Back in June, you might have read an article in this very paper about a special duck by the name of Chuck.
Chuck the Duck was my project to raise money for cancer research by selling a duck at the Cass County 4-H Fair in August.
All proceeds from the auction and from private donations were to be donated to the American Cancer Society. In an interview with FOX 28 News, my goal was set at $500.
Now, only a few months after that article was published, I am pleased to announce that the Chuck the Duck project officially donated at total of $881.57 to benefit the cancer society’s research division!
In light of that, I wish to extend my greatest thanks to the people of Cass and Berrien counties and all others who contributed who made this project successful:
Thank you to Craig Haupert of the Niles Daily Star and Melanie Yuill and Amir Abbas of FOX 28 News for the publicity, the participants of the Niles Relay for Life for the support and kind donations, the Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union for their assistance, my wonderful family and friends for their support, Peterson Farms and family for pushing the bids and offering advice and encouragement, all the donors who took time out of their day to make a difference, and last, but most definitely not least, Scott Clark of Clark’s Auto Service for purchasing Chuck at the auction.
Those listed and more have helped me to make a difference in this world that will not go unnoticed.
No words can be put to the gratitude I feel towards all those who contributed.
I challenge all who read this to make a difference with each day — together, we can truly make this world better.
With all due respect and sincerity,

Eleanor (Ele) Hein
Niles