Couple Donates Classic Car Collection to Northwood University

Michael and Dianne Morey have pledged 35 cars from their automotive collection in Mt. Pleasant, Mich. 

“We are unbelievably grateful to Michael and Dianne for this amazing gift, which will be applied to enhance our Midland campus, create scholarship prospects and create the university’s endowment for potential pupils,” claimed Kent MacDonald, president of Northwood College.

MacDonald famous the Morey’s loved ones tale is a person of accomplishment from tough operate — which is the epitome of what Northwood strives to instill in its students, and what its alumni show every day in their respective fields.

The Moreys’ tale dates again to 1983, when they believed they could establish a wood chipper greater than everyone else. Mike still left his job, invested in a compact workshop, and with six workers and a smaller operating spending plan created the Product 100 Brush Bandit, a 12-inch ability disc-model chipper. 

In 1987, primarily based on the achievements of the Brush Bandit, Bandit Industries was created, and Dianne actively joined the company.

Bandit designed and released the world’s initially self-propelled observe entire tree chipper in 1990 and proceeds to direct this marketplace segment. Bandit operates a community of extra than 180 seller destinations all over the world.

In 2018, the Moreys announced they would market 100{7b5a5d0e414f5ae9befbbfe0565391237b22ed5a572478ce6579290fab1e7f91} of the business to their 462 workforce in an worker stock ownership prepare. This arrived just after the corporation entertained two presents to offer from private corporations.

“We recognized neither was a superior match for Bandit, so we manufactured the choice to provide to our trustworthy workforce,” Dianne Morey told the Morning Sun in 2018.

The business now has 725 staff.

“The Moreys are stellar examples of how ingenuity, persistence and perseverance pave the way for success in a cost-free-market place society,” mentioned Justin Marshall, main advancement and engagement officer for Northwood College.

The Morey family members will transfer the auto titles to Northwood College prior to the shut of this calendar calendar year. By June 30, 2023, Northwood College will liquidate The Morey Selection with Mecum Auctions in a no-reserve auction.

The preference is for The Morey Collection to be auctioned at Mecum’s Kissimmee Auction on Jan. 6.

“The cars and trucks have been a substantial component of our lives, and each and every tells a tale,” the Moreys reported in a statement. “It’s time for these autos to publish a new chapter, and support young males and women who want to operate hard, build one thing of their have and positively affect the communities they connect with residence. Northwood University is a specific place, loaded with fantastic students, and we are thrilled to support their mission.”

Not all the cars will be auctioned off, as Northwood University will keep a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette to display screen on campus.

“We are extremely pleased to showcase this traditional Corvette on campus as a reminder of the Morey’s generosity and American innovation, although applying the vehicle throughout the year to help our mission to develop long run leaders of international economic and social progress,” said Marshall.

Northwood University will benefit from up to $1 million of the cash proceeds to increase the campus working experience and establish on current campus advancements focused earlier this calendar year in May possibly. 

The remaining proceeds will be applied to construct a scholarship and endowment fund supporting Northwood University’s totally free-enterprise mission. 

Particulars about the Jan. 6 auction can be uncovered below.