fundraiser

The Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home is in the midst of its annual fundraiser and they are hoping you will join in. This year’s event is the “Winter Friendraising Campaign”. Last year’s event raised over $15,000. Donors simply click to donate online. The campaign runs until February 28th.

Kathleen Swantek, Executive Director of Blue Water Developmental Housing, Inc. and Corporate Manager of Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home said that the home has been serving the community for close to 80 years. The home provides assisted living services for low-income seniors.

Swantek said, “Our mission is to provide services to seniors in a safe and affordable environment where individual needs and desires are always considered. We remain affordable because the community is generous with their support.”

Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home has expansion in its plans. Swantek said with the assistance of the Commission on Aging, they plan on adding two additional beds for homeless seniors.

For more information on the Winter Friendraising Campaign: https://www.sanborngratiot.org/donate/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

The 16th Annual Little Black Dress fundraiser is on the calendar for Friday, March 4th at 6:00 p.m. The event will be virtual again this year, thanks to the spike in Covid cases in the region and the danger of gathering in large groups. Participants can check in on Facebook Live to be part of the annual tradition.

The Little Black Dress event raises funds for the Betty Kearns Cancer Fund to provide support for those in cancer treatment. Last year, 25 families were helped with meeting basic needs while dealing with their cancer diagnoses.

Supporters can get involved by buying raffle tickets. Some of the items on the list this year include a Gift Card Board, Lotto Ticket Board, a Paddle Board & Yeti Cooler, and the popular “Touch a Freighter” experience. There are also trips to Sedona, Arizona and Mackinac Island and catering from Vintage House, among many others.

Sponsorship opportunities for businesses and families are available. Donations of raffle items are being accepted until February 25th.

To buy raffle tickets or to find out more about the cause, go to bluewaterlittleblackdress.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Police Departments from all over the area have worked to raise money for Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids. The non-profit provides wigs and support services for kids who are experiencing hair loss due to cancer, alopecia, blood & skin disorders, dog bites, and other medical issues.

The fundraiser is called “Pigs 4 Wigs” and took place over the month of November. Law enforcement officers put down their razors during No-Shave November and collected donations totaling over $24,000 to go to Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids.

Founder and CEO Maggie Varney said, “We love our men in blue and we want the kids to know that their donation shows they care about the people in the communities they serve.” 

Varney said Pigs 4 Wigs has been gaining momentum and the police help her organization get the word out.

Departments from Chesterfield, Clinton Township, Romeo, and several other communities participated. Organizers are encouraging more departments to get involved next year.

Founded in 2003, Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan has served over 5,000 children & families. If you know of a child in need of their services, please refer them – the organization helps everyone, charges nothing and turns no one away. You can call the Wellness Center at: 586-772-6656, visit their website: www.wigs4kids.org or follow them on social media.

Sergeant Michael Collier from the Portage Department of Public Safety would like to get more police precincts involved. He can be reached at: collierm@portagemi.gov or (269) 329-4567  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland