Workers for Charitable Giving at Play in Leelanau
From staff reports
Genuine Leelanau, a nonprofit charitable organization serving children and families of Leelanau County for the past 20 or so years, is hosting their annual gala, the Laundry Party, on Thursday, September 6 at the gracious Simpson home, overlooking Good Harbor Bay. The Laundry Project, GL’s most notable charitable recipient, supplies funds and laundry supplies for families who cannot afford to use a laundromat. Proceeds from the Laundry Party fill the coffers for this project’s annual budget. Tickets are available for $50 each through any GL member. Laundry Party guests will enjoy sumptuous food and drink, the opportunity to bid on two outrageously eclectic birdhouses sculpted by Dewey Blocksma, great community, and a classically fabulous Leelanau view. Party starts at 6 PM, 110 Highland Dr., off M22 behind the Good Harbor Vineyard tasting room. Guests are invited to bring a large box of diapers for the local free pantries. For more information contact GL member Sandra Carden, (231) 256-9027.
The Mission of the Genuine Leelanau Charitable Fund, which operates under the GTRCF is to provide grants for integrated arts and other projects that benefit Leelanau County children and families in need. In 15 years, the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation has worked to benefit community enrichment, cultural arts, environment, and youth and education in our region, becoming the largest grant maker in Northern Michigan and awarding an average of $2.1 million in grants annually over the last five years.
Genuine Leelanau has supported the Fresh Food Partnership, the Glen Arbor Art Association, Suttons Bay High School – NorsePix Project, the Leelanau Children’s Chorus, Random Acts of Kindness, Doula teen parenting program, Leelanau children’s center, Exposures Magazine, The Leelanau Farmer’s Market, Music in the Public Schools in Leelanau County, and of course, the Laundry Project.
Agencies can receive grants for today’s needs, while ensuring their ability to continue to provide services and deliver their mission in the future. Donors’ dollars are put to work in the community each year through current grant making of funds to such as the Suttons Bay Bingham Endowment, the Youth Services Endowment, and various scholarship funds to benefit Leelanau County students.
Donors contributing to these or any other Community Foundation Endowment Fund may be eligible to take a special Michigan Community Foundation State Tax Credit, meaning the cost to a donor to make the contribution is a small percentage of the amount of the gift.
