EVENTS – Power Play of Generosity – Thank You, Hockey Night!

EVENTS – Power Play of Generosity – Thank You, Hockey Night!

A Huge Thank You to The Well Church, Hockey Night, and Scott DesAutel!

Todd Trainor, Bendix Academy Founder, accepts $8000 check and Bendix Academy Hockey Night trophy shirt!

​We are deeply grateful to The Well Church and event organizer Scott DesAutel for selecting Bendix Academy as a beneficiary of this year’s Hockey Night fundraiser. Thanks to their generosity and the support of everyone who participated, Bendix Academy received an incredible $8,000 to support our Toolmanship Mentoring Program — helping us provide hands-on skills training, guidance, and opportunities to students eager to learn and grow.

And yes — we’re obsessed with our brand-new Bendix Academy hockey jersey, now proudly displayed in our workshop! It even features our very favorite colors. What a wonderful symbol of partnership, community spirit, and the power of coming together to invest in the next generation of problem-solvers and makers.

Ice Job, Team — What an Amazing Event!

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you to everyone who made Hockey Night such an incredible experience! We’re still in awe. From the moment we arrived, it was clear how much energy, care, and community spirit had gone into planning the event. The Wells Church and everyone behind Hockey Night truly gave Livingston County something special.

Hockey Night Heroes Face Off

Detroit Red Wings legends Mickey Redmond, John Ogrodnick, Danny DeKeyser, and Drew Miller were among 45 former players who took the ice as part of the Red Wings Alumni Team for an exciting afternoon game against the Well Saints.

Stick Taps to Hockey Night for an Unforgettable Evening!

“I just woke up a few minutes ago and my brain is still spinning taking it all in.”

The game kicked off with a special puck drop by one of the Red Wings’ celebrated Stanley Cup champions, Vladimir Konstantinov! In a very special moment, Dani Probert presented Vladimir with a meaningful keepsake, something he once gave to her late husband, the beloved Red Wing Bob Probert.

Stanley Cup Stars Winning Small Town Hearts

After the game everyone moved from the Ice Den in Howell to Chemung Hills in Brighton to prepare for food and festivities while casting bids on the wonderful items for auction, including a Chris Osgood Autographed Stanley Cup, signed memorabilia, gift baskets, vacation venues, and the super-exciting 2025 Yamaha VX Deluxe Waverunner!

We loved the venue. We loved the food. But most of all, we loved meeting so many people who genuinely wanted to learn about our mission and support the work we do. The room was filled with generosity — not just in dollars, but in time, passion, and kindness.

It truly was a team effort — and it showed! You pulled off a power play of community, compassion, and celebration. 

A Hat Trick of Fun and Fundraising

It truly was a team effort — and it showed. You pulled off a power play of community, compassion, and celebration. Thank you for your hearts, your hospitality, and your help in moving our mission forward. This was more than a fundraiser — it was a night to remember.

The Well Saints Slap-Shot It Out of the Rink!

As one of our team shared the next morning:

“This was a first for me and our organization. Better yet — we didn’t have to organize it. I am very grateful to you and everyone at The Well Church.”

From all of us at Bendix Academy:
Thank you for believing in what we do!

Learn more about the mission behind Hockey Night to change lives in this interview with Schott DesAutel, Founder, Hockey Night in Brighton.

Read more articles like this in the most recent edition of Toolman Tips, Bendix Academy's quarterly newsletter!

Book Bendix Academy for Your Next Event

Bring the inspiring mission of Bendix Academy to your organization or group! Todd Trainor and Wendy Zielen offer engaging presentations on "Tomorrow's Toolment Today," blending stories of mentorship, mechanical skills, and community impact. Whether you’re reminiscing about shop class or exploring how to empower the next generation, their talks spark connections and inspire action. Perfect for schools, community groups, professional organizations, and more.

 

Contact us today to book your session and join the revival!

EVENTS – Bendix Academy Spring 2025 Open House a Big Success!

EVENTS – Bendix Academy Spring 2025 Open House a Big Success!

Thank you to all who attended
🔧 Spring 2025 OPEN HOUSE! 🔧

Your presence helped make those two days truly meaningful! Whether you came to learn about our mission, reconnect with mentors and friends, or simply explore the Bendix workshop, we’re so glad you were part of it.

We welcomed a dynamic mix of families, educators, tradespeople, community leaders, and first-time visitors. You asked great questions, shared powerful stories, and offered thoughtful ideas that we’re actively working to implement. Most importantly, you saw what’s possible when young people are given the tools, mentorship, and confidence to thrive.

