Easter Veteran Baskets Sign Up

Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Delta County (CFFDC) along with Mr. Charlie Becker, CFFDC Board Chair announced today that the Community Foundation for Delta County will be collaborating with Mr. David Dziewior, CPO, USN (Ret), Accredited Veterans Service Officer of the Delta County Veteran Service Office and be distributing to needy Delta County Veterans, Easter Food Baskets.

If you are a Delta County Veteran in need of food for the Easter holiday, you must have proof of being a Delta County resident as well as proof of Veteran Services in order to sign-up and receive an Easter Food Basket. If you meet these three requirements, you must CALL and SIGN-UP with Mr. Dziewior at 786-7228 prior to Friday, March 24, 2023, quantities are limited.

 If you’re interested in giving back and showing your appreciation to our needy Delta County Veterans,

Donate Online:www.givedeltacounty.org

Mail your donation to:

The Community for Delta County Veterans Baskets Program, 2420 First Avenue South, Escanaba, MI 49829

The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards.

Spring Grant Round Open for Community Foundation for Delta County

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 April 2023, 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 seven (7) copies of the application turned in to the community foundation office by 3:30 p. m. (EST) on Monday, April 3, 2023 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 April 2023, for their approval. All applicants will usually be notified by mail within the first 10-14 days of the following month.

April Grant Round for YAC

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) announced today they are now accepting grant applications for its April 2023, 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 3:30 p. m. (EST) on Monday, April 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 April 2023, for their approval. All applicants will usually be notified by mail within the first 10-14 days of the following month.

Big Thank You for Successful Homeless Backpack Project 2023

Community Foundation for Delta County Executive Director, Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski and Board Chair, Mr. Charlie Becker poised for a photograph with some of the Homeless Backpacks and items/supplies enclosed in each of the backpacks for Delta County homeless/displaced Veterans, men, women and children.

Funds raised were used to purchase:

·         backpacks

·         weatherproof blankets

·         wool blankets

·         winter hats & gloves

·         wool socks

·         40 hour hand/boot warmers

·         light weight, yet nutritional foods such as granola bars, nuts, etc.

·         meal replacement shakes

·         variety of homeless meal kits with juice

·         Motts mixed fruit snack bags

·         sausage & cheese sticks, pretzels, peanut butter crackers

·         individual raisins boxes, cereal & instant oatmeal pouches

·         Ziploc storage bags

 In-kind donated items were:

·         potato chips, gummy candies

·         calf and ankle socks, underwear

·         a dozen of adult sleeping bag jackets

·         hand sanitizer, masks

·         personal toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste & floss

·         hair brush/comb, shampoo & conditioners

·         deodorants, body & bar soaps, lotions

·         a small toy, stuffed animal, or coloring book & crayons for the children

·         Fire starters with matches

 Other more unique items we provided was some literature for the adults to look thru that is focused on potentially giving them ideas where they can go for help, including:

·         Helmets to Hardhats Program for Veterans

·         Vet Center resources for our Veterans

·         UPCAP services

·         Hope at the Inn Shelter Schedule and locations

·         Food Pantries

·         Community Action information

    Everyone has a unique story on how they’ve gotten to where they are in life.  We collaborated with those who want to help make a difference and would like to thank them for their monetary and or in-kind donations.  It’s because of you that this program was made possible and has a profound effect on so many people’s lives.   

 The Community Foundation for Delta County is so grateful to have received enough donations from our community to fund this project and we felt it was our responsibility to look for the best deals we could get for all of the items purchased.  Because of the many donated items received, the value of the backpacks were much higher than the $100.00/backpack that we spent.  Our first run of 120 backpacks was a huge success and we’ve had great feedback.

 Our goal is that our Delta County Homeless/Displaced Program will continue and evolve as we learn more on what we need to do to help our homeless/displaced with not only the things that will make their lives just a little better but also the information they can use to help them create a better life for themselves. 

 If you’d like to help make a difference by donating to this much-needed service, please call the Community Foundation for Delta County at 906-786-6654 or email office@cfup.org, send your donation, and write in the memo; Homeless, and mail to 2420 1st Avenue South Escanaba, MI  49829 or visit GiveDeltaCounty.org

 The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards. 

