Category Archives: Community News

MUSKEGON, MI – Muskegon County’s first public and freely accessible dog park will be dedicated and opened
Saturday May 12 starting at 10 a.m.

The Downtown Muskegon PetSafe Bark Park is truly a collaboration of state and corporate resources tied to grassroots
community support. The dog park with separate large and small dog areas is located between the city of Muskegon’s
Nelson and Nims neighborhoods at 973 W. Western Ave. It is on the corner of Shoreline Drive across from
Heritage Landing and the new Rotary Park.

This first year, the new Bark Park will be opened dawn to dusk through the fall and accessible in the winter as
weather allows.

The 0.7-acre Bark Park is on land owned by Muskegon County and leased for $1 a year to Downtown Muskegon
Now, which raised $110,000 for the park. DMN’s Dog Park Advisory Committee had the park designed by Muskegon
architect Andrea Riegler and constructed by Muskegon’s Port City Construction. Both gave of their time and resources
to bring the project to fruition within a limited budget.

“Andrea Riegler along with Gary Post and Kevin Donavan of Port City Construction made the park their community
project,” said Cathy Brubaker-Clarke, head of the DMN Dog Park Advisory Committee. “Their collective efforts
will provide Muskegon-area dog owners a safe and convenient place to gather with their four-legged friends.”

The park includes doggie drinking stations, secured entry areas to unleash dogs, park benches, sanitation stations,
a picnic area and a limited eight-space parking lot. The DMN Dog Park Advisory Committee hopes to add lighting, a
picnic pavilion and snow removal for year round operations in the coming years but further financial support will be
needed.

The park was funded by a $50,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. for urban placemaking
projects. Online crowd funding provided an additional $60,000. DMN will open the dog park and be the initial operator.

PetSafe – the largest U.S. manufacturer of electronic pet training products based in Knoxville, Tenn. – provided
Muskegon with a national grant in 2016 through the city of Muskegon. Another significant contribution came from
the Greater Muskegon Kennel Club along with a contribution and in-kind services from P&G Holdings/Watermark
Center. More than 100 businesses and individuals contributed to the PetSafe Bark Park.

“The downtown Bark Park provides many of the new residents in various pet-friendly housing options opening in
Downtown Muskegon with a beautiful place to gather and enjoy their dogs,” said Dave Alexander, executive director
of Downtown Muskegon Now. “In addition, anyone from the Nelson or Nims neighborhoods are within a walk of the
park.”

Finally, the Downtown Muskegon PetSafe Bark Park will remember the 30 dogs lost in a recent local kennel fire
and their families with a special memorial. A first All Dogs Go To Heaven motorcycle run Saturday May 26 will raise
funds for the Bark Park and Pound Buddies.

For more information,

Contact Dave Alexander, Downtown Muskegon Now
231-215-8827

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2018

Contact: Carly Crow
231-739-8863
carly@thegeargroup.com

Muskegon, MI – Last fall The Gear Group, a local promotional products and apparel company, launched a fundraiser campaign to give back. It’s called “Be The Good Love Wins ”. They produce and sell uniquely designed campaign apparel to raise funds and spread a positive message in the community. As of April 2018, the proceeds of these sales will be donated to Kids’ Food Basket. Best Financial Credit Union has stepped up and supported this campaign by not only purchasing co-branded campaign shirts, but they launched a monthly program for employees to continue to donate and give back.

In West Michigan, there are 49,560 children who are food insecure and in need of meals. The Gear Group, selected Kids’ Food Basket, an organization who feeds local children, as the recipient of the campaign proceeds. “We wanted to do something to give back locally,” says The Gear Group President Carly Crow, “And we couldn’t be more inspired by the way the local community and businesses like Best Financial have embraced the campaign.”

Kids’ Food Basket is empowering the community to attack childhood hunger so young people can learn and live well. Through their Sack Supper program, thousands of local children receive a nutritious evening meal each weeknight so they can be their best in school and in life. In Muskegon County, Kids’ Food Basket utilizes around 40 volunteers each day to ensure approximately 1,100 students across 4 elementary schools receive their Sack Supper each weeknight.

