Gwinn Area
Community Fund

Challenge Day Activities
Receives Donation from Gwinn Fund

On March 8 & 9, and again on May 3 & 4, 2011, the acclaimed day-long Challenge Day program took place at Gwinn Middle and High School in Gwinn.  Over 400 teens and 89 adults experienced the innovative workshop, which is designed to break down barriers and promote school and community environments based in understanding, acceptance, and love.

At a Challenge Day, teenage students, teachers, school counselors, parents, and members of the community are challenged to step out of their comfort zones, open their hearts, and build connections with others. Two trained Challenge Day Leaders guided participants through a carefully-designed series of games, activities, and trust-building exercises that break down the walls of separation and create new levels of empathy and respect. 

The Challenge Day program reduces teasing and bullying, teaches tools for peaceful conflict resolution, and inspires teens and adults to work together as forces for positive change in the world.

The Gwinn Community Fund recently donated $1,400 towards the Challenge Day program.  The attached photo shows Community Fund representative, Jeanette Maki, presenting Gwinn Area Community Schools Superintendent, Michael R. Maino, with a $1,400 check in support of the Challenge Day program. 

Other donations for Challenge Day included:  John Valente - $2,000; Cleveland Cliffs Incorporated - $1,000; Marquette General Health Systems - $500; Teamsters Local #486 - $400;  Hi-Tec Building Services - $300; Gwinn United Methodist Church Youth - $240; Terri Brintlinger - $100; Bill & Gayle Tufnell - $100; Brad Arnsparger - $73; UP Children’s Coalition - $50. 

In addition to the previously mentioned donations, Challenge Day was also funded by the following grants:  Plum Creek - $2,000; Marquette County Health Department - $500; Excellence in Education - $500.

Lose the Training Wheels
2010 Bike Camp Project

Remember the feeling of freedom and pride you experienced the first time you rode a bicycle? Remember the sense of accomplishment you felt? Learning to ride a two-wheel bicycle is a rite of passage for nearly everyone, but many people with disabilities never realize this achievement. Lose the Training Wheels, Inc. (LTTW) is changing that.

LTTW uses adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program and trained staff to enable individuals with disabilities to learn to ride a two-wheel bicycle. Participants attend one 75 minute session each day for five consecutive days where they learn to ride while accompanied by a volunteer “spotter”. Over the course of the week the bikes are continually adjusted in an effort to challenge riders appropriately as they gradually discover the skill and joy of riding. Participants in the bike camp are children ages 8 and up as well as teens and adults. Success in learning to ride a bicycle is a major milestone in anyone’s life. When learning has been a struggle the accomplishment and its impact is much greater. Benefits from independent bike riding include self-esteem; peer inclusion; improved health and exercise opportunities; increased stamina, cognitive stimulation and decision making; independent transportation; and an opportunity for the entire family to participate in a fun activity. This year’s bike camp, hosted by SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee), is scheduled for the week of Monday, July 19 thru Friday, July 23, 2010 at Lakeview Arena in Marquette. Please check out our website www.losethetrainingwheelsmqt.org or call (906) 226-5160 for more details.

Grant Recipients
Go Forward

Progress Report
2009-2010

Nine (9)   New Donors

For Good.. For Ever… For Gwinn…

 

Dear Community Residents:
 
On behalf of the Gwinn Area Community Fund, we would like to express a special Thank You to our current donors for their charitable gifts in the 2009-2010 years.  As part of the larger Marquette County Community Fund we share a common concern – improving the quality of life in this area.
 
We are looking to expand our donor base of individuals, families, businesses and organizations to create permanent charitable funds that will help our region meet the challenges of changing times.  The foundation invests and administers these funds.  We then use the distributions to award grants each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this area we call “home”.
 

Charitable Giving
It is an investment in our Community’s future.  We currently have 5 funds.
These include:

Charitable giving is an important part of life.  People have worked hard to achieve their goals and to support the causes and institutions they believe in.  As someone who knows the value of giving, you want to be assured that your gifts will meet vital needs and improve the quality of your community.  
 
You want to know your gifts will achieve positive results and, of course, maximize your tax deductions.  You may want to involve your family in your giving.  You want a tasteful level of recognition – or perhaps you want anonymity.  Most of all, you want an easy and flexible way to accomplish your objectives.
 
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.. FOR GOOD, A DIFFERENCE FOREVER
by establishing a fund with us or supporting one of the current funds listed of your choice.  Please contact the Community Foundation committee members listed below if you have any questions, need additional information or would like a presentation.