Altruism in Empire
Northern Michiganders with the urge to help someone in need in their community can take that altruistic step, and enjoy live music and a cold beer in the process. Tom Fordyce and his mates from Cabin Fever will perform on Sunday, Jan. 27, from 4-6 p.m., at the Empire Village Inn, as part of the Empire Area Community Emergency Fund’s (EACEF) monthly benefit concert.
The Fund, which was formed last April by musician Chris Skellenger and his nonprofit Buckets of Rain, and administered by Gerry Shiffman and the Empire Area Community Center, has raised over $4,000 in the past 10 months to financially assist local individuals or families that have fallen on hard times through no fault of their own. Each donation is made on a one-time basis through the payment of an expense such as a medical or utility bill. No cash payments are made, and the recipient remains anonymous — which Skellenger believes is a better way than dropping money in a coffee can with a photo on it at a local grocery store.
EACEF concerts, which are held on the last Sunday of the month, have taken place at venues all around Empire, including the Township Hall, the Friendly Tavern, Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate, Miser’s Hoard, Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak Shop and the Empire Area Historical Museum. Each concert typically raises between $300-500. But last month’s benefit featured a special aura of generosity — and a great musical lineup.
According to Shiffman, the EACEF’s December event at the Empire Township Hall, which was moved forward to Dec. 23 so that it wouldn’t conflict with the holidays, raised $1,011 and featured a live auction by “Mr. Empire” Dave Taghon. Several vendors and local artists donated items including Ted Gilmer who gifted one of his beautiful leather bags. Performing on stage was an all-star lineup of local musicians including Skellenger, Patrick Niemisto and New Third Coast, an ad hoc choir of Niemisto’s former music students at Glen Lake School, Emma Cook and Sue Wood, and Shiffman even took the mic to perform the Hanukkah song. The Christmas spirit of giving hung thick in the air.
“There’s no greater reward in life than providing service toward those in need in a community,” said Shiffman “It’s not about the money, it’s about the love.”
Gerry and Charol Shiffman moved to Empire from Grand Rapids in July 2010. Gerry, who retired from the building and construction field when he sold his “Master Plaster Patcher” company to employees in 2009, bought a motorhome and settled briefly at the Indigo Bluffs RV resort on M-72 before he and Charol visited Empire and found themselves instantly smitten with the quaint village, beautiful beach and inviting community. They have since built a house near Johnson Park. Gerry, who turns 56 in February, is now president and treasurer of the Empire Area Community Center and sits on the Village Council and the Empire Chamber of Commerce.“Actually, Empire found us, we didn’t find it,” Gerry laughed. “We’re in (this community) hook, line and sinker. I was born in Toronto and lived a lot of places, but I’ve never felt more at-home than I do here.”
Nominations to the Empire Area Community Emergency Fund to help someone in need must be made on behalf of an individual or family; nominees cannot apply themselves. Their identity will remain publicly anonymous. Nominations should be submitted along with a bill or bills waiting to be paid. Once a month, members of the EACEF committee will review the nominations and determine if and how funds will be dispersed. To submit, contact Gerry Shiffman at (231) 326-2509 or cell phone (616) 437-1711.