On Mackinac Island The Season For Giving is All Year Long

In my last blog, I talked about the Mackinac Island Community’s spirit of giving with the Mackinac Island Christmas Bazaar. I had looked up the word Community and included this also- “a group sharing common characteristics or interests of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage. Many times it is perceived as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists.” Wow- what a perfect description for the Mackinac Island Community Foundation.

True to the spirit of community on Mackinac, The Mackinac Island Community Foundation’s goals offer people the opportunity to give back to improve Mackinac Island. You’ve heard the expression, “we’re on a mission” which usually means we’re determined, focused and driven to accomplish something big. This rings true big time for TheMackinac Island Community Foundation because part of their mission statement humbly states; “Recognizing the dignity and beauty of Mackinac Island, The Mackinac Island Community Foundation serves the general well-being of Island residents and visitors. Our purpose is to raise permanent endowment and special purpose funds, manage them and distribute the earnings for charitable purposes.“ And true to their word, the critical funds they generate give back in big ways for many important projects and organizations which include; Arts and Culture, Medical and Health, Conservation and Preservation, Environment, and Scholarships.

We all know that now is the “Season for Giving.” But with so many important needs for Mackinac Island residents and visitors, the need for people to give is year round. If you’re reading this, like me, you care about all things Mackinac Island, and by giving, you can be directly involved in preservingand protecting it forever. That’s a great legacy! Their Executive Director, Robin Dorman, says it best; “Our generosity can only happen because of our donors. Without you, we can’t exist, so thank you for your gifts.”

There are many great causes to give to, but by giving directly to The Mackinac Island Community Foundation, you have peace of mind knowing where your gift is going, and how it will help one or multiple projects and organizations on Mackinac Island. Plus, the gift you give today will keep on giving for years to come which is highlighted on their website which states; “Making a Difference. For Good. For Ever.” And every year, they make grants to local agencies and programs that serves Mackinac Island’s ever-changing population.

Here’s a great example. Winters are beautiful and cold on Mackinac Island and I’m sure you’ve heard of Meals on Wheels. In a Mackinac Winter, there’s a huge undertaking to get meals to our Island’s senior population and to families in need so The Mackinac Island Community Foundation has their own spin called “Meals on Snowmobiles.” With no driven wheels allowed on Mackinac to deliver meals, from January through March or April, they deliver 30- 40 meals, two times a week. That’s 60-80 meals delivered every week and all by Snowmobile!

Mackinac Island is a special, magical place and part of the unique fiber of what makes it special is the people. People who enjoy beingon the Island whether they live here or visit and everyone is considered to be family. That is what true community is all about, Charlie Brown.

Many times, when we give gifts, we wonder if our gift is appreciated or will it be forgotten over time. I guarantee you, when you give to the Mackinac Island Community Foundation, it will live on for a very long time. This year, give the gift that gives the whole year round by giving to The Mackinac Island Community Foundation.You can check out their website at http://www.micf.org/index.html and look at all of the unique areas that your gifts can help. Everything you need to know about howfunding is managed, how they operate, the people, the many opportunities and so much more. You’ll be amazed at the variety of unique areas you can give to and make a difference.

We’re all family on Mackinac Island and as a living testimony for your love of Mackinac Island and to our wonderful community please contact them through their website or call Robin Dorman at 906- 847- 3701 and discover how you can give back to help others in need. When you call Robin, tell him, I said “hi!” By giving, you’ll demonstrate what true community is all about because and remember, the season for giving is all year long.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season!

George Piliouras for The Lilac Tree Suites & Spa