Thank You Y.E.S. Mentors!

Mrs. Tiffany Hewitt, Youth Empowering Services (Y. E. S.) Executive Director and Mr. Patrick Bradway, Y. E. S. Program Director would like to put out a huge shout out of “THANKS” to all mentors during January’s Mentor Month, especially their Y. E. S. Mentors.

At Lemmer Elementary School our Y. E. S. Mentors made “well-being” books with our Delta County Program students. It consisted of five pages and each page had a question. The questions were; my favorite thing in the world, something I do to relax, something I can do to help others, something I do that is healthy and something I am good at. One of our boys who sits with our Y.E.S mentor Holly drew this.

 This is an example of why we need the YES program:

Mr. Bradway commented, “We had a boy come into our program who was kind of having an off morning. He came in and didn’t talk at all even after we asked him a few questions. We all started playing a game together and he was with one of our Y. E. S. mentors, Jeremy, during the game. After the game we asked each kid some questions about Christmas and about school and what they liked. It got to the boy’s turn and we asked him what he liked about school, he said he didn’t like anything. We knew this was true and he was having a hard day on top of it. We pressed in a little bit and asked “you don’t like anything?” And his response was “I like Jeremy.” What a great, honest answer! Some days we don’t really like anything except the one person who has been there for us. This is another great example of why we do what we do. 

 Both Y. E. S. mentors and our Delta County Program students will continue to hold their experience dear to their hearts and carry those memories throughout their lifetime.

The Youth Empowering Services (Y. E. S.) is a local non-profit organization that provides in-school one-to-one mentoring for K-5 students in Delta County. Through community partnerships, they focus on the mental and emotional health of tier 2 students in grade schools in Delta County. The positive impact, trust and bond the Y. E. S. mentors have formed with their matched Delta County student is remarkable. 

If you’d like to learn how to become a volunteer or donate to this wonderful local non-profit program please contact the Community Foundation for Delta County 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.

Hope at the Inn Shelter Schedule and Locations Thru February 26, 2023

Hope at the Inn, a fund held by the Community Foundation for Delta County, would like to remind the public of the shelter schedule locations and dates thru February 26th, 2023.

JAN 29TH

Our Savior Lutheran Church

2401 North Lincoln Road

Escanaba, MI 49829

Coordinator: Warren Schauer

FEB 5TH

Immanuel Lutheran Church

600 South Lincoln Road

Escanaba, MI 49829

Coordinator: Robin Nast

FEB 12TH

First Presbyterian Church

819 1st Avenue South

Escanaba, MI 49829

Coordinator: Brad Bender

FEB 19TH

Central United Methodist Church

322 South Lincoln Road

Escanaba, MI 49829

Coordinator: Kerry Madalinski

FEB 26TH

All Saints Catholic Church

715 Wisconsin Avenue

Gladstone, MI 49837

Coordinator: Shannon Taylor

If you’re interested in finding out more about how you can donate to this project or other projects in your community, contact the community foundation at 906-786-6654 or email office@cfup.org  

 The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards. 

Kenneth and Patricia Gartland Family Fund Makes Annual Donations

Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, Community Foundation for Delta County Executive Director, is pleased to announce another year of annual donations given out from the Kenneth and Patricia Gartland Family Endowment Fund.  Ken & Patricia Gartland give throughout the year to various organizations, programs and projects, including several scholarships, however, once a year the Kenneth and Patricia Gartland Family Endowment Fund awards donations and is excited to announce the following organizations combined have received donations totaling $50,000.00: 

·         Bay Cliff Health Camp

·         Delta County Animal Shelter 

·         Delta County Cancer Alliance 

·         Delta County Pregnancy Services  

·         Dominican Sisters of Mary

·         Eternal World Television Network (EWTN)

·         Holy Name Friends & Alumni Support Fund 

·         Lakestate Industries 

·         Marquette Catholic Diocese – Yoopers for Seminarians

·         St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church  - parking lot project

·         St. Vincent de Paul – Escanaba – food pantry 

·         Tri-County Safe Harbor 

·         Wm. Bonifas Fine Arts Center 

·         Youth Empowering Services (Y. E. S.)

