Traverse Health Clinic makes match

Traverse Health Clinic announced that it met its Rotary Charities Challenge by raising $25,000 from the community. They also announced another $25,000 matching opportunity through a grant they received from the American Proficiency Institute.

Check out their website at Click here.

Book on Legacy Giving

Craig Wruck's 2013 book called, "Planned Giving in a Nutshell" gives the one person office practitioner a complete "nuts and bolts" (sorry) overview of gift planning in a straight forward and readable fashion. Even though it is a very detailed work one does not get overwhelmed by the details.  Very readable which is unusual of such a work.  Worth the read for folks implementing legacy giving in their organization. Love the "school book" type of format that makes complicated information very accessible.

One place to purchase this book - Click here

GT Pie Creates Endowment for Youth

From the Ticker of Traverse City Business Magazine - 19 July 2014

Grand Traverse Pie Company is celebrating its 18th birthday today (July 19), by creating an endowment: Michigan Partners Helping Michigan's Youth. Today through July 26, GT Pie is dedicating a portion of all pie sales to the fund, which provides financial support for individuals in Michigan's foster care program who aspire to continue into higher education. The goal is to raise $12,000 during this year's celebration, with all money going directly to student needs, including housing, school supplies and other expenses related to their education. In addition to the birthday celebration, GT Pie partners will be matching funds. The endowment will be celebrated each year on the company's birthday. GT Pie Co., founded in 1996 by Mike and Denise Busley, has two locations in Traverse City, and thirteen additional shops around the state and in Indiana. Permalink

Community Chest appoints new executive director

Courtesy photo Aime Merizon (right) was recently named as the new executive director of Benzie County Community Chest. She is shown here with former executive director, Dave Yarnell, who retired from the part-time position.

BEULAH – Aime Merizon recently took over for David Yarnell as executive director of the Benzie County Community Chest. Yarnell has served in the part-time position since 2007. He recently retired from the position and also as a staff member of the Manistee News Advocate and moved from Manistee to Kalamazoo.

Merizon is not a newcomer to Community Chest. She served as executive director of the organization for six months in 2007 before a short-term relocation forced her to resign the position.

"I am very pleased to have the opportunity to pick up where I left off with Community Chest," Merizon said. 

More - Click here from Grand Traverse Insider 20 July 2014 

Some News from around our region - 21 July 2014

Some of the articles that have appeared in local press around this time:

Grand Traverse Insider

Come Run with the Bear ! - Click here

By Kristine Morris
Contributing Writer

Photo courtesy Lynn Becker Kids get ready to run with “The Bear” during a previous Annual Running Bear 5K Run/Walk and Half-Mile Kids’ Run, sponsored by the Glen Arbor Women’s Club. The event is a fundraiser for local scholarships. All are invited to participate in the race this year on July 22.

Popular 5K Run/Walk is a family affair

GLEN ARBOR – The Glen Arbor Women’s Club is hosting the 8th Annual Running Bear 5K Run/Walk and Half-Mile Kids’ Run on Tuesday, July 22, and there’s a reason this event is so popular with local residents and visitors: it makes everyone feel welcome. Click above for more ....

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United Front - Click here

By Kristine Morris
Contributing Writer

Wounded Warrior Project Logo

BARC and TRAMPS team up for Wounded Warrior Project

REGION – Local promoters of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), an approved 501(c) (3) organization, are launching a campaign this summer to raise funds for wounded veterans and their families.

Two local chapters of the national Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), the Benzie Area Radio Control club (BARC) and the Traverse Area Model Pilots Society (TRAMPS), are joining together to initiate a fundraising campaign that will run through the summer and culminate in a free model airplane show to be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Thompsonville Airport.

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Leelanau Conservancy preps for Friends Picnic and Auction - Click here

By Kristine Morris - Contributing Writer

Photo by Carolyn Faught The Leelanau Conservancy’s Annual Friends Picnic and Auction provides a Kid’s Tent with crafts, Legos and other activities supervised by staff from the Leelanau Children’s Center. Kids will also be able to go on a scavenger hunt. “We love to see young families getting involved with the Conservancy as they are the future stewards of our peninsula,” said staffer Jenee Rowe.

LEELANAU – The Leelanau Conservancy’s Annual Friend’s Picnic and Auction will be held on Thursday, Aug. 7 at the Gregory Family’s enchanting “Top of the World” property northwest of Suttons Bay.

Pre-Picnic hikes and field trip will be held from 3-5 p.m., and the Picnic Dinner begins at 5 with a Social Hour featuring Leelanau wines and creative appetizers made from local products by area chefs. Silent Auction bidding will take place during this time. For more click above.

Rule of Thumb

Hank Rosso, one of the founders of the Fundraising School and "dean" of fundraising as a body of knowledge to be learned, said to me at the first conference I attended with him, "You should always contact a new prospect that you have been given within 24 hours of receipt of the name. The more personal the better."

TC Patriot Game to Benefit Vets

From TC Ticker - link below July 3, 2014

Proceeds from the Traverse City Patriot Game – the annual football clash between the Central Trojans and West Titans on September 12 – will once again benefit Reining Liberty Ranch, a program that helps returning northern Michigan veterans. Reining Liberty received more than $13,000 last year and used the money to purchase a new horse, build shelters and piloted an eight-week veterans program. The group was selected by Student Senate leaders from both Central and West. "The students were very impressed with how the ranch used last year's money," says West football coach Tim Wooer. "But they felt another boost from this year's event will help veterans dealing with PTSD and other trauma through new support programs." T-shirts will be sold and donations accepted to raise money. A portion of the funds will also go toward an eventual permanent veterans memorial at Thirlby Field. More info about the game and fundraising efforts is available by contacting the athletic departments at either school. Permalink