CFFDC says YES to children of Delta County with new program.
Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Delta County (CFFDC), an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula (CFUP), is excited to announce and promote a new and original Youth Empowering Services (Y.E.S) program fund held by the CFFDC that is exclusive to Delta County.
“The Youth Empowering Services (Y. E. S.) is a local non-profit organization that provides in-school mentoring to students grades K-5th in Delta County. It is a highly needed service in our area. After just launching the program in September of this year, we already have the need to grow. Through community partnerships, we focus on the mental and emotional health of tier 2 students in grades K-5th in Delta County. We are currently in four schools; Lemmer, Escanaba Upper Elementary, Cameron and Jones and are aiming to double the size of the program by the fall of 2023. The more successful our first year is, the more impact we can have on our entire community for years to come.
When our youth win, we all win. Say YES to our youth with us,” stated Mrs. Tiffany Hewitt, Y. E. S. Executive Director.
If you’d like to learn how to become a volunteer or donate to this wonderful local program please contact the CFFDC at 906-786-6654, 2420 1st Avenue South Escanaba, MI or visit the Y. E. S. website at: youthempoweringservices.org
The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards.
For good. For ever.
The Gladstone Michigan Soo Line Steam Engine #730 Authority is happy to announce its new partnership with the Community Foundation for Delta County
Photo Caption Left to Right- Authority Members Steve Viau Secretary, Pete DeHaan Board Member, Howard Keeton, Treasurer, John Pickard President, Will Carne Sr. Community Foundation Trustee and John Norkooli Vice President of the Authority.
The Community Foundation for Delta County is able to help the community in so many ways, including partnering with the Gladstone Michigan Soo Line Steam Engine #730 Authority to help with the Restoration and upkeep of a Delta County Historical exhibit and sight. Currently owned by the City of Gladstone, after being donated by the now historic Soo Line Railroad in 1960, this Steam Engine has greeted tourist and Rail fans young and old for a generation and continues to be a Delta County Landmark for all to enjoy.
After Years of neglect, the Authority has formed a Restoration Committee and have taken on the task of cleaning and the restoration of it. Over 20 years ago, Mr. John Larkin from the Escanaba Lake Superior Railroad donated over $50,000.00 to remove asbestos, refurbish metal, paint and clean the engine and add new lighting. Sadly, the lights burned out and Pigeons moved in and are slowly destroying the engine once again.
Funding is still being sought and bird netting has arrived and will be installed soon. New LED lights were donated by WPPI, the utility provider for Gladstone and installed free of charge by N/K Electric of Escanaba. Once the bird netting is installed, paint will be ordered, then the cleaning and painting will be done by the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 10-11 of the Upper Peninsula.
According to Mr. John Pickard, Authority President, “The Community Foundation for Delta County (CFFDC) goal is to make Delta County a better place to work, play and live.”
Mr. Pickard continued, “I know that teaming up with the CFFDC will be a win/win for my Authority and the City of Gladstone for the long term perpetual care of this Delta County historical landmark.”
“The Community Foundation for Delta County is happy to hold the funds for the Gladstone Michigan Soo Line Steam Engine #730 Authority,” stated Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, Executive Director of the CFFDC.
She continued, “If you’d like to learn more about how you can help and make a difference in our community, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654 or emailing office@cfup.org.”
The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards.
For good. For ever.
Bay Area Pools, LLC chose St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry to receive $250 Donation
The Community Foundation for Delta County Executive Director, Cheryl Andzejewski announced today that the 2022 Legacy Sponsorship Support Winner drawn to direct a $250 donation, in their company’s name, to a Delta County Non-profit Charity Drawing of their choice was Bay Area Pools, LLC . Congratulations St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Escanaba for being selected to receive a $250.00 check to help support your food pantry needs and the needs of Delta County residents.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can help make a difference in our community, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654 or emailing office@cfup.org
The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards.
For good. For ever.
Legacy Sponsorship Winner CapTrust chose Y.E.S to Receive $500.00 donation
The Community Foundation for Delta County Executive Director, Cheryl Andzejewski announced today that the 2022 Legacy Sponsorship Support Winner drawn to direct a $500 donation, in their company’s name, to a Delta County Non-profit Charity Drawing of their choice was CapTrust. Congratulations to the Youth Empowering Services (Y. E. S.) in Escanaba for being selected to receive a $500.00 check to help in their efforts to strengthen the overall wellbeing of youth through in-school programming and community partnerships.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can help the Youth Empowering Services (Y. E. S.) and make a difference in our community, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654 or emailing office@cfup.org
The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards.
