The excitement was contagious when Lenawee Cares officially launched its 4th annual campaign on Wednesday, October 2. The kickoff event was sponsored by Gleaner Life Insurance Society, and held at The Adrian Armory and Event Center in downtown Adrian, hosted by Mark and Mary Murray.
Campaign Co-Chairs, Dave Herriman, President, Kemner Iott Benz, and Katie Mattison, AVP, Treasury Management Sales, First Federal Bank, stated that Lenawee Cares is program of Lenawee Community Foundation.
Paula Holtz, Chair of the Lenawee Cares Advisory Board, reported that generous donors and prudent fiscal management had resulted in great progress for Lenawee Cares. $424,000 in grants and designations is being given to nonprofits from the gifts pledged last year and paid throughout 2019.
The Lenawee Cares Advisory Board members, who serve with Herriman, Mattison, and Holtz were introduced, including: Chris Coscarelli, Foundation Ag. Services; Jacob Cooper, Kapnick Insurance; Marne Davies, Kapnick Insurance; Deb Elliott, Gleaner Life Insurance Society; Doug Gray, Gray Institute; Mark Haag, Lenawee Intermediate School District; Jim Hartley, Madison School District retiree; Khris Henson-Jones, University of Michigan and former local nonprofit executive director; Kim Langley, ProMedica; Janis Montalvo, Living in Lenawee Realty; Christopher Phillips, County National Bank; Londa Pickles, Gurdjian Insurance Group; Brent Schedeler, Brazeway, LLC; Janelle Stewart, MSU Extension/4-H; and Joe Williams, Old National Bank.
In addition to carrying out the annual, fall campaign, the Lenawee Cares Advisory Board conducts the grant-making process. Some of the organizations receiving funding include: Adrian Community Preschool, Associated Charities, Boys & Girls Club, Catherine Cobb Safe House, Community Action Agency, The Daily Bread, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, HOPE Community Center, Hospice, Housing Help, Legal Services, Neighbors of Hope, Share the Warmth, YMCA, nearly every food pantry serving Lenawee, and many more.
Herriman announced that the goal is $550,000 this year with over $100,000 already raised. He expressed optimism in attaining the goal, and more importantly, helping more people in Lenawee with basic needs, such as housing, clothing, and food.
The 2nd annual Year of Caring was also announced with attendees offered an opportunity to adopt a nonprofit by providing items that are needed or volunteering. For example, Old National Bank employees are packing Weekend Snack Sacks, while Kemner Iott Benz employees are helping at the Habitat ReStore, and Gurdjian Insurance employees are volunteering at Adrian Community Preschool each month.
Individuals or businesses with questions, comments, or an interest in participation in Lenawee Cares, are welcome to call Lenawee Community Foundation at (517) 423-1729, or contact Sue Hammersmith or Paula Trentman.
