Wass Elementary Wins Chamber “Step Up to The Plate” Challenge

Santa came early for Wass Elementary School in the form of a big check from the Troy Chamber of Commerce, for winning their Winter “Step Up to the Plate” for Troy schools.

Step Up to the Plate is the Chamber’s annual “dine and save” program partnered with the Troy School District (TSD) where families are encouraged to dine out at Troy casual and family restaurants----diners receive a 20% discount off their bill, and their receipts are tabulated by school. The school whose receipts equal the largest amount, wins $1000 to support their students.

Wass Elementary was the winner, with just under $3,000 in receipts! And for the Wass Wolves community, this project was personal---one of the participating restaurants, McVee’s Pub & Grub at 1129 E. Long Lake Rd., happens to be family-owned by Arif Palaj, whose two daughters Adelena (4th grade) and Adina (5th grade) attend Wass. Said Wass Principal Matt Jansen: “We are so fortunate to feel the support of the Troy community in our schools. ‘Step Up to the Plate’ gave us an opportunity to support a local business that has roots to our school and give back by dining at their restaurant. We are grateful to the Troy Chamber of Commerce for organizing this week to bring our school district and local businesses together. Troy is a special place because of our amazing students, supportive parents, outstanding educators, and our local businesses. OneTroy rocks!”

This annual contest is hosted by the Troy Chamber of Commerce and presented by Michigan Schools & Government Credit Union (MSGCU), and the participating Troy Chamber member restaurants were:

• Aldana’s Mexican Bar & Grill at 2896 W. Maple
• Beyond Juice + Eatery at 830 E. Big Beaver Rd.
• Clean Eatz Troy at 319 W. Big Beaver Rd.
• McVee’s Pub & Grub at 1127 E. Long Lake
• Mr. Kabob Xpress at 2036 W. Big Beaver
• Shield’s Restaurant Bar & Pizzeria at 1476 W. Maple Rd.
• The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill at 708 W. Big Beaver Rd.
• Tropical Smoothie Café at 1735 W. Big Beaver Rd, and
• Tropical Smoothie Café at 1569 W. Main St., Ste. A, in CLASWON

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Photo courtesy of the Troy Chamber and Troy School District – L to R: Principal Matt Jansen, Monique Harlan of Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union, sisters Adelena & Adina Palaj, and Tara Tomcsik-Husak of the Troy Chamber of Commerce.