Special thanks go to our incredible mentors, board members, and volunteers who made the event possible—and to our generous donors and supporters who keep our Toolmanship Mentoring Program running strong. This summer, our team is working hard to reduce waitlist time, grow our mentor base, and get ready for an exciting Fall 2025 season.

If you missed the Open House—or want to visit again—we’d love to host you for a tour or hands-on session. And let us know here if you’d like to be the first to know when our Fall 2025 Open House date is announced to get on the list.

Together, we’re restoring mechanical self-reliance—one student at a time! Enjoy the gallery of photos from the Open House below.

With gratitude,
The Bendix Academy Team

If you missed our May Open House, Bendix Academy invites you to schedule a time to stop by for a tour to see how we’re inspiring the next generation of toolmen. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a visit will give you a true understanding!

Read more articles like this in the most recent edition of Toolman Tips, Bendix Academy's quarterly newsletter!

Book Bendix Academy for Your Next Event

Bring the inspiring mission of Bendix Academy to your organization or group! Todd Trainor and Wendy Zielen offer engaging presentations on "Tomorrow's Toolment Today," blending stories of mentorship, mechanical skills, and community impact. Whether you’re reminiscing about shop class or exploring how to empower the next generation, their talks spark connections and inspire action. Perfect for schools, community groups, professional organizations, and more.

 

Contact us today to book your session and join the revival!

EVENTS – Bendix Academy OPEN HOUSE!

EVENTS – Bendix Academy OPEN HOUSE!

🔧 You’re Invited! 🔧

Come See Firsthand How We’re Teaching Tomorrow’s Toolmen

Friday, May 2 | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday, May 3 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Bendix Academy | 2285 Ore Creek Lane, Brighton, MI 48114

Ever wondered what it means to build a space where generations
learn the mechanical world together?

Bendix Academy invites you to stop by and discover just that! Our upcoming Open House is a casual, drop-in opportunity to explore our unique approach to hands-on education and mentoring. Meet our dedicated mentors, chat with current students, board members, and other visitors to see how we’re inspiring the next generation of toolmen!!

Whether you stay for 20 minutes or two hours, you’ll get an inside look at the tools, talent, and teaching that make Bendix Academy a place like no other!

See What Students Do

Talk to the Founder
Connect with Mentors

Learn Family Perspectives

Meet the Board and Volunteers

Bendix Academy Boardroom 2025

Chat with Executive Director

Wendy in her office loft overlooking Bendix Academy workshop

Look to the Future...

Tell us your story!

Teaching Toolmanship… How do we do it?

Pictures and videos tell some of the story, but nothing beats stopping by to see for yourself.

Visit Bendix Academy’s Spring 2025 Open House to find out how we are teaching Toolmanship to youth as part of career choices in the skilled trades or engineering, or who just want to improve their mechanical self-sufficiency.

Drop in to see our workshop and meet our folks.

Share enthusiasm with our Founder, Todd Trainor, who will tell you more about Bendix Academy’s mission and vision, as well as some of our students, families, mentors, and other volunteers, who will show you the projects they work on and why this is a valuable part of their lives.

You will be amazed!

EVENT IS FREE but help us estimate how many light refreshments to provide by letting us know how many are coming in your group. Please either submit this brief form or indicate that you are Going” on our Facebook Event.

Share with friends & get event updates on
BA’s Open House Facebook Event

Free Event – Just let us know
how many in your group will attend HERE

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

Countdown to your visit to Bendix Academy!

Read more articles like this in the most recent edition of Toolman Tips, Bendix Academy's quarterly newsletter!

Book Bendix Academy for Your Next Event

Bring the inspiring mission of Bendix Academy to your organization or group! Todd Trainor and Wendy Zielen offer engaging presentations on "Tomorrow's Toolment Today," blending stories of mentorship, mechanical skills, and community impact. Whether you’re reminiscing about shop class or exploring how to empower the next generation, their talks spark connections and inspire action. Perfect for schools, community groups, professional organizations, and more.

 

Contact us today to book your session and join the revival!

EVENTS – Ready for spring fun? SAVE THESE DATES!

EVENTS – Ready for spring fun? SAVE THESE DATES!

Is your snowblower ready for sun?

Or, more to the point, are YOU ready to put away your snowboots and enjoy some fun spring events? If so, mark your calendars to be sure to not miss these two great events arriving with the warmer weather, sooner than you think!