For good. For ever.
Fall into helping Delta County Veterans with Holiday Meals
Community Foundation for Delta County Is Now Accepting Grant Requests
Mr. Charlie Becker, Board Chair and Mr. Will Carne, Sr., Grants Committee Member of the Community Foundation for Delta County announced today the foundation is now accepting grant applications for its October 2022, grants round. They stated, “Eligible non-profit organizations and sub-divisions of government are eligible to submit applications to the community foundation for grants”.
Grant applications can be obtained at the community foundation office at
2420 1st Avenue South Escanaba, Michigan, by calling the foundation’s office at 1-906-786-6654, e-mailing a request for a CFFDC grant application to office@cfup.org or from the foundation’s website at www.cffdc.org.
Those interested in obtaining a grant must have an original and thirteen (13) copies of the application turned in to the community foundation office by 4:00 p. m. (EST) on Monday, October 3, 2022 otherwise your request may not be considered.
All those requesting grants from the foundation will be notified in writing, as to whether or not they have been successful in receiving their grant request. Members of the foundation’s grants committee will make their grant recommendations to the full board of trustees of the foundation at their regularly scheduled board meeting at the end of October 2022, for their approva
The Youth Advisory Committe October Grant Round is Open
The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) announced today they are now accepting grant applications for its October 2022, grants round. Eligible non-profit organizations and sub-divisions of government are eligible to submit applications to the YAC for grants”.
Grant applications can be obtained at the community foundation office at:
2420 1st Avenue South Escanaba, Michigan 49829, by calling the foundation’s office at 1-906-786-6654, e-mailing a request for a YAC grant application to office@cfup.org or from the foundation’s website at www.cffdc.org.
Those interested in obtaining a grant must have the original and eight (8) copies of the application turned in to the community foundation office by 4:00 p. m. (EST) on Monday, October 3, 2022 otherwise your request may not be considered.
All those requesting grants from the foundation will be notified in writing, as to whether or not they have been successful in receiving their grant request. Members of the foundation’s YAC grants committee will make their grant recommendations to the full board of trustees of the Community Foundation for Delta County at their regularly scheduled board meeting at the end of October 2022, for their approval.
906 Yooper Day Shout Out
Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula President, Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski and U. P. Authentic Founder and CEO, Mr. Bill Leisenring, are sending a shout out to all Yooper’s, and non-Yooper’s, reminding them that Tuesday, September 6 is 906 “Yooper” Day.
Mrs. Andzejewski commented, “Anytime is a great time to celebrate Yooper’s!”
“In celebration of 906 “Yooper” Day, U. P. Authentic will be giving a 9.06% discount site wide all week,” stated Mr. Bill Leisenring. He also stated, “All purchases will help support U. P. charities.”
Mrs. Andzejewski commented, “U. P. Authentic is true to its name and in-tune with cool handcrafted products made by original Yooper artisans. Anytime is a great time to shop on upauthentic.com, especially the week kicking off 906 “Yooper” Day. Whether it’s something for yourself or a gift for someone else, you’ll find beautifully crafted items from custom made Hess Knives; home décor; jewelry; puzzles, Sayklly’s Candies and much more to choice from.” She continued, “If you’re like I am and have that hard to buy for person or persons in your life, or not sure of what they may like or want, that’s not a problem at U. P. Authentic; they offer gift cards as well. Make your shopping easy and insure your gift is exactly what they wanted.”
If you are interested in finding out more about U. P. Authentic, please contact info@upauthentic.com or the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula at office@cfup.org
Gladstone Senior Citizen Center awarded grant from CFFDC
Shown are, from left, back row Paul Goodman, Dan Paul, Carol Lauscher, Donna Marchak, Frank Royer, John Malnar, front row Pat Schmitendorf, Bonnie Marenger, Marilyn Cowden, and Charlie Becker of the Community Foundation for Delta County.
The Gladstone Senior Citizen Center Non-Profit Organization was awarded a $5,000.00 grant from the Community Foundation for Delta County. The grant was given to the Gladstone Senior Citizen Non-Profit Organization to assist with the $10,832.00 to replace the rooftop furnace air exchange, which had failed in March and needed to be replaced quickly.
