The group Friends of the Braumart has launched its Kickstart The Braumart campaign to ensure it remains a local hub for entertainment, learning and connecting for years to come.

“It’s important to preserve this cherished historic place, as well as be able to continue to be a resource for the arts for generations to come,” said Seth Anderson, president of the Braumart Board of Directors. “The Kickstart Raffle is our first fundraising initiative in making sure we reach that goal.”

The grand prize of the raffle is a Harley-Davidson 2026 Heritage Classic Motorcycle, valued at more than $23,000, including sales tax.

“We worked with Harley-Davidson Bald Eagle in Marquette,” he said. “And when we saw this motorcycle, I said, ‘That is it, it’s Braumart teal.'”

The grand prize of the Kickstart The Braumart raffle is a Harley-Davidson 2026 Heritage Classic Motorcycle, valued at more than $23,000, including sales tax. (Contributed photo)

Additional prizes include an Island Resort & Casino $3,000 getaway package; U.P. Sport and Spoke 2026 Rockhopper Expert Mountain Bike, valued at $1,300; and five two-packs of Braumart Theatre tickets for any sponsored event this year.

The Braumart Executive Director Jinx Brew explained the Island package is in the form of a certificate, allowing the recipient to use it toward golf, spa, splash park, restaurant or casino at their convenience.

The raffle will be sold until the drawing set to take place at 6 p.m. April 20 at The Braumart.

“We are planning a special evening that will include a live radio remote and entertainment following the drawing,” Brew said.

Only 1,000 tickets will be sold, at $100 a ticket, so “the chances are pretty good,” Anderson added.

He explained the drive came out of the great reaction from The Braumart’s Black and White Gala celebration of its 100-year anniversary last year. “We wanted to keep the momentum in the new year,” he said. “We have new people coming in, along with new energy — we wanted to capture that.”

He noted they are at the point of doing a detailed assessment to make sure The Braumart is on its way to getting renovated.

“Coming in as president, I said, ‘I’m not going to take this position unless we are getting renovated,'” Anderson said. “And do it in a timeline that makes sense.”

The building is the one of the last in downtown that hasn’t been renovated, Brew added.

Since the Friends of the Braumart purchased the building they have done what they could to make sure it was a usable space, such as roof repair and making it accessible.

“It needs to be taken that extra level to be able to house big acts,” Anderson said.

The Braumart will also soon start work on a series of “memories projects” for social media. “The Braumart has been a huge part of our lives — first dates, proposals, etc.,” Anderson said. “It was such a positive part of life back then.”

Anderson welcomes anyone who is interested in volunteering, serving on a committee or board.

“There is so much excitement coming into The Braumart now and we are both feeling it,” Anderson said. “We have the foundation we need in place to make sure the renovation is a success. We are marking off the milestones so people in the community know we are taking the next step forward and we want them to be part of the process.”

Brew noted the growing support from local groups. “We want to be the hub that links all the resources together. We want to inspire all ages, particularly kids,” she said.

Tickets can be purchased from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at The Braumart box office, 106 E. B St. in Iron Mountain.

“This is a great opportunity to support The Braumart with the raffle, but also take a look around and see the space,” Anderson said, adding he encourages the community to check out the list of upcoming events.

“I think it gives people a chance to see why we need to

Tickets also are available during regular business hours at several local banks. Participating banks include First Bank in Iron Mountain and Kingsford, First National Bank & Trust, IncredibleBank, Northern Interstate Bank in Iron Mountain and Norway, and Range Bank.

Those purchasing tickets must be 18 years or older.

Any groups or organizations interested in tours can contact Brew at 906-239-9002.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.