, “One of the most impactful moments for me during the Holiday Hustle was watching our students — especially our younger ones — take the initiative to support their peers and community members. The students showed incredible empathy, and the staff’s enthusiasm in guiding them through the week-long event was unforgettable. It’s a beautiful way to teach children that their efforts, no matter how small, can have a big impact on others. My hope is that this event continues to bring our school and community together, fostering empathy, hard work and generosity.”
As the hot chocolate and pizza parties promised to Mattson’s fifth-grade class capped off the celebration, the lasting impact of the Holiday Hustle’s coin war will extend far beyond the classroom.
“Munising is a special place to live, and this event is just another example of how we come together to support one another,” Kelto said. “The lessons our students are learning through the Holiday Hustle will stay with them for a lifetime.”
Sue Passinault, vice president of The Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation, echoed these sentiments, saying, “Can you believe what those kids raised? We are so proud and blessed for their caring for cancer patients. The way they raised this money was incredible, the different ideas they had. Teachers teaching our children the goodness of giving and helping others makes their little hearts feel good too.”
To support The Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation, consider donating to the Alger County CHAMP Fund, participating in events like Stake the Lake or volunteering your time. Every contribution helps families facing cancer.
Visit beverlyfamilyfoundation. org or follow them on Facebook @ERBFF to learn more and get involved.