The GSCNP Corporation’s mission for over forty years has been to maintain the Gladstone Senior Center building in order to provide services and activities for its local and surrounding senior citizens.
It does so through its annual membership dues of $10 per year, fundraising and donations. COVID-19 has cancelled fundraisers held at the center since March 2020, which affected it net profits.
The Community Foundation for Delta County recognized the importance of the Center in the community that houses the CAA meals-on-wheels program for upwards of 300 meals per day and also provides a safe, social environment for senior services and activities.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can help make a difference in our community, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654 or emailing office@cfup.org
The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards
For good. For ever.
New Spring Floor for Escanaba Gymnastics
Mrs. Elle Dykowski, representing the Community Foundation for Delta County Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) and Mrs. Earlene VanDamme, Community Foundation for Delta County Board Member present a check for $1,000.00 to a Mrs. Theresa Pascoe, Escanaba High School Gymnastic Coach. The funds were awarded from the Youth Advisory Committee April 2022 Grant round.
“I am pleased to represent the Community Foundation for Delta County Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) and mentioned that the committee was happy to help out the Escanaba High School Gymnastics Team,” stated Mrs. Dykowski. She continued, “The addition of the Spring Floor to the Escanaba High School will help bring in gymnastic competitors from Wisconsin and Lower Michigan.”
Mrs. VanDamme commented, “The Community Foundation for Delta County Board of Trustees and its Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) likes to see students involved in school activities, sports and fundraising. We are proud of our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) and the time and effort they put into considering grants to award. The approval of the Escanaba High School Gymnastic Team grant for their Spring Floor Fund is one example of how YAC wants to make a difference now and into the future.”
“We are so thankful to the Community Foundation for Delta County and its Youth Advisory Committee for approving our grant request. Their generosity and caring about school age children staying active is inspiring. Their donation has helped us get closer to our goal to raise $26,000.00 for a new spring floor for the Escanaba High School Gymnastics Team,” stated Mrs. Pascoe. She continued, “We are getting closer to raising the funds needed, we are still in need of just over $9,000.00. We’re reaching out to the community for your help. Whether you can help by donating funds, purchasing items the Gymnast are selling during their fundraising efforts or by dropping off cans at our drop site located at Triple A Gymnastic 3400 B Ludington Street in Escanaba, we would greatly appreciate your help.” Mrs. Pascoe commented, “We have top notch gymnastic and look forward to bringing in competitors from Wisconsin and Lower Michigan once the Spring Floor is installed.”
If you’d like to learn more about how you can help make a difference in our community, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654 or emailing office@cfup.org
The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards
For good. For ever.
Grant Round Open for October 2022 for the UPSF & Wildlife Fund
Mr. Charles Becker, Chair of the Grants Committee for the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund (UPSF & W), a fund of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula (CFUP), announced today that grant applications are being accepted for the October 2022 grants round. He stated, “Eligible non-profit organizations and sub-divisions of government are eligible to submit applications to the community foundation for grants that meet the guidelines of the UPSF & W Fund.”
Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund grant applications can be obtained at the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula office at 2420 1st Avenue South Escanaba, Michigan; by calling the foundation’s office at 1-906-789-5972, e-mailing office@cfup.org or visiting the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula website.
Those interested in obtaining an Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund grant must have an original and six (6) copies turned in to the community foundation office prior to 3:30 P.M. (EST) on Friday, October 3rd, 2022, otherwise your request may not be considered.
All those requesting grants from the UPSF & Wildlife Fund will be notified in writing, as to whether or not they have been successful in receiving their grant application request. Members of the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund Committee will make their grant recommendations to the full Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula board of trustees at their regularly scheduled board meeting at the end of October 2022.
Manistique Boardwalk receives Repair Grant
Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund Committee Member, Mr. Charlie Becker (not pictured) stated, “Schoolcraft County Community Foundation went out of their way to apply for an Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund grant application, a fund held in the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula (of which Schoolcraft County Community Foundation is an affiliate of), for the Boardwalk Repair Project in the City of Manistique.”
