MARQUETTE – About 280 people filled the lobby and banquet room at the Holiday Inn of Marquette Saturday night to attend the second annual gala fundraiser put on by the Superior Health Foundation.

The gala’s main purpose is to help a chosen group or organization raise money to carry out its mission. Each year the SHF chooses a different group and splits the proceeds from the fundraiser.

This year’s partner, the Great Lakes Recovery Centers, is an organization that provides treatment and prevention services for substance abuse and mental health disorders throughout the Upper Peninsula.

“We’re pretty lucky to have been chosen to be the gala’s partner with Superior Health Foundation,” said Greg Toutant, CEO of Great Lakes Recovery Centers. “It’s really an honor for us as a nonprofit entity to have been selected.”

Toutant said the partnership was a good fit.

“The mission of the foundation is to help spread health and wellness throughout the U.P. and our services align with that mission,” he said.

The fundraising didn’t stop once guest walked through the door; there were silent auction items up for grabs as well as raffle tickets and gift boxes that people could purchase.

Besides the typical list of speakers, the night’s main entertainment was Lee Alverson of Pittsburgh, Penn., who is a Billy Joel and Elton John impersonator.

The gala raised about $55,000, according to Shelby Bischoff, SHF secretary/treasurer and gala chairwoman.

Toutant explained what GLRC plans to do with the money raised.

“It’s critical funding for our organization in terms of the raising that’s done with the Superior Health Foundation, this year’s gala proceeds are going to help towards the development of ambulatory detox program here in Marquette so it’s really vital funding for that initiative.”

Elizabeth Bailey can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 243.