“Kids’ Food Basket is fully funded, supported, and driven by the love and passion of a can-do community. We couldn’t provide our programming without the support of community partners like The Gear Group and Best Financial Credit Union. We’re so grateful for their support and commitment to our community’s kids,” said Bridget Clark Whitney, Kids’ Food Basket Executive Director.

Best Financial Credit Union learned of the corporate sponsorship option through an ongoing business relationship with The Gear Group. They purchased Be The Good Love Wins apparel in bulk for their employees and opted to have the shirts co-branded with the Best Financial Credit Union logo. In addition to purchasing the shirts, they have also taken their support one step farther. “We have declared the third Thursday of every month Be The Good Love Wins day, says Best Financial Marketing Coordinator Emily Dykstra, “our staff can donate $5 on that Thursday to wear jeans and the shirt.” Best Financial then also donates the money collected to the Be The Good Love Wins campaign. “We were excited to see that the funds are currently going to the Kids’ Food Basket and can’t wait to see where funds might go in the future!” continues Emily.

“We are truly inspired by the support we have received from the community and local businesses to join us in giving back,” says The Gear Group Vice President Shan Bonjernoor, “Since we donate the proceeds from these purchases there are not funds to market the campaign so, all the support we have received from the local media and social media followers has been organic and very much appreciated.”

Additional corporate sponsors include Stan’s Bar in Spring Lake and Michigan International Speedway. The Gear Group launched Be The Good Love Wins in Fall 2017. In the past the funds raised from this campaign have went to the victims of the Las Vegas shooting and Helen Devos Childrens Hospital. Those interested in purchasing apparel, hats or bags can stop into the Gear Group or go online to www.bethegoodlovewins.com to shop apparel. There are corporate sponsorship packages, apparel items as well as an otption to just donate.

For immediate release

Muskegon Heritage Museum opening on May 10^th for the 2018 season

Museum hours:  Thursday, Friday and Saturday – 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

and open on the days the cruise ship is in port

Museum location: 561 W. Western Ave., downtown Muskegon

Admission: $5 – Adults, $2 – students (18 and under), Free – Children (5 and under).

Contact person: Anne Dake  amd@muskegonheritag.org 231-730-4003

More information: www.muskegonherigage.org and Facebook

The history of the Muskegon Area’s businesses and industries is both unique and extraordinary.  This story and the fascinating range of products made here is the focus of the Muskegon Heritage Museum.  With about 12,000 square feet of exhibit space, on three floors, the museum is opening for the 2018 season on May 10^th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.   It will be open three days per week, Thursdays – Saturdays and on all the days the cruise ships visit.

New exhibits opening this year are:

“67 years Powering Muskegon Industries – the B. C. Cobb Plant” features a scale model of the plant handcrafted by museum volunteer Dick Didrickson, a full size top of a power pole with the insulators, fuses and transformer (they are much bigger at eye level than when seen from the ground!), a lineman in full gear, and informational signs and photos. This exhibit was made possible through a grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation.  (photo attached as separate file))

“The B.C. Cobb Plant played an integral role in both Muskegon’s and Michigan’s economies during its 67 years of service along the shore of Muskegon Lake,” said Brandon Hofmeister,  president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “The Muskegon Heritage Museum is committed to showcasing and honoring the community’s proud industrial past. The Foundation is pleased to support the addition of a handcrafted Cobb Plant scale model to the museum as well as other informative displays highlighting the important work the men and women of Consumers Energy have done for 130 years and continue to carry out today.”

“Consumers Energy, its foundation, employees and retirees last year contributed over $17 million to Michigan nonprofits. The Consumers Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy, providing funds for education, community, civic and cultural development, social services, the environment, and emerging issues.”