 Ken and Patricia Gartland have entrusted the Community Foundation for Delta County to follow their philanthropic wishes.

 The Community Foundation for Delta County

Ken and Patricia Gartland

Wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year.

Homeless Drive 2022 A Success

Cheryl Andzejewski, Executive Director of the CCFD and Mr. Charlie Becker, CCFDC Board Chair

Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Delta County (CFFDC) along with Mr. Charlie Becker, CFFDC Board Chair, are photographed with some of the backpacks that were handed out to Delta County homeless/displaced Veterans, men, women and children in Delta County.  Mrs. Andzejewski is pictured holding a wool and a waterproof blanket that were rolled up and attached to each of the backpacks.  Mr. Becker has his arms filled with some of the items that were enclosed in each backpack. Items included things such as nutritional lunch meals; meal replacement shakes; raisins; nuts; potato chips; juices; sausage and cheese sticks; crackers; nutri grain/health bars; Mott’s fruit snacks; cereals; along with socks, mittens; a winter hat; 40 hour large hand/boot warmers; Lakestate Industries Junior Fire Starters; hand sanitizer; toothbrush; toothpaste; floss as well as other personal care items.  Each backpack included informational sheets on local soup kitchens; food pantries, warming centers and Hope at the Inn locations and dates.  In addition, every Veteran received information on the Helmets to Hardhats Michigan program.

            On behalf of the Community Foundation for Delta County Board of Trustees and staff, we would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their compassion and thoughtfulness in giving:

·         Mr. & Mrs. Greg Yagodzinski

·         International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation

·         DTE Energy

·         U. P Whitetails Association, Inc.

·         Ms. Mary Kay Crawford

·         C & C Sales

·         Jacobs Smile Center

·         Michael J. Ballard, D. D. S., P. C.

·         Lakestate Industries

·         Tony & Connie Mayville

·         Bombas

·         Escanaba Department of Public Safety

·         Mrs. Robin Wyckoff

The Community Foundation for Delta County is continuing to except donations so that we can continue to help the homeless/displaced Veterans, men, women and children in Delta County. 

If you’re interested in finding out more about how you can donate to this project or other projects in your community, contact the community foundation at 906-786-6654 or email office@cfup.org  

 The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards. 

Hope At the Inn Receives a Special Holiday Present from Billerud Mill

Mr. Brian Peterson, Billerud Mill Manager in Escanaba stands alongside Ms. Shannon Taylor, Hope At The Inn Coordinator and Ms. Pamla Versailles, Billerud Health & Safety Director after he presented a $10,000 Billerud check to Ms. Taylor to help with the operational needs of the Hope At The Inn Program.

“Billeruds generosity in helping with the operations of the Hope At The Inn couldn’t have come at a more critical time of the year. With the cold Upper Peninsula weather, it is so important to offer a safe place out of the elements available to the homeless and displaced,” stated Ms. Taylor.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can help volunteer at one of the Hope At The Inn locations, call Ms. Taylor at UPCAP 906-217-3012 or email her at taylors@upcap.org

Below is a list of dates and locations Hope At The Inn will be operating:

