Auction nearly doubles fundraiser goalEvent held to benefit Ypsilanti Freighthouse restoration projectBy Dan DuChene
Apr. 12, 2010 · 10:25 a.m.

It was a fun Friday night for those who attended the auction held to benefit the restoration of the Ypsilanti Freighthouse, but also successful for organizers.

With approximately 225 well-dressed people in the audience eating and drinking food and drink from local providers, all bidding on items from a private lunch at Beezy's Cafe to an African safari in Zululand, the event raised more than $45,000. The goal for the event, held at the Michigan Firehouse Museum on Cross Street, was $25,000.

Phase one of the construction began last month and is expected to be completed by the end of May. The work includes repairs to the structure's foundation, stabilizing the walls and constructing a new roof. Work in phase two, expected to run from June through August, will include masonry work, soffit and eave repairs as well as work on the decking, including the construction of a new west decking that was present in the original 1878 structure.

Both phase one and two of construction utilize funding from a $500,000 federal stimulus grant the building received last year and a challenge grant from the Ann Arbor Area Community Fund, which would match $25,000 raised by the Friends of the Ypsilanti Freighthouse. The event Friday night was held to raise this $25,000.

Candace Pinaud, who chaired the auction, said any money raised above the $25,000 goal would be used as seed funding for phase three of construction, which would install bathrooms, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and fire suppressing to bring the building up to code to be allow it to be used for large events, as it had before the building's doors were shuttered for safety concerns five years ago.

The first two phases of construction will stabilize the building and open the cafe on the south end of the structure, but not allow the rest of the building to be used by the community, according to FOYF volunteer Greg Marker.

Many community members from the area were in attendance Friday night, but the region's U.S. congressperson, Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., may have been one of the more distinguished guests. Dingell said he was part of the reason the Freighthouse received federal stimulus money last year, which is why he was there with other local and regional politicians to deliver the check. “I support the Freightouse,” Dingell said Friday. “I do my best,” he said. “It feels good.” Dingell, 83, had to leave the event early, but said his wife, Debbie, would be in charge making bids on items during the silent auction.

After refreshments and the silent auction upstairs, people congregated to the main floor to watch and participate in the live auction, ran by auctioneer Steve Gross, of Premier Auction Services. Gross peppered auctioning off 21 different prizes with occasional jokes and stories between rapidly calling out bids and a little badgering to fuel bid wars among members of the audience.

Peggy and Danny Carroll, of Ann Arbor, were the winning bidders on a trip to Florida's Anastasia Island for $1,300 Friday night. This, however, didn't keep the couple from getting into bidding contests over a South African safari trip or a 1975 vintage collectible Ford Ranchero. While encouraging a bidding contest between Danny Carroll and another member of the audience for the vehicle, Gross was able to coax Peggy into a trip to the restroom.

Then prompting a higher bid from Danny Carroll, Gross quickly labeled the experience as “the greatest moment in an auctioneer's life." The Carrolls not only didn't mind Gross' auctioneer methods, but enjoyed the entertainment and were impressed by his abilities. “He's very good,” Peggy Carroll said. “He was the best auctioneer I've ever seen,” she said. “Outstanding.”

Gross proved his auctioneer skills at the end of the night by selling a $50 bill to an audience member for $150. Kieth Bragg, who owns Aachen Auto, was the person who purchased the $50. He said he had donated some items to both the live and silent auction and had won a leather jacket in the silent auction. He had the $50 bill he purchased signed by those who volunteered at the event, as he was a fan of their work. “It's great,” Bragg said of the auction. “One more thing to help Ypsi.”

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April 15th, 2010

For the Freighthouse: Auction event raises nearly $45,000 for longtime Ypsilanti renovation project

Jeremy Allen
Heritage Newspapers

It didn't take long for those in attendance at "The Train Stops Here" benefit auction for the Freighthouse to raise more than the $25,000 amount which the organizers set as a goal for the entire evening. In fact, not only did the 220-plus in attendance get to the reach the goal, but nearly doubled it by raising almost $45,000 through a silent auction, a live auction, sales from a cash bar, ticket sales from the event and other donations from sponsors and such.

"We are so grateful for all the generosity of everyone," said Candace Pinaud, chair of the event. "People bid very generously and helped us realize our goals." The benefit was held to raise money for phase two of a two-part renovation of the historic Depot Town Freighthouse. Last year, Gov. Jennifer Granholm was on hand to present a $500,000 check for the restoration of the historic landmark, but more money was needed for the complete upgrade of the site, including foundation and parking lots concerns.

