Ways to give back to Northern Michigan nonprofits are plentiful all year long. Check out these events now through August and see how you can lend a hand in your favorite Northern Michigan towns like Traverse City, Petoskey, Harbor Springs and more.
January
Grand Traverse Area Literacy Council
Membership Drive
All Year Help share the gift of reading. Nearly 1 in 10 Michigan citizens are not at an adequate reading level for today’s world. For only $20, you can become a member for the year and help promote literacy in your Northern Michigan community. Contributions welcome, 231.922.4574, gtalc.org.
February
3 The Father Fred Foundation
Canstruction TC
February 1-9 Come watch as local do-gooders team up and create larger-than-life structures out of cans of food. Prizes awarded in several categories, but the real winners are the area’s needy, as all of the cans used in the construction will be donated to The Father Fred Foundation’s food pantry. Held at the Grand Traverse Mall. 231.947.2055, fatherfred.org/construction.
June
Michigan Legacy Art Park
Summer Kick Off: Fairies & Forts
June 21 Create your own art projects at the amphitheater, hike to the Fort for the annual flag raising, explore the Park by participating in a fun bingo game or photo scavenger hunt, interact with Art Park artists and enjoy refreshments. Boy and Girl Scouts can earn a patch on site. 231.378.4963, michlegacyartpark.org.
Lions of Michigan Service Foundation
Eye Care, Do You Charity Runs
June 28–29 Annual 5K, 8K and ½ marathon charity runs, held in conjunction with Oscoda’s annual Art on the Beach, at the Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Enjoy a scenic run on a paved course along the shoreline of beautiful Van Ettan Lake while raising money to provide eye care for needy people across Michigan. Also 1K and 5K charity walk. 517.887.6640, lmsf.net.
Glen Arbor Art Association
Manitou Music Festival
Date TBD Located in the pastoral splendor of Leelanau County, the Manitou Music Festival presents exciting and diverse concerts featuring national and regional performers of classical, jazz and folk music in idyllic outdoor and family-friendly settings. 231.334.6112, glenarborart.org.
Michigan Legacy Art Park
Legacy Gala
Date TBD This fundraising event includes local food and wine, silent auction, music and the presentation of the Legacy Award, bestowed annually to recognize those who have made a positive impact on Michigan’s arts. 231.378.4963, michlegacyartpark.org.
July
Camp Quality
Boyne Thunder Poker Run
July 11-12 Speed, excitement and smiles during this two-day boating event featuring high-performance boats slicing through the waters of Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Proceeds help the efforts of Camp Quality. 231.582.9009, boynethunder.com.
Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
Preservation Celebration
July 17 Provides an opportunity for friends and supporters of the GTRLC and others who value the natural, scenic and farm lands of our area to gather with Conservancy staff and volunteers to celebrate the ongoing success of preserving land forever. gtrlc.org
The Father Fred Foundation
Harley Owners Group Ride for Father Fred
July 19-20 Two days of motorcycle events that culminate on Sunday with the 22nd Annual Ride for Father Fred along the beautiful Old Mission Peninsula. Open to bikes of all makes—and their riders. Proceeds benefit The Father Fred Foundation’s back-to-school footwear program. 231.947.2055, fatherfred.org.
August
Peter Dougherty Society
Annual Dougherty Society Fundraiser
August 2 Come join in the fun and help raise funds to restore the historic home site and surrounding 15 acres in the village of Old Mission. When completed, the home site will become a historical and educational center with plans for heirloom orchards and gardens, reflecting farming in the late 19th century. To find out more: oldmissionhouse.org.
Little Traverse Bay Humane Society
15th Annual Howl at the Moon
August 21 Join animal-lovers for an evening of refreshments, music and mouthwatering specialties served by local restaurants. After the silent auction, the thrill of a live auction begins! Proceeds provide food, shelter and veterinary care for hundreds of homeless dogs and cats. For tickets or to donate auction items, ltbhs.com.
Leelanau Conservancy
Annual Picnic & Auction
Date TBD A celebration of love for Leelanau. Enjoy local foods, wine and music. Kids tent and live auction. 231.256.9665, leelanauconservancy.org.
Learn more about ways to get involved with the MyNorth Giving Guide