DEC 25TH

Memorial United Methodist Church

1920 Lake Shore Drive

Gladstone, MI 49837

Coordinator: Lisa Myers

JAN 1ST

Memorial United Methodist Church

1920 Lake Shore Drive

Gladstone, MI 49837

Coordinator: Sue Lagina

JAN 8TH

First Lutheran Church

1212 Minneapolis Avenue

Gladstone, MI 49837

Coordinator: Tiffany Olsick

JAN 15TH

All Saints Catholic Church

715 Wisconsin Avenue

Gladstone, MI 49837

Coordinator: Tricia Bowie

JAN 22ND

Harbor Lights Church of God

612 2nd Avenue South

Escanaba, MI 49829

Coordinator: Brian Hensley

JAN 29TH

Our Savior Lutheran Church

2401 North Lincoln Road

Escanaba, MI 49829

Coordinator: Warren Schauer

FEB 5TH

Immanuel Lutheran Church

600 South Lincoln Road

Escanaba, MI 49829

Coordinator: Robin Nast

FEB 12TH

First Presbyterian Church

819 1st Avenue South

Escanaba, MI 49829

Coordinator: Brad Bender

FEB 19TH

Central United Methodist Church

322 South Lincoln Road

Escanaba, MI 49829

Coordinator: Kerry Madalinski

FEB 26TH

All Saints Catholic Church

715 Wisconsin Avenue

Gladstone, MI 49837

Coordinator: Shannon Taylor

The Hope At The Inn Fund is held by the Community Foundation for Delta County, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula.

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 visiting our web site at:

www.givedeltacounty.org

The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards.

YAC gives Grant to Escanaba High School Bands New York City Trip

Pictured Above: Mrs. Diana Clark Community Foundation for Delta County Director of Finance and Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Co-Coordinator, Assistant Director of the Escanaba High School Bands, Ms. Laura Robinson, Escanaba High School Senior Drum Major, Miss Grace Sviland and Director of Escanaba High School Bands, Mr. Robert Miller.

Community Foundation for Delta County Director of Finance and Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Co-Coordinator, Mrs. Diana Clark presents a check for $3,000.00 to the Assistant Director of the Escanaba High School Bands, Ms. Laura Robinson, Escanaba High School Senior Drum Major, Miss Grace Sviland and Director of Escanaba High School Bands, Mr. Robert Miller. The funds came from the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) October 2022 Grant Round and awarded for the Escanaba High School Bands – New York City Trip.

Ms. Robinson thanked the Youth Advisory Committee for their generosity and commented, “This grant will allow students who otherwise may not be able to attend, due to the expense, to attend this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

“We are for sure excited about our band trip to New York,” commented Miss Sviland. She continued, “We, the band members, are doing our part in being active and supporting fundraising events such as Sayklly’s Candy, Frapp’s Meat Sale and our annual Fruit Sale.”

Mr. Miller commented, “We feel privileged to have been awarded a Community Foundation for Delta County Youth Advisory Committee grant. The Escanaba Band Boosters hold monthly meetings and strategize ways to fundraise as well as participate in the process of writing letters and grant requests. We are proud of our Band Members involvement in raising funds for their trip. And look forward to going to New York and having them experience a variety of new things; seeing monuments and museums as well as the knowledge they will come back with.”

If you’re interested in finding out how you can give to this project, or how you can start a fund and give to places dear to your heart, 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.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving-YES Raffle Tickets

Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Delta County (CFFDC), an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula (CFUP), announced that the Youth Empowering Services (Y.E.S) still has 2023 Weekly Raffle Tickets available for just $50 a ticket.

             Here is a gift that can keep on giving week after week in 2023 because winning tickets stay in the drawing throughout the year.  Maybe you like the game of chance or you’re looking for a gift for the holidays, birthday, anniversary or just because he or she means so much to you, well the Youth Empowering Services (Y.E.S) Weekly Raffle ticket is a perfect gift.  The weekly drawing starts Wednesday, January 4, 2023 and the winner is determined by the Wednesday Michigan Midday Daily 3 drawing number.  The winner can select from either a $350 Old Glory Firearms gift certificate or $300 cash.  An added bonus is that on Friday, September 1, 2023 there will be a special Michigan Midday Daily 3 drawing for $500 cash celebrating the 1st Anniversary of Y. E. S.

“You can’t go wrong on purchasing a Youth Empowering Services (Y.E.S) Weekly Raffle Ticket.  Not only is it a great gift idea but you’ll also have that heartfelt good feeling of knowing you are helping so many needy children in Delta County, “ commented Mrs. Tiffany Hewitt, Y. E. S. Executive Director.

Youth Empowering Services (Y.E.S) Weekly Raffle tickets can be purchased at Rapid River Mini Mart; Edward Jones downtown Escanaba, all Riverside Auto Sales locations or by visiting the Community Foundation for Delta County 2420 1st Avenue South Escanaba or by calling 906-786-6654.

