Bay Area Community Foundation

Our President & CEO, Diane Mahoney, had the honor of joining Mike Redford, Erin Patrice- The Breaking Bread Village and Moira Branigan from the YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region on Delta College's PBS show - The Follow Up with Mike Redford, to discuss a few current actions we are taking to better our community now and for generations to come. (The episode aired on Tuesday and will also air this Sunday, 4/14, at 2:00 p.m. https://lnkd.in/g-FBzANC)

We're thrilled to bring you the latest updates on Give Local Bay 2024 – our annual 24-hour fundraising event dedicated to supporting nonprofits in Bay and Arenac counties. As we gear up for our milestone 10th annual Give Local Bay event on May 7th, we're proud to reflect on the incredible impact we've achieved together over the past decade. Together, we've raised over $1.1 million since 2015, with each year surpassing the last – all thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our participating organizations. With 56 local nonprofit partners participating this year, Give Local Bay continues to serve as a powerful force for uniting our community in support of vital causes. Together, we're driving positive change where it's needed most, making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. With a generous $30,000 match pool and $3,250 in incentive prizes, every donation received during Give Local Bay 2024 will be amplified, ensuring that our nonprofits have the resources they need to thrive and succeed. From incentive prize winnings to community gatherings like "Sip Sip Hooray for Give Local Bay" at Tri City Brewing Company, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and show your support. Together, we'll celebrate the spirit of giving and rally behind the causes that matter most to us. Here's How You Can Support #GiveLocalBay2024: - Go to the Give Local Bay website on Tues., May 7 to choose your favorite organization and make a donation. - Follow the Bay Area Community Founation on Facebook to see what nonprofits are participating and how to win incentive prizes. - On Tues., May 7, head over to Tri City Brewing Company, 4170 Shrestha Drive, for “Sip Sip Hooray for Give Local Bay.” From 5 to 8 p.m. that day, $1 of every drink sold goes to Give Local Bay matching pool. We're so proud of the strides we've made together through Give Local Bay, and we can't wait to see what we'll achieve this year. Join us on May 7th as we come together to make a difference in our community. Together, we can create a brighter future for all. 💪 #GiveLocalBay2024 #CommunityImpact

Celebrating 120 Years of History at the Pere Marquette Depot! Originally opened in March 1904 during a period of expansion for the Pere Marquette Railroad Company, the Depot has witnessed the passage of time and generations. After serving as a hub for the railroad, it underwent a transformation, becoming a home for the Greyhound Bus Company in the mid-20th century. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Structures in 1982. In 2003, the Great Lakes Center Foundation embarked on a journey to restore this historic landmark. With a $6.2 million investment, the Depot was meticulously revitalized, preserving its original charm while ensuring its relevance for the future. The restoration efforts brought back iconic features like the water tower, canopy and porte cochere, returning the waiting room to its original two-story design. Now, the Depot is housing the Bay Area Community Foundation on its second floor, while providing office space for the Wood Law Firm, PLLC on the lower level. The ballroom is also available to rent for parties, weddings, family reunions and more! It's not just a building; it's a hub of activity, community and progress. The Bay Area Community Foundation holds an endowment fund to ensure that this historic treasure remains a cornerstone of Bay County for generations to come. As we continue to grow this fund, we're dedicated to preserving, protecting and preparing for the future of this beloved landmark. Let's celebrate 120 years of the Pere Marquette Depot and look forward to the adventures that lie ahead!

March is Reading Month, and we're highlighting the impact literacy has on shaping young minds and building a brighter future for our community. 🌟 Our latest article dives into the work being done by the Bay Area Community Foundation and Bay-Arenac ISD to ensure every child in Bay and Arenac counties has access to high-quality books and early childhood literacy programs. With initiatives like the Imagination Library, we're making strides in enhancing family engagement, improving literacy outcomes and increasing access to reading materials for children aged birth to 5. Read the full article to see what Niki Napolitano, Friends of Imagination Library Bay and Arenac Counties, has to say about literacy in our community. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our community's children!

For nearly 40 years, the Bay Area Community Foundation has served as the link between those who care and the organizations making a difference. Together, we honor legacies, confront today's challenges and lay the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow. Yet, we don't undertake this journey alone. It's the generosity of everyday individuals who share our vision that allows us to push forward in building a community united, thriving and resilient. Thank you for making a difference! #UnitedThrivingResilient #GenerosityBeginsWithYou