In early October 2006, a couple from southern Illinois began their annual hiking trip at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

On their way to the cabin they had rented for the week, Kathleen Fralish hurt her ankle while stepping around a tree that had fallen on the trail. Her husband, Jim, taped it as best he could and they tried to continue on to the cabin.

Unfortunately, they couldn't make it and had to spend the night on the trail in a cold rain, thinking about a possible visit by bears. 

The next day they spotted another couple hiking out of the forest. They asked this couple to take a note seeking help to the park's headquarters. The Fralish's did make it to the cabin for the second night, but knew they had to shorten their trip. They wondered if they would be able to hike out in the morning. 

Much to their surprise, Bill Doan, the supervisor at the Porkies and Ranger Rick Tessmer arrived at the cabin before 8 a.m.

Doan and Tessmer locked their arms together into a chair hold and carried Kathleen Fralish down to Lake Superior where they had a boat anchored. After a 30-minute boat ride, Kathleen was taken to the hospital where she was told she had a broken ankle.

The Fralish's were grateful for the courtesy and care given them by the two employees, and they wanted to do something for the park that would make a difference.

They spoke with Doan, who told them the boat that rescued them was a 40-year-old Boston Whaler that was in need of repair. Kathleen and Bill Fralish were delighted to make a donation that covered the cost of a new Kevlar fiberglass liner to protect the bottom of the boat during rocky landings, and also paid for an emergency equipment storage trunk, new seats, a new gasoline tank and a console. 

Over the past few years, parks and recreation division has been contacted by several individuals and organizations that wish to donate money for a specific purpose. Often, the family wishes to donate a bench in honor of a deceased relative. One family member said she always will remember her father sitting on a bench watching the lake at Aloha State Park. 

A few years ago, an anonymous benefactor donated $80,000 to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office for the Disabled. The sheriff's office is partnering with Dodge 4 State Park to build a universally accessible playground that will allow all youngsters the opportunity to enjoy their visit to the park.  (More about the Dodge 4 playground story.)

Parks and Recreation Division is very grateful for these and other donations made to create safer and more enjoyable parks, boating access sites and harbors.

The Michigan e-store soon will have a button that will allow you to make donations to the Michigan State Park system. In the meantime, you may call your favorite park or contact Cheryl Greaney at (517) 373-0399. She will be pleased to help you on accepting and applying your donation.