Ms. Alyssa Swanson, President of the Schoolcraft County Community Foundation stated, “The City of Manistique Boardwalk over the past couple of years has suffered severe damage. Many of the areas are no longer accessible as wind and water damages have destroyed the existing boards, piled debris and washed out many areas.” She continued, “The Schoolcraft County Community Foundation is an integral part of the City of Manistique’s past, present and future and is a stakeholder in providing resources for our area students, organizations and community.”
Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula President, Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski commented, “The boardwalk in Manistique has always been a very beautiful, tranquil and majestic area that borders 1.83 miles of Lake Michigan. It is a place where locals, visitors and passersby of all ages can stop and take advantage of the boardwalk by taking a stroll, jog, or simply relaxing and enjoying the beautiful view”.
Mr. Charlie Becker stated, “The Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Committee was happy to award $3,000.00 grant to help in the repairing of the boardwalk in Manistique. It is one of the places that showcases the Upper Peninsula’s beautiful Lake Michigan and provides tourist and local residents the ability to enjoy Lake Michigan; witness area wildlife, learn about local history through interpretive signs and provides access to Manistique’s historic lighthouse and downtown.” “Our committee was happy to contribute in repairing the Manistique Boardwalk and feels our funds will not only help with sustainability of local wildlife and lakeshore but will have an overall positive impact on Manistique tourism and commerce in the area.”
“The Schoolcraft County Community Foundation thanks the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife for awarding our community foundation $3,000.00 to help in the City of Manistique’s Boardwalk Repair Project,” stated Ms. Swanson.
For good. For ever.
Immanuel Lutheran Church receives grant for an AED
Reverend Michael J. Markwell of the Immanuel Lutheran Church shows appreciation and gratitude by shaking hands with Mr. Will Carnes, Sr., Board Member of the Community Foundation for Delta County as he is presented him with a new Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), awarded to the church through the community foundations grant round.
“Our church is aware of all the good the Community Foundation for Delta County does, including all of the AED’s they provided to First Responders, Public Safety, the Sheriff Department and many other organizations throughout Delta County,” stated Reverend Markwell. He continued, “We decided to apply for a grant requesting an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) for the church. We are so thankful to the Community Foundation for Delta County and their Grant Committee for approving our grant request and for their generosity and caring so much about community. They are a God send.”
Mr. Will Carne, Sr. commented, “As we hope that the Immanuel Lutheran Church will never need to use the AED, it brings comfort and peace of mind knowing they have it should the issue arise.”
If you’d like to learn more about how you can help make a difference in our community, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654 or emailing office@cfup.org
The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards.
For good. For ever.
Waterfront Art Festival receives Grant from the Community Foundation for Delta County
Community Foundation for Delta County Board Member, Mr. Will Carne, Sr. presents a check in the amount of $1,000.00 to Mrs. Paula Jordan, Event Coordinator at the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center.
Mr. Carne, Sr. said, “On behalf of the Community Foundation for Delta County Board of Trustees and staff, I am pleased to present a check for a grant awarded to the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center for the 50th Waterfront Art Festival Anniversary”. He continued, “The William Bonifas Fine Arts Center, and their Waterfront Festival, bring a lot of creativity, life and color into our community.”
William Bonifas Fine Arts Center Event Coordinator, Mrs. Paula Jordan commented, “We are very grateful for the wonderful financial support we received from the Community Foundation for Delta County.” She continued, “With this year being our 50th Anniversary of the Waterfront Art Festival we are planning on rebranding the Festival, updating our image, as well as many other interesting things. Come and check us out.”
Mr. Carne, Sr. stated, “Remember to mark your calendars for this very special event being held at the beautiful Escanaba Ludington Park on Saturday, August 6, 2022.”
If you’d like to learn more about how you can help make a difference in your community, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654 or emailing office@cfup.org
The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards.
For good. For ever.
Robert & Anne Schmit Fund Grants to St. Joseph-St. Patricks' Church
Mr. Will Carne, Sr. and Mr. Bob VanDamme, Board Members of the Community Foundation for Delta County present a check in the amount of $5,452.50 to Ms. Kathy Stannard, Secretary of St. Joseph-St. Patricks’ Church.
“The gift to the St. Joseph-St. Patricks’ Church is from the annual distribution of an endowed fund in the Community Foundation for Delta County started by Robert and Anne Schmit, longtime members of the parish,” commented Mr. VanDamme.