The benefit featured auction items such as a Bruce Springsteen-signed guitar, four luxury vacations (including two to South Africa, one to Higgins Lake and one to Florida), private wine tastings, tickets to the Dancing With the Stars semi-final in Hollywood, and many other top shelf experiences. State Rep. John Dingell, an honorary co-chair of the event, was also in attendance.

Despite having to leave early because of an early-morning meeting the following day, Dingell said that he's a huge supporter of the Freighthouse. "It's good for the area," Dingell said of the renovation project currently underway at the Freighthouse. "I'm glad to be able to help with everything." Pinaud credited auctioneer Steve Gross, of Premier Auction Services, for the "great job he did in helping raise so much." "Mr. Gross was fantastic," she said.

"The crowd loved him and he was so great with everyone in the room." Gross continuously worked bids up by telling jokes and sharing personal stories with the audience. He even pulled a $50 bill out of his pocket after the entire portion of live auction items had been bid upon, and was able to get a get a $150 bid for it.

"Again, the people of this town are so gracious," said Pinaud. "It's our hope that we'll be able to get the Freighthouse back to what everyone remembers it as: a great place to have great times with great people. With everyone's efforts tonight it brought us closer to that goal."

Jeremy Allen is a staff writer for Heritage Newspapers. He can be reached at jallen@heritage.com. We're blogging, too! Follow us at courierviewnews.blogspot.com.

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Concentrate Media 4/8/2009

http://www.concentratemedia.com/jobslanded/candace_pinaud_0051.aspx

Job Title: Branch Manager & Mortgage Loan Officer
Company: Leave No Stone Mortgage Lending
College: Eastern Michigan University, College of Business, Finance
High School: Central Catholic High School, Toledo, OH
Lives In: Ypsilanti

I help my clients get prepared to qualify and successfully close on a loan application to purchase or refinance a home. My business is based on long-term relationships starting as early as helping to repair damaged credit to coaching on how to save for a down payment through to final funding of the loan and ensuring the client understands the loan details.

I pride myself on no surprises for my clients and in making their home buying process not only smooth but also fun. My confidence is backed by years of experience and my continued goal to have long-term client relationships.

If you are looking for an experienced, focused and confident Lender who is local and accountable and also gives back to the Community through actively participating and committing to Boards, Committees and its Residents - I am the Professional for you.

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2/2007 Ypsilanti Chamber

Going Places

Candace B. Pinaud has recently been elected to the Women’s Council of the Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce as the Marketing & Public Relations Director for the 2006 – 2007 year.

Candace is celebrating 10 years in the Real Estate Industry this year.Her well-rounded background includes selling Real Estate as a Realtor for four years and then obtaining her Real Estate Broker’s license in 2000, which she keeps active.For the last 6+ years she has been originating mortgages working with a variety of loan programs and specializing in more ‘creative’ financing needs.

You can reach Candace B. Pinaud @ Candace@LeaveNoStone.com or 734.476.3366 Phone and also check out her web page @ www.LeaveNoStone.com

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For Immediate Release, 4/25/05

AmeriDream Announces First Fresh Start Winner

Rochester Hills, MI. (April 25, 2005) – AmeriDream, Inc., the nation’s leader in providing affordable housing opportunities, is pleased to announce that Cynthia Hilton has been chosen as April’s FreshStart recipient and will receive a down payment of over $3,000 for her new home.

Hilton’s lender, Candace Pinaud of Skytrust Mortgage in Ann Arbor, Michigan, shared her story with AmeriDream.  She explained that Cynthia, a young woman of 32, has lost both of her parents.  Her brother lives very far away, so she is essentially alone in her life.  Yet, Cynthia has dedicated her time to helping another family.  She takes care of a special needs child, as well as the other children in the family as needed.  She does this with compassion and understanding, and complete competence.  Cynthia had not taken out a lot of credit in her life, so finding a loan was difficult for her.  But through perseverance, she was able to get approved for an FHA loan.  

My motto is 'Leave No Stone Unturned' and I mean it!  If my borrower is willing to turn every stone over, so am I, and together, we will find the right mortgage for them, no matter how many stones need to be turned!! Thanks to the help of the great organization AmeriDream in showing such kindness and support with their FreshStart program, and for providing such fantastic benefits for borrowers. ” If interested in obtaining a mortgage loan, Pinaud can be reached at 734.476.3366 or c.pinaud@lenderltd.com.