“On – the – Water” exhibit includes commercial fishing featuring Petersen’s Fisheries of Muskegon, sport fishing, KL Outdoors kayaks, Ginman, Racine, MacBay boats, 2 Blakely outboard engines and more.

“Celery Farms” – growing celery in the rich farmland areas of the Muskegon and White Rivers as well as Ryerson and Black Creeks, is a very labor-intensive process, which is detailed in the exhibit. Featured farms include Wagenmaker’s Farm of Fremont, Bishop Celery Farm of Whitehall and Weesies Bros. Farms in Montague. Photos and items used in planting, harvesting and packing are in the exhibit. (photo attached as separate file)

“Kooiman’s Store” (6^th Street and Hackley Ave.) is a representation of the neighborhood markets that were on many corners throughout the city.  The stores sold groceries and so much more. What was your favorite penny candy?

“Celebrating 125 years – the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce” – sponsored by a grant from the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce, this exhibit is a fascinating history of the chamber’s involvement in developing Muskegon as an industrial center. Beginning with the Board of Trade in the 1890’s the Chamber has been a strong force in the development of Muskegon, past and the new development happening today.

SPECIAL SEASON EVENTS:  COMMUNUTY DAYS at the HERITAGE MUSEUM

There will be 6 FREE Community Days, one per month. Sponsored by a generous grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation the Heritage Museum is excited to have these Community Days with free admission for all.

May 12^th  “67 Years Powering Muskegon Industry” – the B. C. Cobb Plant

Consumers Energy

June 15^th  Kooiman’s Store – The Neighborhood Corner Market

July 12^th Commercial Fishing – Peterson Fisheries

August 10^th Celery Farms

September 22^nd Board of Trade, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce

125 years!

*(This community day is co-sponsored by the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber

of Commerce.)

October 13^th Raggedy Ann’s 100 year Muskegon Connection with a Raggedy Ann doll show presented by the Muskegon Sand Doller’s Doll Club. There will be several original Volland Raggedy Ann Dolls  that were made in Muskegon.

For more information visit the museum on Facebook or the website www.muskegonheritgage.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Holly Alway

May 2, 2018

231.672.4910

alwayh@mercyhealth.com

Safe Kids West Michigan Celebrates Bike to School Day on May 9

Schools Nationwide Promote Bike Safety

May 2, 2018 – (Muskegon MI) – On May 9, 2018, Safe Kids West Michigan will join Ross Park Elementary School and the League of Michigan Bicyclists to celebrate Bike to School Day at Ross Park Elementary School 121 Randall Rd, in Norton Shores . This event brings together children, parents, educators, bicyclists and law enforcement to raise awareness about bike safety.

Events planned for Bike to School Day include the Community Bicycle Safety for Law Enforcement training, hosted by the League of Michigan Bicyclists. The course will cover basic safe bicycling skills, Motor Vehicle Code, and the role of law enforcement in bicycle safety. More details and registration information are available at www.lmb.org

Bike to School Day will conclude with a Bike Rodeo to be held from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.  Students and families are encouraged to attend the event to learn and practice riding skills to help keep them safe.

Bike to School Day will be celebrated in hundreds of communities across the United States as part of National Bike Month. All events will promote biking to school as a safe and fun way to travel, while highlighting important bike safety information, like wearing a helmet.

“It’s important for bicyclists to wear properly fitted bicycle helmets every time they ride. A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a bicycle crash,” said Holly Alway, Injury Prevention Coordinator at Mercy Health Muskegon. “But many children still do not wear them. We have a simple saying, ‘Use your head. Wear a helmet.’”

More children ages 5 to 14 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries related to biking than any other sport. Bike to School Day is an important opportunity for students to learn how to safely bike to and from school.

Safe Kids West Michigan reminds families to follow these tips when biking:

• Tell your kids to ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against it. Stay to as far to the right as possible. Use appropriate hand signals and respect traffic signals. Stop at all stop signs and stoplights.
• Teach your kids to make eye contact with drivers to make sure drivers are paying attention and are going to stop before they cross the street.
• When your kids are riding at dusk, dawn or in the evening, make sure they use lights – and make sure their bikes have reflectors as well. It’s also smart to have them wear clothes and accessories that have retro-reflective materials to improve visibility to motorists.
• Actively supervise children until you’re comfortable that they are responsible to ride on their own.

