LAKE COUNTY — The Mendo Mill Bucket Challenge turned in a record-setting performance Sept. 13-15 by raising $23,000 for the sports programs at high schools in Lake and Mendocino counties.
Mendo Mill stores in Lakeport (benefiting Clear Lake, Kelseyville and Upper Lake high schools), Clearlake (benefiting Lower Lake and Middletown high schools), Ukiah (Ukiah High School), Willits (Willits High School) and Fort Bragg (Fort Bragg High School) participated in the annual event, raising nearly double what the 2018 Mendo Mill Challenge brought in.
“It was a spectacular success,” said Mike Mayfield, president of Mendo Mill and Lumber. “Congratulations to our customers who turned out in record numbers and to the school representatives who worked closely with our Mendo Mill staff to hit a home run.”
The Mendo Mill Bucket Challenge started several year ago with the goal of providing addition funding to athletic programs in Lake and Mendocino counties. This year it was combined with Mendo Mill’s 75th anniversary celebration to provide visibility, energy and enthusiasm, according to Mayfield.
During the Mendo Mill Bucket Challenge customers were invited to purchase a signature 75th anniversary bucket for $5 and in turn received a 20-percent discount on everything that fit into the bucket (with some exceptions). Mendo Mill then made a $15 contribution to the high school athletic program of the bucket purchaser’s choice. More than 1,500 customers participated in this year’s event.
“It’s a win-win deal,” Mayfield said. “Our customers get a super 20-percent discount and our schools get help to support an important program.”
Mayfield predicted the Mendo Mill Bucket Challenge will continue to grow in the future.
“It’s a unique business model that compliments our profile of neighbors helping neighbors.”
