08/14/2026
Yesterday reminded me that the greatest impact rarely happens alone.
For as long as I can remember, I've looked for ways to help others. Whether it was volunteering, serving in my church, supporting local organizations, or simply showing up when someone needed a hand, I've always believed that even small acts of kindness matter. Recently, that belief came to life in a much bigger way.
As a member of Impact100 Little Traverse Bay, I joined 341 other women from our community who each chose to contribute $1,000/year. Together, we pooled our resources, carefully listened to the finalists, cast our votes, and awarded three $114,000 grants to local nonprofits serving Emmet and Charlevoix counties.
Watching those organizations receive their grants was incredibly moving. Not because of the dollar amount, but because it was a reminder of what's possible when people choose to come together around a common purpose.
None of us could have written a $114,000 check on our own, but together, we changed what was possible for three organizations that are making a real difference right here in Northern Michigan.
I'm especially excited for the Women's Resource Center of Northern Michigan, Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity, and the Boyne Arts Center. Congratulations to each of you on this well-deserved recognition and investment in the work you're doing for our communities.
I hope the community also supports the orgs that didn't get funded this year. They matter too.
After all of this, I couldn't help but think about next year. Our goal is to grow from 342 members to 500 members, which would allow us to award five $100,000 grants to local nonprofits. Just imagine the impact that could have across Northern Michigan.
If you're local and have ever wanted to be part of something bigger than yourself, I'd love to invite you to join me at one of our upcoming social events to see what Impact100 Little Traverse Bay is all about.