For more information, contact Safe Kids West Michigan at 231.672.4910 or alwayh@mercyhealth.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Joe Bidawid
Great Lakes Surf Festival
248-227-0670
info@greatlakessurffestival.com

Muskegon, Mich. – Great Lakes Surf Festival founder Joe Bidawid is happy to announce that beginner lessons are now part of the program for the first annual Great Lakes Surf Festival, to be held on Saturday, August 18th at Pere Marquette Beach Park in Muskegon, Michigan. Hundreds of surf, SUP, and kayak lessons will be offered as part of a person’s $30 event registration pass. These beginner lessons will offer new riders the opportunity to explore these new activities through a safe and gentle process of introduction. Space is limited and these lessons are projected to book up fast. Individuals or groups can register on the event’s main website located at http://www.GreatLakesSurfFestival.com.

More about the Great Lakes Surf Festival

Muskegon’s Pere Marquette Beach will take center stage next August as it welcomes the first annual Great Lakes Surf Festival. The festival will be the first of its kind in the Great Lakes and is expected to draw thousands of Surfers, Boardheads, Artists, and Yogis. The event is the brainchild of Michigan resident Joe Bidawid. Bidawid is one of the most influential and recognizable Great Lakes Water athletes.  An accomplished waterman, Bidawid is a well-respected and accomplished Great Lakes surfer. The event is intended to provide a fun and activity-filled day for surfers of all abilities. The festival will provide the perfect place and opportunity for the novice to access numerous workshops, free lessons, and product demos. Muskegon’s Pere Marquette Beach was chosen for its central location and since it is already home to a large surfing community.

While this event promises to be a surfer’s nirvana, one of the most appealing aspects of participating in this festival will be the opportunity to camp directly on the beach, just a few steps from the water. Tent camping, at a specified section of Pere Marquette Beach, will be available for the nights of Friday, August 17th and Saturday, August 18th.

Regional retail shops are expected to participate as is a throng of major industry surf brands. Registered participants will be eligible for free product raffles, including a variety of boards, clothing, and a variety of sports-related accessories.

“Imagine a late summer day on an amazing beach, doing what you love and surrounded by so many people from all over the Great Lakes, who share the same passion. That is our goal” Says Bidawid.

Riders and visitors are encouraged to register at GreatLakesSurfFestival.com

Students successfully completing the Early College program at Muskegon Community College (MCC) will tell you their journey wasn’t easy, but boy was it worth it. Their parents, who collectively saved a whopping $550,000 on college tuition, books and fees, will agree.

To celebrate, the students and their families will participate in the “13^th Year Early College Celebration” at Muskegon Community College Overbrook Theatre on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The event will include student speakers, certificate presentation, and a time when all 43 students will appear on stage to reveal their future plans simultaneously. A reception in the lobby of the Overbrook Theater will immediately follow.

This year, the 2018 cohort of students from Fruitport, Holton, Mona Shores, Montague, Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, North Muskegon, Oakridge, Orchard View, Ravenna, Reeths-Puffer and Whitehall took courses at Muskegon Community College while extending their high school graduation by one year. The students, who started the program as high school juniors, earned an average of 61 college credits, with all 43 students being eligible for an associate’s degree. Collectively the students achieved a GPA of 3.186, completed 93.2% of the credits they attempted and will receive over $800,000 in financial aid/scholarship money for their future education.

According to Early College Dean, Lee Andrews, the students are pursuing a variety of interests including technical degrees and careers in education, health sciences, business, technology, engineering technology and many others. Andrews said every student has been accepted to a four-year university, are continuing their degree at MCC, pursuing vocational training or are beginning their work career. Transfer colleges include: Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University, Eastern Michigan University, Michigan Technological University, University of Michigan, Central Michigan University, Davenport University, Western Michigan University, Northern Michigan University, and out-of-state schools Brigham Young, University of Central Florida, and the University of Northern Arizona.

