A week after the sporting goods store announced it was closing its doors, the owners are working hard to raise funds to reopen the business.

Danny and April Striz, owners of Lunker’s, have launched a social media contest along with a community fundraising campaign to try and save their restaurant.

According to the contest flyer, they are working with their attorney, certified public accountant and lender to raise runs to rebuild and save Lunker’s.

Collectibles and memorabilia will be offered as prizes to those who enter the contest by donating. There will be five winners.

Donors may use a credit card or Pay Pal, as well as mail a check or money order to Danny and April Striz 21790 Buffalo Lane Cassopolis, MI 49031.

Anyone who donates over $200 will quality for a free community Crowdfunding website for their own personal use and a personal coach to help set it up.

There are currently 61 entrants in the contest, which ends July 6.

To find out more about the contest and donating, visit the Lunker’s Facebook fan page.

The fundraiser follows the news that many Lunker’s regulars have described as “shocking.”

While efforts to contact Striz have been unsuccessful a press release was posted on the entrance announcing the closure.

A store manager referred all questions to that press release, which said Lunker’s has been placed into receivership — a type of corporate bankruptcy — by Teacher’s Credit Union, which provided Lunker’s with a commercial loan years ago.

It went on to say that Lunker’s never fully recovered from the recession eight years ago.

“While the big box stores were able to secure large cash infusions during those difficult times, Lunker’s was not able to,” said the press release. “An investor came on board and provided some temporary relief, but still it was not able to secure the funds needed to make it a truly viable venture.”

The press release said the on-sight restaurant — Angler’s Inn — exceeded expectations, but still was not able to fully help support Lunker’s.

“We couldn’t think of a better area for establishing this destination store than Michiana,” according to the press release. “The relationships, friendships and fond memories are something no one can take away from us.”

A sign on the door said gift cards could be redeemed from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday (June 11) and from 9 a.m. to noon today and Saturday.

Lunker’s started as a small bait shop in 1985, but eventually expanded to the 60,000 square foot facility seen today. Angler’s Inn opened in 1992.

Rumors are that a national outdoor chain may be purchasing Lunker’s.

When contacted Thursday morning, the representative said they had nothing official at this time.

A media spokesperson for TCU said the company could not comment on the future of the business, including what would happen to the building and its merchandise, because that is part of private member information. The spokesperson would not say if anyone has shown interest in purchasing the business.