As the first licensed medical marijuana dispensary in Oakland County, the Greenhouse of Walled Lake has long been dedicated to giving back to the community.
That’s why Greenhouse owner Jerry Millen is sponsoring a fundraiser on Valentine’s Day – as well as a promotion in the days leading up to the fundraiser.
The promotion will begin tomorrow, February 5th, and run through Friday, February 14th to help support a very special Walled Lake non-profit organization called The Drew Crew.
Drew Clayborn’s Story
The namesake for The Drew Crew is Walled Lake resident, Drew Clayborn.
In 2010, Drew was a fun-loving and active high school student. He played football and basketball, was a member of the marching band and the guitar club, and was getting ready to be in a school play.
It was during a rehearsal for that play that the 15-year-old Drew’s life changed forever. When the play’s director asked if any students had a unique talent they’d like share for the musical, Drew said he could perform a backflip.
Although he was still in the process of learning how to do this, he felt confident he could do it.
In a single life-shattering moment, Drew attempted the flip but landed wrong. He broke his neck – leaving him paralyzed from the shoulders down.
He and his family were suddenly in need of a lot of help and didn’t know where to turn.
The Drew Crew
After Drew suffered his spinal cord injury, there was a huge outpouring of love and support from the community. They helped Drew and his family in ways the family never dreamed possible.
And thus, the The Drew Crew was formed.
The Drew Crew is a now a non-profit organization focused on helping individuals and families that have suffered a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury.
Their mission is to demonstrate that those who have suffered a catastrophic injury such as this can still live a complete and fulfilling life. They offer mentorship and guidance to individuals and families, as well as help to facilitate ways to raise money for specific needs such as acquiring necessary equipment.
Through his own inner-drive, the overwhelming devotion of his family, and the love and financial support of the fundraising efforts by “The Drew Crew,” Drew’s dreams continue to be fulfilled while new goals are constantly being set.
Now a mathematical biology major at the University of Michigan, the 25-year-old Drew is approaching graduation and in pursuit of a master’s degree.
Show the Love This Valentine’s Day
Upon learning about Drew and this amazing organization, Walled Lake Mayor Linda Ackley asked Millen if he would be open to doing a fundraiser at the Greenhouse.
Millen gave an emphatic yes!
So the Greenhouse has had coffee mugs, key chains, cards, and stuffed bears made up with catchy and even humorous phrases that will stimulate sales. All proceeds will go to The Drew Crew group.
Kushy Punch, a manufacturer of gummies, has also donated $2,000 worth of products to be raffled off as part of this promotion.
Mayor Ackley stated, “Drew is a wonderful young man and we are proud to support one of Walled Lake’s own.” Both the major and Drew will be at the Greenhouse on Valentine’s Day from 3 PM to 7 PM.
The Greenhouse of Walled Lake is located at 103 East Walled Lake Drive. And you don’t need to use cannabis products to support this important initiative. So come on out!
And for more of the latest on what’s happening with cannabis businesses in and around southeast Michigan, keep checking back with our blog!