Andrews and Early College Mentor, Valarie Shelby, coached and supported the 43 students during their three years in the program. “This group of Early College students from Muskegon County worked hard. Completing this journey certainly takes a lot of determination and desire.  With an average of 61 credits, most will enter their four-year university with junior or close to junior status. Many faced financial barriers that would have made it difficult, if not impossible, to attend college. Many are the first in their families to attend and complete college. They made sacrifices to reach this milestone and dedicated themselves to their education.  I am very proud of their accomplishments!” said Andrews.

Muskegon Community College President, Dr. Dale Nesbary said, “Completing Early College gives our students an advantage in the talent development domain. With this important credential in hand, success at a transfer institution or in the workplace is that much more certain. Thank you to our brilliant students, along with their families and supporters for making Early College Muskegon County an ongoing success.”

Muskegon Area Intermediate School District Superintendent Dr. John Severson said, “We are incredibly proud of our Early College students and their accomplishments during the last three years.   Their ability to successfully complete this special program demonstrates that they are well positioned to meet the next opportunity before them.  We wish them the very best”.

According to Andrews, the program expanded in 2018 with the addition of the Accelerated Technical Institute, which now covers many areas of applied technology, especially with the addition of the Sturrus Technology Center at MCC.  Students will have the options of taking classes at their home high school, the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center, and Muskegon Community College while working toward obtaining a degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology or another STEM related field.  The Institute also has an articulated agreement with Ferris State and Western Michigan University, allowing students to easily transfer their credits to these institutions.

Early College of Muskegon County recently announced the selection of the seventh cohort of over 75 students that will begin the program this August with Early College Orientation Camp on the campus of Muskegon Community College. This fall, a total of over 175 students representing all public schools in Muskegon County will participate in the program. To learn more visit www.muskegoncc.edu/ecmc.

Names of 2018 Early College Completers:

Madison Armstrong,Whitehall

Brooke Borgman, Whitehall

Alyssa Bulson, Whitehall

Lucas Champoux, Whitehall

Kaitlyn Church, Ravenna

Alejandra Correa-Castro, Ravenna

Abby Crabtree, Fruitport

Kierra Davis, Orchard View

Morgan Defabrizio, Reeths-Puffer

Abigail Drent, Whitehall

Dominic Falzetta, Reeths-Puffer

Jacob Hollenbeck, Whitehall

Nick Hosler, Orchard View

Catherine Jenkins, Oakridge

Scott Kendra, Reeths-Puffer

Jeremy Kennedy, Orchard View

Justyce Lathrop, Oakridge

McKenna Lohman, Montague

Shelby Marotta, Reeths-Puffer

Ta’miya Massey, Orchard View

Rina McClain, Muskegon

Landon Montgomery, Montague

Breeanna Niesen, Fruitport

Hans Paulson, Muskegon

Hali Reed, Orchard View

Sarah Resterhouse, Mona Shores

Aubrey Schaeffer, Whitehall

Zoe Schultz, Mona Shores

Damaya Scott-Starr, Reeths-Puffer

Sarah Serene, Oakridge

Sydney Skiles, Mona Shores

Daisy Smith, Orchard View

Rhabecca Spicklemire, Whitehall

Breanna Stohr, Whitehall

Hudson Stoker, Fruitport

Nathan Strand, Fruitport

Alyssa Theile, Ravenna

Sydney Theile, Ravenna

Isaiah Toelle, Whitehall

Veronica Villafana-Barrientos, Oakridge

Kate Willson, Whitehall

Michaela Wright, Fruitport

Sarah Youngo, Whitehall

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Lee Andrews, Dean, Early College of Muskegon County at 231-777-0476
Dr. Dale Nesbary, MCC President at 231-777-0303
Dr. John Severson, MAISD Superintendent at 231-767-7201
Online:            www.muskegoncc.edu/ecmc