Ken Gartland Gives Gift to help with new Camp Harstad Toy Storage Shed

Mr. Ken Gartland presents a check in the amount of $17,500.00 to current President Rotary Trust, Mr. Roger Charbonneau; Board Member Rotary Trust, Mr. Brian Thorsen, Secretary Rotary Trust, Ms. Cheryl Ohman and Past President Rotary Trust, Mr. Kel Smyth, (not pictured) to help with a new Camp Harstad Toy Storage Shed.

“The Gartland Family is very generous and have helped make a difference in our community on countless occasions to numerous organizations, programs and scholarships. Therefore, it didn’t surprise me when the Gartlands’ stepped up to help Camp Harstad again,” states Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, Community Foundation for Delta County Executive Director (not pictured). She continued, “The funds used came from the Kenneth and Patricia Gartland fund held in the Community Foundation for Delta County, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula.”

Mr. & Mrs. Gartland are very supportive of our community. They always help in any way they can. Their generosity, compassion and thoughtfulness really makes a difference in the lives of Camp Harstad campers. Camp Harstad Summer Day Camp is located on beautiful Lake Michigan in Ford River and is for disabled children and young adults and runs from the beginning of early June and last for eight weeks offering disabled children and young adults experiences they may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience.

“On behalf of myself, Pat and our family, we would like to thank all involved in the running of Camp Harstad and its Summer Day Camp for disabled children and young adults. It is a wonderful program that offers experiences that the disabled campers, and workers, can carry with them for their lifetime,” states Mr. Gartland.

Escanaba Public Safety Needs Your Help

“It is the mission of the Escanaba Department of Public Safety to protect and enhance the quality of life in our community through a comprehensive program of service in both fire and law enforcement.  Public Safety is dedicated to preserving life, maintaining human rights, protecting property, advancing education, promoting individual responsibility, and community commitment,” stated Escanaba Department of Public Safety Director, Robert LaMarche.

  Lieutenant Jeff Erickson commented, “The City of Escanaba’s Department of Public Safety is currently involved in a fundraising project to reestablish a member of our K-9 Program.  The department’s narcotic detention K-9 is retiring in 2023 and due to the significant activity in our area, a replacement is needed.”

 “Narcotic sales and use are present and vigorous in our area and show no evidence of slowing down.  A K-9 is extremely beneficial, as it is often able to identify narcotics through scent that other officers may not be able to find.  The K-9 and handler will be active in our community not only addressing narcotics, but also tracking missing children and adults.  The K-9 will also be brought to public events and into schools to aid in public relations and encourage youth to interact positively with law enforcement,” commented Director LaMarche.

 Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) Detective Austin Young stated, “I have experience and knowledge of narcotics in our area and will be the new K-9 handler.  Both the K-9 and I will be on call 24 hours a day.  The biggest goal of continuing our K-9 program is to increase arrests related to narcotic misuse, decrease drug trafficking in our county, and therefore make our community safer”.   He continued, “A new narcotic trained K-9 and the training required for the handler is over $20,000.00.  To be able to work effectively together, both the K-9 and I will go through proper training at a 6-week school in Denver, Indiana.”

Mr. Ken Gartland presents a check in the amount of $2,000.00 to Escanaba Department of Public Safety Lieutenant Jeff Erickson and Escanaba Public Safety Director, Robert LaMarche to start off their K-9 fundraising efforts.

 Mr. Al Gartland, Owner of Northgate Equipment & Sales and Bay Area Pool & Spa, along with Shop Dog, Mia donated $1,000.00 to the Escanaba Public Safety K-9 fundraiser. As did his brother, Mr. Todd Gartland, Owner of the Carpet & Drapery Shoppe (not pictured) donate $1,000.00 also. They commented, “Our parents have huge caring hearts and do so much for our community.  They even went so far as to establish a Gartland Family Fund with the Community Foundation for Delta County and as a family, we discuss and make donations to many needy organizations and programs annually.  So, we wanted to, on behalf of our businesses, make a donation to the Escanaba Public Safety K-9 fundraiser as well,” stated Al and Todd.      

