Courtesy photo Ann Diamond, MyMichigan Health Foundation director, is seen presenting Connor Hubbard with the award for Best Shooter of the Day.

ALPENA – Last month, the Annual Support Committee of MyMichigan Health Foundation held their 9th annual sporting clay shoot event that raises money for MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.

According to a MyMichigan Health press release, the event, Clays for a Cause, raised $6,420 for a new orthopedic X-ray machine for MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. The shooting event included 50 clay birds, raffles, a 50/50 drawing, and a continental breakfast and lunch.

The event took place at the Alpena Sportsmen’s Club.

Nine teams participated in the event, traversing the club’s course and taking shots at clay targets at different stations throughout, according to the release. After completing the course, team members attended a luncheon and participated in raffles to win prizes, such as a 50/50 raffle for a chance to win cash.

Ann Diamond, MyMichigan Health Foundation director, stated in the release that the Clays for a Cause event started as the Weiland Pheasant Shoot with live birds.

“Over the years, it transformed into a fall sporting clay shoot,” Diamond said in the release. “We are pleased that the shoot continues to be popular each year and are grateful to our sponsors for helping us to continue the tradition.”

According to the release, Wolverine State Credit Union, Besser Company, Alpena Power Company, Cliff Anschuetz Chevrolet, Huron Distributors, Inc. and Huron Engineering and Surveying, Inc. sponsored the Clays for a Cause event.

“This year, all funds raised will be directed to the purchase of a new orthopedic X-ray machine,” Diamond said in the release. “In 2026, our orthopedic offices will be relocating to their new home at the Medical Center. This move will bring our orthopedic services and WellSport Sports Medicine program together under one roof. By helping to fund this crucial piece of equipment, our sponsors and shooters help to ensure that this transition will fully meet the needs of our orthopedic providers and patients.”

The winning team of the sporting clay shoot event was from Compass Land Surveying, according to MyMichigan Health. Team members included Chuck Hein, Tom Hein, Connor Hubbard, and Sherm Hubbard. The release states that Connor Hubbard, an agri-science teacher and FFA advisor at Alcona High School, was “the best shot of the day hitting 50 targets for a perfect score”

The Wolverine State Credit Union team members included Nick Montie, Andrew Kowalski, Eric Chrzan, and Tonya Spens, according to the release. They won the Blind Draw raffle.

The release also states that the Clays for a Cause event included a new event in which participants were tasked with shooting at pink clay targets for entries into a raffle. Tom Peters won the draw for the Colored Bird Shoot.

Winners from the other raffles included Adam Sydlowski, who won a $250 Jay’s gift card, Gail Foster, who won a $250 ACE gift card, Joe Garber, who won a Yeti Cooler, and Jerry Schmidt, who won the 50/50 raffle.

“Congratulations to our many winners.” Diamond stated in the release. “And, a special thank you to the Sportsman’s Club and the Alpena Clay Busters who are integral to the success of this event. We had a great year and look forward to more to come!”

Those interested in supporting the orthopedic X-ray machine or other funding opportunities at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena may contact Diamond at (989) 356-7738.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.