MEDIA EVENT:

Wed., May 2, 2018

Muskegon Community College Overbrook Theatre

7:00 p.m.     Celebration/Reveal Photo/Video Opportunity

8:00 p.m.     Reception – Press, Early College Completers, and Parents

MUSKEGON, MI  – The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the launch of the 2018 Emerging Leaders initiative and has selected Michele Ringelberg, CEO of ThrivePOP to represent the Muskegon Area and take part in the Emerging Leadership Program for executives of small businesses poised for growth in emerging markets. Classes have started and will be located at Michigan State University Detroit Center. 

The Small Business Administration’s Emerging Leaders initiative provides free entrepreneurship education and training for executives of small, poised-for-growth companies that are potential job creators.  This intensive executive entrepreneurship series includes nearly 100 hours of classroom time.  It also provides opportunities for small business owners to work with experienced coaches and mentors, attend workshops, and develop connections with their peers, local leaders, and the financial community.

Since its inception in 2008, the SBA’s Emerging Leaders Initiative has trained over 5,000 small business owners, creating over 6,500 jobs, generating over $300 million in new financing, and securing over $3.16 billion in government contracts. 

“Given the success of SBA’s Emerging Leaders, we have expanded the initiative to include a total of 60 locations to help growing entrepreneurs in emerging markets,” said Allen Gutierrez, associate administrator of the SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development.  “I am excited for the positive economic impact that each of this year’s Emerging Leaders participants will make when using this training to take their business to the next level.”

ThrivePOP is an innovative Digital Marketing Agency that specialized in website development and marketing services for small to medium sized businesses and is located in Muskegon, Michigan but services companies nationwide.  ThrivePOP’s specialty is build amazing websites, driving quality traffic that converts into leads for businesses. To learn more about ThrivePOP, please visit www.thrivepop.com.

Business Executives who want to join the 2018 Emerging Leaders can find locations online at www.sba.gov/emergingleaders, or by contacting your local SBA district office. 

Interested small business owners can learn more regarding eligibility, how to apply, and class schedules at the SBA’s Emerging Leaders website.

Date:  Saturday, September 29, 2018
Time:  7:30 pm
Place:  Frauenthal Theater
Tickets:  $39 – $79

Muskegon, MI  —  The Frauenthal Center and Fifth Third Bank will open the Frauenthal Center’s 2018-19 presenting season with music icon, Art Garfunkel on Saturday, September 29, 2018.  Blessed with what the New York Times described as a “beautiful countertenor,” singer Art Garfunkel has made an indelible mark on the music world as both a solo artist and half of the unrivaled Simon & Garfunkel.  He has also enjoyed a successful film career, published a book of poetry and released 12 solo albums, the most recent being SOME ENCHANTED EVENING in 2007.  In late 2017 he released an autobiography, What Is It All But Luminous: Notes From An Underground Man (Alfred A. Knopf).

Garfunkel was originally revered for his Grammy-winning, chart-topping songs and albums with partner and fellow NYC native Paul Simon.  Their greatest hits collection, which includes “Mrs. Robinson,” “Scarborough Fair,” “The Sound Of Silence,” “The Boxer” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” among others, is one of the biggest selling album ever.

Tickets are $39 – $79 and go on sale to the general public on May 1, 2018.  Tickets can be purchased at the Frauenthal Box Office via phone at 231.727.8001 or in person, open Monday – Friday from 11:00am to 5:30pm or by calling Star Tickets at 1.800.585.3737.   Tickets can also be purchased at frauenthal.org or startickets.com.