            “Mr. & Mrs. Gartland are very supportive of our community.  Their generosity, compassion and thoughtfulness really makes a difference in the lives of our community,” commented Director, Robert LaMarche

            Mr. Gartland stated, “On behalf of myself, Pat and our family, we would like to thank Escanaba Department of Public Safety, as well as all of the community service individuals and organizations that help protect and keep us safe.”  He continued, “It is because of you that our community and the individuals that live, work and play in it, can feel safe and have peace of mind.”

 Escanaba Department of Public Safety is asking for your help in securing a new K-9 narcotic dog.  Any and all, contributions are appreciated and can be mailed to Escanaba Public Safety ATTN: Director Robert LaMarche 1900 3rd Avenue North Escanaba, MI  49829 

 Please GIVE

You will be willing us make a positive difference in our community.

UPPER PENINSULA SUSTAINABLE FOREST & WILDLIFE FUND MAKES GRANTS (Copy)

Mr. Charlie Becker, Board Member of the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund (UPSF & W) Grants Committee, announced today the recipients of their October 2022 Grant Round. 

 Those receiving grants are:

•  Big Bay de Noc School District – Big Bay de Noc Black Bear Nature and Hiking Trail

• Delta County Non-motorized Trails – Days River Nature Trail Boardwalks

• Grand Island Township – Remove non-native plants and sustain our Forest Project

• Upper Peninsula Luge Club – To the Top! Project

 Committee Member Mr. Charlie Becker stated, “Our committee is grateful for the foresight of the former Mead Corporation for their desire to have a partnership with their employees; sportsmen and sportswomen and the youth of the Upper Peninsula.  We are proud to be a committee under the auspices of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula.”  He continued, “It is our mission to foster a better understanding of our forests and wildlife as well as assist U. P. residents, including our youth, to become more active and enjoy the outdoors as much as is possible.”

 Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula President, Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski stated, “The foundation feels privileged to hold the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund and are proud of all the good they do in the U. P.” She continued, “They truly care about the residents of the Upper Peninsula and in educating and offering healthy outdoor activities for individuals and families to enjoy.”

 Mr. Becker announced that the UPSF & W April 2023 grant round will “open” on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 and all grant application requests and requirements must be received by 3:30 P.M. (EST) on Monday, April 3, 2023 in order to be considered.

 If you are interested in finding out how you can start a fund, or make a donation, and have a positive impact making our community making it a better place to learn, play and live, please contact the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula by calling 906-789-5972 or email us at office@cfup.org

UPPER PENINSULA SUSTAINABLE FOREST & WILDLIFE FUND MAKES GRANTS

Mr. Charlie Becker, Board Member of the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund (UPSF & W) Grants Committee, announced today the recipients of their October 2022 Grant Round. 

 Those receiving grants are:

•  Big Bay de Noc School District – Big Bay de Noc Black Bear Nature and Hiking Trail

• Delta County Non-motorized Trails – Days River Nature Trail Boardwalks

• Grand Island Township – Remove non-native plants and sustain our Forest Project

• Upper Peninsula Luge Club – To the Top! Project

 Committee Member Mr. Charlie Becker stated, “Our committee is grateful for the foresight of the former Mead Corporation for their desire to have a partnership with their employees; sportsmen and sportswomen and the youth of the Upper Peninsula.  We are proud to be a committee under the auspices of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula.”  He continued, “It is our mission to foster a better understanding of our forests and wildlife as well as assist U. P. residents, including our youth, to become more active and enjoy the outdoors as much as is possible.”

 Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula President, Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski stated, “The foundation feels privileged to hold the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund and are proud of all the good they do in the U. P.” She continued, “They truly care about the residents of the Upper Peninsula and in educating and offering healthy outdoor activities for individuals and families to enjoy.”

 Mr. Becker announced that the UPSF & W April 2023 grant round will “open” on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 and all grant application requests and requirements must be received by 3:30 P.M. (EST) on Monday, April 3, 2023 in order to be considered.

