Meet Anthony Svetic

Driven by Service, Powered by Community 

At the Community Choice Foundation, we celebrate individuals who embody the spirit of “Giving Big”—those who dedicate themselves to service, strengthen their communities, and inspire change. Among this year’s applicants, Anthony Svetic from Freeland, stood out for his creativity, teamwork, and commitment to making a meaningful impact. 

Anthony’s Eagle Scout project started as a challenge: how could he make the biggest difference? That question led him to an abandoned drag strip, once a vibrant hub for car enthusiasts. With a bold vision, he decided to restore the space by organizing a car show with a purpose. Instead of charging admission, Anthony asked attendees to donate canned goods and non-perishable food for the local food pantry. The idea quickly became a movement, attracting more than 400 cars and nearly 1,000 people. By the end of the event, trucks, trailers, and classrooms overflowed with food donations—the largest contribution in the pantry’s history. 

But Anthony’s dedication didn’t stop there. He continued expanding the project, clearing land, restoring buildings, and working toward fully reopening the drag strip as a gathering space. Beyond this initiative, he committed countless hours to service, from participating in the annual “Rake and Run” with fellow scouts to volunteering with FIRST Robotics Team 5166, distributing food to families in need every other Saturday during the winter. 

Anthony’s actions reflect a strong belief: service is about creating connections, restoring spaces, and making giving back second nature. Awarding this scholarship not only recognizes his hard work—it invests in a leader whose passion for “people helping people” has already made a lasting impact. He is heading to Ferris State University to study Diesel Mechanics for the next step in his educational journey, and we look forward to seeing Anthony continue to “Give Big” in the years ahead.