Downloadable Photo

Frauenthal Center
425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, MI  49440
frauenthal.org

(Muskegon, MI)  The community is invited to celebrate the United Way of the Lakeshore’s 100^th year of service in the Greater Muskegon Lakeshore communities. Starting as the Muskegon War Chest in 1918, it established the Community Chest to serve the families of our troops and others across our community. The past 100-year history of the local United Way has consistently embodied its current mission—uniting to inspire change and build thriving communities.  Bringing together agencies, donors, advocates, and volunteers to identify and address the most pressing area human service needs has been the hallmark of the United Way.  Workplace campaigns over the years have raised funds from individuals to be directed to local community human service programs through a rigorous review and investment grant process in order to garner the greatest community impact.  After several changes in name and structure, the original War and Community Chest has evolved into a three-county human service agency. Its territory encompasses Muskegon, Oceana and Newaygo counties, more than thirty-six hundred square miles, with a population of nearly a quarter-million.

Today, 40 percent of families in the region are in need of help to meet their basic needs. To serve these families, in 2017 United Way of the Lakeshore raised in excess of $2 million in contributions from more than 7,000 caring donors to support programs in education, income stability, and health.  The public is invited to recognize and celebrate 100 years of caring, as event participants revel in the agency ’s history through a walk across time that shares key stakeholders, agency partners, and community outcomes.  Participants will have hors d’oeuvres to nibble on, including delicious favorites from across the decades, and a cash bar. There will be a Silent Auction full of unique gifts and amazing experiences. Attendees will be delighted by live entertainment. This is an event that is truly a once in a century experience!

WHO:                   Public invited

WHAT:                 Free event to celebrate 100 years of service by the United Way of the Lakeshore

DATE:                    May 10, 2018

TIME:                    5—8 p.m.

PLACE:                  Frauenthal Center

425 West Western Ave., Suite 200

Muskegon, MI 49440

VISUALS:  Time line and artifacts by the decades; participants in period costumes – including a chance to meet historical characters resurrected for this special event; 100-year video montage; and annual report with graphs.

RSVP:                    Visit www.unitedwaylakeshore.org/100years for more information and to RSVP.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 20, 2018

CONTACT:  K.P. Pelleran, 231-332-4017 or kp@unitedwaylakeshore.org

The community is invited to celebrate the United Way of the Lakeshore’s 100th year of service in the Greater Muskegon Lakeshore communities. Starting as the Muskegon War Chest in 1918, it established the Community Chest to serve the families of our troops and others across our community. The past 100-year history of the local United Way has consistently embodied its current mission—uniting to inspire change and build thriving communities. Bringing together agencies, donors, advocates, and volunteers to identify and address the most pressing area human service needs has been the hallmark of the United Way. Workplace campaigns over the years have raised funds from individuals to be directed to local community human service programs through a rigorous review and investment grant process in order to garner the greatest community impact. After several changes in name and structure, the original War and Community Chest has evolved into a three-county human service agency. Its territory encompasses Muskegon, Oceana and Newaygo counties, more than thirty-six hundred square miles, with a population of nearly a quarter-million. Today, 40 percent of families in the region are in need of help to meet their basic needs. To serve these families, in 2017 United Way of the Lakeshore raised in excess of $2 million in contributions from more than 7,000 caring donors to support programs in education, income stability, and health. The public is invited to recognize and celebrate 100 years of caring, as event participants revel in the agency’s history through a walk across time that shares key stakeholders, agency partners, and community outcomes. Participants will have hors d’oeuvres to nibble on, including delicious favorites from across the decades, and a cash bar. There will be a Silent Auction full of unique gifts and amazing experiences. Attendees will be delighted by live entertainment. This is an event that is truly a once in a century experience!

WHO: Public invited
WHAT: Free event to celebrate 100 years of service by the United Way of the Lakeshore
DATE: May 10, 2018
TIME: 5—8 p.m.
PLACE: Frauenthal Center
425 West Western Ave., Suite 200
Muskegon, MI 49440

VISUALS: Time line and artifacts by the decades; participants in period costumes – including a chance to meet historical characters resurrected for this special event; 100-year video montage; and annual report with graphs.
RSVP: Visit www.unitedwaylakeshore.org/100years for more information and to RSVP.