 If you are interested in finding out how you can start a fund, or make a donation, and have a positive impact making our community making it a better place to learn, play and live, please contact the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula by calling 906-789-5972 or email us at office@cfup.org

CFFDC Donates Turkeys and Hams to Delta County Veterans for Thanksgiving

Mr. David Dziewior, CPO, USN (Ret), Accredited Veterans Service Officer of the Delta County Veteran Service Office commented, “I contacted the Community Foundation for Delta County and informed them of the huge increase of Delta County Veterans needing additional assistance with the upcoming holiday season”. He commented, “In no time at all, the community foundation called me back with a solution on being able to help more needy Delta County Veterans.  They said instead of supplying holiday food baskets that they would supply only turkeys and hams, the most expensive part of the meal, and would increase the number distributed to needy Delta County Veterans.”  He stated, “What a great idea!”  “Not only does the community foundation care about Veterans and our community in a whole but they come up with great solutions and put in the time and effort to takes to get things done,” continued Mr. Dziewior.

Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, Executive Director for the Community Foundation for Delta County stated, “This holiday season came with some challenges with quantity shortages of turkeys plus companies not being able to place special pre-orders as well as their uncertainty about delivery timing.  We strived to secure the quantity of turkeys and hams we wanted to distribute at an affordable price so that we could distribute over twice as many as we have in the past.  It was with a lot of persistence, hard work and some hair pulling we finally had been able to get commitments to secure the quantity needed.”   

“The Community Foundation Board of Trustees and Staff were more than happy to do the work it took to help make our Delta County Veterans upcoming holiday season a little easier. Being a Veteran myself, I can tell you that the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Staff have the upmost respect for all Veterans and truly appreciate all they have done for us and our Nation,” stated Mr. Bob VanDamme, Board Member of the Community Foundation for Delta County

Mrs. Andzejewski continued, “It’s because of the community foundation’s collaboration with the Delta County Veteran Service Office and the following organizations, donors and sponsors that we are able to give back to our needy Delta County Veterans this holiday season”.

 A special thank you to Feeding America and Meijer – for special pricing on the hams and turkeys, Thrivent - for gift cards directed by Thrivent Action Team Members; Connie Mayville; Duane & Cheryl Andzejewski and Cade Franks.  As well as donations from Amy Skorupski; Rotary  Club of Escanaba; Brian & Maureen Nelson; Highline Internet and our Legacy Platinum Sponsors:  Bay Area Pool & Spa; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; CapTrust – Mr. Scott Lowke; DTE Energy Foundation; Edward Jones Investemtns – Mr. Pat Lindow and Mr. Cory Kuchenberg; EMP; First Bank; Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Gartland; Northgate Equipment & Sales, The Carpet & Drapery Shoppe and Thrivent Northbound Group – Mr. Brian Pahnke.

 “On behalf of the Community Foundation for Delta County Board of Trustees and Staff, I’d like to wish all of our Veterans, and community, a happy, healthy, safe and enjoyable Holiday Season”, stated Mrs. Andzejewski.

YAC October 2022 Grant Winners Announced

The Community Foundation for Delta County Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) announces the recipients of their October 2022 grant round. 

The following organizations receiving grants are:

•  Youth Empowering Services (Y. E. S.) – Y. E. S. School Mentorship Program

• Delta County Sheriff Department – Shop with a Cop

• Delta County College Access Network (DCCAN) – Career Development Activities

• Esky Band Boosters – Escanaba High School Bands - New York City Trip

• Gladstone High School Baseball Boosters, Inc. – 2023 Gladstone High School Baseball Program Helmet’s and Catcher’s Gear

• Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes – Girl Scout Leadership Experience in Delta County

              Community Foundation for Delta County Executive Director, Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski stated, “The foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee is made up of a bunch of very impressive young adults that want to help make a difference.  They give up of their time to make our community and its residents a better place to learn, play and live.” 

 Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Advisors Mr. Dave Radloff and Mrs. Diana Clark jointly announced the April 2023 grant round will “open” on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 and all grant application requests and its requirements must be received by 3:30 P.M. (EST) on Monday, April 3, 2023 in order to be considered.

