PEF Launches Endowment Fund with $1 million Match
Pellston Education Foundation Announces $1 Million Match to Launch Endowment — $60,000 Raised in One Night
The Pellston Education Foundation (PEF) is proud to announce the launch of a new endowment, fueled by a generous $1 million matching gift. The match was revealed during a special fundraising event held August 11, 2025, at Trovato in Brutus, where 50 guests gathered for an evening of inspiration, generosity, and celebration.
The big announcement energized the crowd, who responded by raising an impressive $60,000 in one night toward the match. The endowment will provide long-term, sustainable support for educational initiatives, scholarships, and enrichment opportunities for Pellston students.
“Our goal is to raise $5 million and to have this completed in less than 10 years,” said Larry Cassidy, PEF volunteer. “With this incredible community behind us, I know we can make it happen — and the impact will be felt for generations of Hornets to come!”
The $1 million matching gift was generously donated by John and Becky Duffey, owners of Trovato, who also hosted the event. “We believe deeply in the mission of the Pellston Education Foundation and are proud to be part of such an important milestone,” the Duffeys said. “When you think about what’s going to better our community, it’s education. Because if we invest in providing our graduates with a higher education their lives are going to change and, hopefully, they will return to our community. Many of these kids believe there are limited opportunities and our goal is to make sure all students know there is opportunity ahead so that they can set bigger, higher goals to achieve.”
The evening’s program featured moving presentations from community members, including Scarlet, a Pellston alum and past scholarship recipient. She shared how the Foundation’s support shaped her future, telling attendees, “The Foundation doesn’t just give money — it gives hope.” Her heartfelt words captured the very essence of PEF’s mission and helped inspire the night’s generosity.
In 2025, the Pellston Education Foundation awarded $28,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors, investing not only in the success of Pellston students but the future of the Pellston community.
PEF Board President Carlin Smith says a growing endowment will allow them to do even more for students. “Ultimately we hope that every deserving graduating senior at Pellston can receive financial support for higher education or trades training, not for just one year, but throughout their schooling,” he said. “We’re now well on our way toward that goal,” he added.
The mission of the Pellston Education Foundation is to enrich learning opportunities for students of Pellston High School through scholarships and grants. Known as the home of the Hornets, PEF is committed to “Helping Students Thrive in the Hive.”
With the $60,000 raised at the event, the Foundation is now focused on securing the remaining funds to meet the the first phase of the $1 million match. Community members are encouraged to donate, get involved, and partner in the educational enrichment of Pellston students. Every gift helps create a brighter future for students and strengthens the Pellston legacy. Visit PellstonEducation.org/donate to donate toward the endowment.