The energy was electric, the rivalry was fierce, and the community spirit was more vibrant than ever! Throughout October, the Chelsea Education Foundation (CEF) and The Educational Foundation of Dexter (EFD) went head-to-head in a friendly yet spirited fundraising competition known as the "Rivalry Match." Both foundations rallied their communities to raise vital funds for educational grants supporting students in Chelsea and Dexter. This thrilling showdown reached its grand finale during the Dexter vs. Chelsea football game on October 25 at Jerry Niehaus Stadium in Chelsea, where both communities fully displayed passion and generosity.

 

And what a competition it was! Dexter claimed victory on the fundraising front, raising an incredible $25,218, while Chelsea raised an impressive $21,039. But the excitement didn't stop there – Dexter clinched the win on the football field with a score of 35 over Chelsea’s score of 6! Ultimately, everyone came out on top, proving we're all winners in supporting education!

 

Nicole Roeuch, President of EFD, couldn't contain her excitement: "We are beyond grateful to our amazing Dexter community and all the supporters who rallied behind EFD this year. The Rivalry Match just keeps getting bigger and better, and we were thrilled to see so many new faces join us. Most importantly, the real victory is for our students. Thanks to everyone who contributed, EFD can fund educational programs that truly make a difference in every school across Dexter. A huge shoutout to CEF for being such a fantastic partner in this effort!"

 

The success of this year's Rivalry Match was fueled by the tremendous support of local businesses that stepped up as event sponsors. Chelsea's lineup of supporters included John and Donna Daniels, SBK Orthodontics, Trinity Health - Chelsea Hospital, Chelsea State Bank, Esquire Interiors, Hatch Stamping Company, and Art Moehn Chevrolet Buick. Dexter's sponsors showed up strongly with support from Chelsea State Bank, SBK Orthodontics, Walkabout Creek, Hackney Hardware, Dexter Orthodontics, Pearl Planning, LaFontaine of Dexter, and Dexter Pub.

 

The "Rivalry Match" proved once again that when communities come together, incredible things happen. Through friendly competition and shared commitment, Chelsea and Dexter demonstrated the power of community spirit, creating opportunities for educational excellence that will inspire and uplift students for years to come.