 If you are interested in finding out how you can help the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) continue to have a positive impact making our community a better place to learn, play and live, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654 or email at office@cfup.org

Please help Delta County Veterans have a Ham or Turkey for Thanksgiving/Christmas

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR DELTA COUNTY GRANTS FOR OCTOBER 2022

Mr. Charles Becker, Board Chair and Mr. Will Carne, Sr., Grants Committee Chair, of the Community Foundation for Delta County jointly announced the foundation’s October Grant round recipients. 

The following organizations receiving grants are:

•  Escanaba Area High School – Escanaba High School Tennis Court Project

• Youth Empowering Services (Y. E. S.) – Y. E. S. School Mentorship Launch

• MSU Escanaba Community Garden – Growing the Escanaba Community Garden

• Delta County Non-Motorized Trails – Days River Nature Trail Boardwalks

• Escanaba New Life Assembly of God – Community Center Security Camera Project

• Pregnancy Services of Delta County – Automobile Child Transportation System (ACTS) Project

• Delta County Search and Rescue Team – Ferno Advantage Basket Stretcher with Flotation Device

• Escanaba Department of Public Safety – Escanaba Public Safety K-9 Program

•  Escanaba Seventh Day Adventist Food Pantry – Food Pantry Needs

• New Harvest Church/House – Heating and Lighting for Harvest House

• Faith Lutheran Church - Faith Lutheran Church Pantry & Backpack Program

• Bethany Lutheran Church – Bethany Lutheran Free Store

• Community Action Agency – Community Action Senior Heating Program

• Salvation Army in Escanaba – Salvation Army Food Pantry

• St. Vincent de Paul in Escanaba – Food Pantry

• St. Vincent de Paul in Gladstone – Food Pantry

• Bay de Noc Community College – Bay College Food Pantry

• New Harvest Church – Food Pantry

             Community Foundation Board Chair Mr. Becker stated, “It is a privilege and honor to be part of an organization that is able to provide regular and pro-active grants to a multitude of Delta County organizations that help make our area a better place for all.  It is very rewarding to know what we do as a community foundation has such a positive impact for our residents, visitors and community in a whole.”

Grants Committee Chair, Mr. Carne, Sr. announced the April 2023 grant round will “open” on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 and all grant application requests and requirements must be received by 3:30 P.M. (EST) on Monday, April 3, 2023 in order to be considered.

            Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Delta County stated, “The community foundation is able to provide funds to these entities only through the wonderful generosity of our donors who care about the people who live, work, play and visit our beautiful community.”

            If you are interested in finding out how you can start a fund, or make a donation, and have a positive impact making our community making it a better place to learn, play and live, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654 or email at office@cfup.org

Turkeys and Hams for Delta County Veterans, Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Delta County (CFFDC) along with Mr. Charlie Becker, CFFDC Board Chair announced today that with the huge increase in needy Delta County Veterans this holiday season that they have revamped their Veteran Food Basket Distribution.

 “After communication with Mr. David Dziewior, CPO, USN (Ret), Accredited Veterans Service Officer of the Delta County Veteran Service Office, the community foundation knew that they would need to make some changes to the Veterans Thanksgiving/Christmas Food Basket distribution.  In trying to reach out and help as many needy Veterans in Delta County as possible, the Community Foundation for Delta County Board of Trustees agreed to change the distribution from food baskets to handing out only turkeys and hams to as many needy Delta County Veterans as possible,” state Mrs. Andzejewski.

 Mr. Becker commented, “When the Board of Trustees was made aware of the huge increase in Veterans needing help with their holiday meals, it was decided that we’d forgo the baskets and take on the most expensive part of the meal, the turkey and ham.  By doing that it is allowing us to serve almost twice as many needy Delta County Veterans”.

 Needy Delta County Veterans will need to show proof of Delta County residency and proof of Veteran Services in order to be able to pick up one turkey and one ham.  Distribution will be held at the at the Ruth Butler Building at the U. P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 starting at 1:00 and run until supplies run out.  You’ll be checked in and asked to stay in your vehicle, please.    

  If you’re interested in giving back and showing your appreciation to our needy Delta County Veterans, please mail in a donation to the Community Foundation for Delta County – Veterans Food at 2420 1st Avenue South Escanaba, MI  49829.

 The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards.