LES CHENEAUX, MI – April 27th, 2026 – The Marine Trades Institute (MTI) and the Les Cheneaux Community Foundation (LCCF) are proud to announce a $5,000 matching gift challenge to support the next generation of marine craftsmen. This initiative honors the enduring legacy of George H. Nickels, a master boat builder whose craftsmanship helped define the Great Lakes sailing community for decades.
George H. Nickels was a lifelong boater and co-owner of the Nickels Boat Company. Throughout his career, he oversaw the construction of over 1,400 Lightning Class sailboats and hundreds of Rebel Class vessels. Beyond his skill with wood and fiberglass, George was known for his unwavering willingness to help others, often telling those in need, “I can’t do it today, but I can do it tomorrow.”
To honor George and his contributions to the boating community, the Nickels-Stiner Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established to provide a “Helping Hand Up” to students at the Marine Trades Institute. This year, the endowment will award $2,127 to a student pursuing a career in the marine trades. To further strengthen this support, the Stiner family has offered to match every dollar donated to the fund up to $5,000.
“Mr. and Mrs. Stiner, the initiators of this endowed scholarship, believe as George did that no one succeeds in life without the assistance of others,” says Tom Coates, Development Director at MTI. “By meeting this match, our community can turn $5,000 into $10,000 that will be added to the endowment’s principal. This will significantly grow the interest generated by the account which in turn will increase the awarded scholarship amount for MTI students for years to come.”
By utilizing an endowment model, the principal investment remains permanently in the account, generating interest that is awarded to Marine Trades Institute students. As the principal grows, so does the annual award available to students. By offering this matching opportunity, the Stiners aim to grow the investment by $10,000, significantly increasing the yearly support available and ensuring that George’s “helping hand” remains available for generations to come.
Members of the boating community, Lightning and Rebel class enthusiasts, and supporters of hands-on training and vocational education are encouraged to contribute. Donations can be made through the Les Cheneaux Community Foundation by designating the “George Henry Nickels and the Les and Jackie Stiner Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund.”
