Crow’s Nest awards first-ever scholarship
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A local student has something to crow about, following his being named as the recipient of an $1,100 scholarship from The Crow’s Nest Restaurant and Event Center, LLC.
Officials at The Crow’s Nest, which opened for business last fall at 150 Maysville St., decided soon after opening that one of their goals would be to give back to the communities. A scholarship program was established, with diners encouraged to fill out a card, with a winner being drawn annually and the winner given the opportunity to select the recipient — be it the entrant, a friend or relative.
Photo courtesy of Bill Merchant
WINNER DRAWN — Lamar Richardson, The People’s Movie Critic from the “Bob & Sheri” radio talk show, was at The Crow’s Nest Restaurant and Event Center LLC earlier this year for a United Way fundraiser. While at the restaurant, Richardson took the time to draw the name of the winner of The Crow’s Nest Scholarship Program. Brian and Debbie DeLong’s card was picked out of a basket filled with over 2,000 entries. Pictured from left are: Lamar Richardson and Jim Stacey, owner of The Crow’s Nest.
“We started The Crow’s Nest Scholarship Program for two reasons. First, to give back to the community that is giving us their overwhelming support and, secondly, to provide an incentive for our customers to leave their thoughts about the food and service they have received and their suggestions for improvement,” said owner Jim Stacey.
During the six months since opening, Stacey said the business received over 2,000 comments cards.
“We implemented numerous changes directly as a result of the comments received, and we have responded directly to the customer on many occasions,” said Stacey. “We extend our thanks to everybody for the positive support they have provided.”
Stacey said the scholarship fund was originally set for $1,000, but in December 2010 it was decided to add the proceeds from the restaurant’s Christmas gift wrapping service, which boosted the fund to $1,100.
The winning entry was drawn during another fundraiser held at the facility in April.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION — Carl DeLong was named the recipient of The Crow’s Nest Scholarship Program’s first award of $1,100. Pictured at the check presentation are, from left: Carl DeLong; Debbie DeLong, Carl’s aunt, who’s card was drawn out of over 2,000 entries; and Jim Stacey, owner of The Crow’s Nest on Maysville Street in Presque Isle.
“On April 9, Lamar Richardson, the People’s Movie Critic from 96.1’s ‘Bob & Sheri’ radio show drew the winning card in front of a packed room at The Crow Bar gathered for the United Way of Aroostook’s Denim & Diamonds fundraiser. The winning card was completed by Brian and Debbie DeLong, of Presque Isle,” Stacey said.
Once notified of their win, the DeLongs decided to give the scholarship to their nephew, Carl DeLong, who’s originally from Blaine but resides with his aunt and uncle in Presque Isle to be closer to college.
“Carl is currently a student at NMCC,” said Stacey.
“I’m studying autobody and will be graduating next year,” said Carl DeLong, who carries a 3.5 GPA. “This will help with my next semester. We have to buy our own tools and books.”
He said he wasn’t sure what he’ll be doing after graduation but hopes to find something in the automotive field.
“I have two uncles who collect classic cars. We like models from the ‘30s and ‘40s,” said Carl.
His aunt was pleasantly surprised to find out her card had been selected out of so many entries.
“Carl lives with us. He actually heard about it before we did. He called home to tell me and I thought he was joking. We’d only entered one card. To have it drawn out of over 2,000 was a wonderful surprise,” said Debbie DeLong.
In addition to entering the drawing, patrons of the restaurant also provided some valuable input on ways the facility could make improvements.
“Some of the suggestions that we implemented included: a hand sanitizer station outside the popular children’s play room; Sunday Brunch including both breakfast and lunch menu; ‘To Go’ lunch including soup, salads, sandwiches etc., which we’ve just started; big buffets for holidays — we had 500 customers for Easter and 700 for Mother’s Day; and better-trained servers,” said Stacey, noting a program was started to ensure a higher service level.
Jan Lucas, event coordinator for the facility, said it was decided to let patrons determine the winner and how the scholarship would be used.
“We felt it was important for the community to have a say. By allowing the winner to choose who received the funds, it opened it up to a much larger audience. Rather than limit it to a particular university or college or a particular major, this gave a bigger incentive for individuals to enter,” said Lucas.
In April each year The Crow’s Nest staff will draw a comment card and whoever completed the card will choose a recipient to receive a $1,000 scholarship to an American or Canadian education facility, said Lucas.
Lucas said given the fact 2,000 entries were received since the facility opened just a little over six months ago, she can’t wait to see how many entries they’ll receive for the next drawing.
“We’re already working on additional fund-raising ideas for next year’s scholarship. We can’t wait to read more suggestions and see how many entries we receive,” said Lucas.
Stacey said feedback has been so positive, there’s no doubt there will be another drawing next year.
“The scholarship program was so successful we’ve decided to continue it for another year,” said Stacey.
For more information, visit www.TheCrowsNest.com or call 540-1800.
