Dexter residents Dick Ulrich and Lou Ceriani want long-time Dexter High School sports program volunteer Henry Thurston to be remembered for his involvement in the community.

The men are seeking donations for letters that will spell out Thurston’s name on two sides of the field house at the Dexter High School football field.

Thurston, who spent 47 years as the football team's manager, died in October.

As part of the fundraising effort, Classic Pizza will host a benefit on Aug. 23 during which 10 percent of the day’s proceeds will benefit the endeavor, Ulrich said.

In addition, Dexter Bakery will hold a fundraiser for the project on Aug. 26, while Dexter Pub will hold one on Aug. 30 during which 10 percent of the proceeds will assist the effort.

Any donations that exceed the cost of purchasing the letters—about $3,000—will be used for a Henry Thurston Scholarship at the high school, Ulrich said.

Donations can be sent to Lou Ceriani, Box 53, Dexter, MI 48130.

Ulrich said he hopes to have Thurston's name on the field house by Sept. 1.

Lisa Allmendinger is a regional reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at lisaallmendinger@annarbor.com. For more Dexter stories, visit our Dexter page.