Mr. Carne, Sr. said, “Robert and Anne Schmit were well known members of the community and placed an endowment in the community foundation to continue their philanthropy to a number of organizations and causes after their passing. Our community owes Mr. & Mrs. Schmit a deep debt of gratitude”.
“Mr. & Mrs. Schmit were supportive of our parish while they were alive and we are extremely grateful that they have remembered our church with their annual gift,” stated Ms. Stannard.
If you would like to find out how you can create a legacy for future generations of Delta County please contact us at-www.givedeltacounty.org
For good. For ever.
The Robert & Anne Schmit Fund Gives to the Delta County Historical Society
Mr. Bob VanDamme and Mr. Will Carne, Sr. Community Foundation for Delta County Board Members present a check for $2,239.94 to Mr. Charles Lundquist, President of the Delta County Historical Society in Escanaba. The funds are from the Robert & Anne Schmit Endowed Fund held by the Community Foundation for Delta County
Mr. Carne, Sr. stated, “The Community Foundation Board of Trustees are honored to be able to provide these funds to the Delta County Historical Center which plays such an important role in the history of the community and brings many people from outside the community to view their displays; learn about our history plus how and when Escanaba was established.”
Delta County Historical President Mr. Lundquist said, “The annual gift we receive from the Robert & Anne Schmit Endowed Fund, as well as support from the Community Foundation for Delta County and other donors, is critical to the success of the Historical Society.” He continued, “Delta County is fortunate to have the Dr. John and Mary Jane Beaumier Museum and Archives Building with its many historical items; documents and pictures.”
Mr. VanDamme stated, “If you have never had the opportunity to visit the Dr. John and Mary Jane Beaumier Museum and Archives Building, I would highly recommend you take some time and visit. I think you’ll be surprised at what you may learn about the history of Escanaba”.
If you’re interested in finding out how you can start a fund and give to places dear to your heart, now and into the future, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654, we would love to talk with you or set up an appointment to see you at 2420 1st Avenue South, Escanaba, Michigan.
We are a 501 (c)(3) organization and proud to be certified by National Standards.
For good. For ever.
Robert & Anne Schmit Fund Grants Funds to Bay de Noc Community College
Community Foundation for Delta County Board Chair, Mr. Charles Becker and Board of Trustee Member, Mr. Will Carne, Sr. present a check from the Robert F. & Anne M. Schmit endowment fund, held in the community foundation, for $2,004.16 to Bay de Noc Community College President, Dr. Laura Coleman.
Mr. Becker said, “Mr. & Mrs. Schmit cared about people, especially in their community, and wanted to make a difference.” He continued, “The Robert F. and Anne M. Schmit Endowment Fund will provide annual gifts to not only Bay College but also to a number of other local organizations well into the future thru their fund held by the community foundation”.
Mr. & Mrs. Schmit were longtime residents of the area and involved in the community. The Schmit’s raised two wonderful children who inherited their parents desire to “give back” to the community,” commented, Mr. Carne, Sr.
Dr. Coleman said, “Bay College is grateful to Robert F. & Anne M. Schmit endowment fund for their wonderful gift to Bay de Noc Community College. Their gift will be used to provide scholarships to a number of students with financial needs. It is my pleasure on behalf of the Bay College Board, Staff and Students that I “thank” the Schmit fund, family and community foundation for the financial support provided to the college”.
If you’re interested in finding out how you can start a fund and give to places dear to your heart, now and into the future, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654, we would love to talk with you or set up an appointment to see you at 2420 1st Avenue South Escanaba, Michigan.
We are a 501 (c)(3) organization and proud to be certified by National Standards.
For good. For ever.
Robert & Anne Schmit Fund gives to the Friends of the Escanaba Library
Mr. Will Carne, Board Member of the Community Foundation presents a check in the amount of $1,002.08 to Mr. Kelly Pepin, President of the Friends of the Escanaba Library from the Robert & Anne Schmit Fund Held by the Community Foundation for Delta County.
“Both Robert & Anne Schmit were avid readers and frequently visited the library. They had a great interest in many subjects and made reading and learning a lifelong quest”, stated Mr. Carne, Sr.
Mr. Pepin commented, “Mr. & Mrs. Schmit were well known and outstanding citizens. Their thoughtfulness and caring about community is respectful”. He continued, “We are very grateful for their donation to the Friends of the Escanaba Library, it really makes a difference”.
For good. For ever.