“AmeriDream is happy to help Cynthia realize the dream of homeownership.  Through the FreshStart program, AmeriDream has provided Cynthia an opportunity to own her own home,” said Robert Newman, Executive Vice President and COO.  “The FreshStart gift has truly given her a fresh start.  This is one more way AmeriDream is doing things right for America’s homebuyers.”    

AmeriDream launched its FreshStart program on January 31st, 2005.  Each month, loan officers may submit FreshStart applications online to AmeriDream nominating customers to receive a gift to be applied to a down payment or closing costs. AmeriDream will review the submissions and award down payment assistance to families or individuals based on their need and circumstances. The gift will be the equivalent of three percent of the price of the home being purchased and will not require seller participation. 

Since inception, AmeriDream has helped more than 300,000 families and individuals buy and sell homes.  In addition to FreshStart, AmeriDream operates several programs in support of its mission of expanding affordable housing opportunities for underserved groups.  AmeriDream’s Downpayment Assistance Program gifts 3-10% of the sales price of the home for a down payment or closing costs; the gift never has to be repaid.  DreamKeeper Mortgage Payment Relief Program offers homebuyers protection against involuntary unemployment and disability for up to five years after the purchase of their new home.  Additionally, AmeriDream’s online Homebuyer Education Course is offered in both English and Spanish, and is free to users.  The Home Retention/Loss Mitigation Program works with homeowners to make sure all available alternatives to foreclosure are evaluated.  And, the AmeriDream Redevelopment Program builds new, affordable homes and renovates existing properties, placing these properties on the market at prices that accommodate low-income homebuyers.  Finally, AmeriDream’s Community Link Program has donated over $2 million to numerous worthwhile charitable organizations. AmeriDream works to help families and individuals overcome the obstacles to homeownership.  For more information, visit www.ameridream.org.

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The mission of AmeriDream®, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD, is to expand homeownership opportunities for underserved groups and promote the value of homeownership as the foundation for building strong communities and individual prosperity. AmeriDream, Inc. is a non-profit, publicly supported organization that is tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). AmeriDream, Inc. meets the requirements for a charitable organization, as referenced in the HUD Handbook 4155.1 REV-4, CHG-1 Section 2-10 for FHA insured loans.  In addition to The AmeriDream Downpayment Gift Program and DreamKeeper mortgage payment relief, AmeriDream also operates The AmeriDream Redevelopment Program in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and Florida, and the Community Link Program nationwide. Through the Redevelopment Program, AmeriDream has spent more than $11 million to rehabilitate properties and return them to the market at affordable prices. Through Community Link, AmeriDream has donated more than $2 million to a range of community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, the Victims Rights Foundation and the Hatteras Island Rebuilding Fund.18310 Montgomery Village Ave.  ¨Third Floor ¨Gaithersburg, MD 20879¨P: 301.977.9133¨F: 301.977.9713   * www.ameridream.org/newsroom

 

Community picnic on Wednesday

Candy Cane Park gets facelift in anticipation of citywide event
By Dan DuChene, Staff Writer

Everyone in Ypsilanti is invited to a picnic on Saturday @
 Candy Cane Park.

Running from noon to 3 p.m., the event is the annual CoPAC All Neighborhoods Picnic. In its fourth year, the Ypsilanti Police Department, the Ypsilanti District Library and the Ypsilanti Fire Department are scheduled to be on site.

Candace Pinaud, an Ypsilanti resident who lives near the park, has been working with several other residents to get the park ready for the event. The group started work on Ypsi Pride Day in May, and has held several other workdays since. The group's efforts culminated last month when the pavilion at the park was given a fresh coat of paint and a brand new roof.

"This culmination is small compared to what I've been doing behind the scenes," Pinaud said as she and 20 other volunteers were painting the pavilion.

Before Ypsi Pride Day, Pinaud said she has spent more than 15 hours a week gathering materials, workers and getting things ready for the picnic.

As part of her effort, Pinaud was able to get the paint for her project donated by Sherwin-Williams. Jim Jackson of the Roof and Gutter Doctor Plus donated the materials and labor to install the new roof.

"Thanks to the whole community for pulling together... we're really proud of the way Candy Cane Park looks," she said.

Aside from organizing the work and labor, Pinaud had also been trying to organize the picnic itself by finding companies to donate items for the raffle and to score a D.J. to entertain guests. She said she had success and there will be a D.J. at the event and a chance for picnic-goers to win a vintage Ford Mustang.

With free food and drinks, Pinaud said there will be board games at every table, the library's Book Mobile and the police department's mobile command post.

"I throw a pretty great party," she said.