HOCKEY NIGHT 2025

April 5, 2025

Each year, The Well’s hockey team takes the ice and challenges the Red Wings Alumni team to a game to benefit charities of Livingston county, including Bendix Academy.

For more information, like
Hockey Night’s Facebook Event

Tickets, Sponsorships, Packages
available at the well MI

OPEN HOUSE

May 2 – 3, 2025

A Bendix Academy student works on a Briggs & Stratton snowblower engine, knowing that while she’ll always be ready for a snowstorm, she’s definitely ready for spring!

Share with friends & get event updates on
BA’s Open House Facebook Event

Free Event – Just let us know
how many in your group will attend HERE

Hockey Night 2025 – April 5, 140 Ice Den, Howell, MI

Proceeds from this event benefit four Livingston County nonprofit organizations, including Bendix Academy. We are so grateful!  Tickets, Sponsorships, and Packages are all available here – sign up early, have fun, and help local community organizations!

The Well Church Saints hockey team will host the Detroit Red Wings Alums in its 16th annual battle to benefit four local charities, including Bendix Academy!

DOORS OPEN @ 1:00PM | EVENT STARTS @ 1:30PM

PREGAME PLAYOFFS: Howell Highlander Alumni, Hartland Eagles Alumni, Brighton Bulldogs Alumni and Milford/Lakeland Alumni

GAME: Red Wings Alumni vs The Well Saints

DINNER, MUSIC, LIVE & SILENT AUCTIONS (DOORS OPEN @ 4:30PM): Chemung Hills Golf & Banquet Center

 

 

Tickets

1 prepaid entry to Red Wing Alumni vs The Well Saints hockey game on 4/5/25
$10 ($15 at the door)
1 prepaid admission to Red Wings Alumni vs The Well Saints hockey game at 140 ICE Den, and VIP dinner at Chemung Hills Golf and Banquet Center on 4/5/25
$75

Sponsorships

$500, $1000, $2500, $10,000
($5000 level SOLD OUT)

Packages & Ads

Pre-Game and Red Carpet $2000-$2500
Page Ads $125, $200, $300
Going fast!

Raffle & Auction

View sampling of raffle and auction items to the right! Visit Facebook event page to see more items as they are listed.

Cane's Deluxe Gift Pack

Garland Lodge & Golf Resort

Bladetech Hockey Prize Pack

Yamaha VX Deluxe JetSki

Bendix Academy Spring Open House 2025

Fri, May 2, 2-7 PM and Sat, May 3, 9 AM – 2 PM

2285 Ore Creek Lane, Brighton, MI 48114

Event Free – Light Refreshments Provided

See What Students Do

Talk to the Founder
Connect with Mentors

Learn Family Perspectives

Meet the Board and Volunteers

Bendix Academy Boardroom 2025

Chat with Executive Director

Wendy in her office loft overlooking Bendix Academy workshop

Look to the Future...

Tell us your story!

Teaching Toolmanship… How do we do it?

Pictures and videos tell some of the story, but nothing beats stopping by to see for yourself.

Visit Bendix Academy’s Spring 2025 Open House to find out how we are teaching Toolmanship to youth as part of career choices in the skilled trades or engineering, or who just want to improve their mechanical self-sufficiency.

Drop in to see our workshop and meet our folks.

Share enthusiasm with our Founder, Todd Trainor, who will tell you more about Bendix Academy’s mission and vision, as well as some of our students, families, mentors, and other volunteers, who will show you the projects they work on and why this is a valuable part of their lives.

You will be amazed!

EVENT IS FREE but help us estimate how many light refreshments to provide by letting us know how many are coming in your group. Please either submit this brief form or indicate that you are Going” on our Facebook Event.

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, but our own Woody the Woodchuck at Howell Nature Center predicted it will be an early spring. Whoever is right, keep checking back for updates on Bendix Academy news and events!

snowblower sun clear path

Sun or snow, at Bendix Academy we specialize in being ready!

Early spring!

Woody sees the sun 2025!
Howell Nature Center 

Read more articles like this in the most recent edition of Toolman Tips, Bendix Academy's quarterly newsletter!

Book Bendix Academy for Your Next Event

Bring the inspiring mission of Bendix Academy to your organization or group! Todd Trainor and Wendy Zielen offer engaging presentations on "Tomorrow's Toolment Today," blending stories of mentorship, mechanical skills, and community impact. Whether you’re reminiscing about shop class or exploring how to empower the next generation, their talks spark connections and inspire action. Perfect for schools, community groups, professional organizations, and more.

 

Contact us today to book your session and join the revival!