The quality of life of Lapeer County residents and the general well-being of communities across the county have improved and benefited from collaboration and involvement of nonprofit organizations and agencies that support programs via donations that stem from programs they host each year.
On Saturday, Oct. 11, for instance, the Kiwanis Club of Lapeer held its annual Fantasy Forest at Rowden Park while the Lapeer Optimist Club held its Nightmare on Nepessing Halloween costume contest in downtown Lapeer. Proceeds from Fantasy Forest will help the Kiwanians raise the remaining $400,000 they need to build an inclusive playground at Rowden Park in Lapeer — a $1.2-million project that has largely been funded by local contributions, including from foundations. The Optimists support activities and programs in the greater Lapeer area that benefit youth in the community having donated more than $3.5 million to Lapeer area youth-oriented programs since its founding in 1958.
The level of generosity and involvement of organizations to support and lift up our community is extraordinary. On Oct. 3, the Lapeer-based Family Literacy Center held its 26th annual Camel Race fundraiser at the Metamora Lions Club.
On Oct. 9, the 32nd Taste of Lapeer celebration was held to raise money for Lapeer Area Citizens Against Domestic Assault (LACADA) while also showcasing the delicious food found at local restaurants and country clubs in Lapeer County.
Just a few weeks ago, the Kiwanis Club of Lapeer held its annual Rubber Duck Dash at Cramton Park while Crank4ACause hosted its annual Beaver Bash Dash that featured single track mountain bike races, a 5K and 10K cross-country run and untimed youth events. Upgrades to Oakdale Trails, thanks in part to proceeds from the Beaver Dash Bash, have included marking the trails with signs, a pavilion, changing station, a tool station, and a couple features in the DeMille Bowl, located between the boulevard and the railroad tracks, including a popular jump line, as well as purchasing winter trail grooming equipment.
In July, 39 teams participated in the 9th Annual View Lady Classic presented by McLaren Lapeer Region and hosted by the View Newspaper Group, at the Metamora Golf & Country Club — a fundraiser to raise money to support LACADA. To date, the View Lady Classic has raised more than $155,000 for LACADA — a Lapeer-based nonprofit organization that provides free and confidential support services that include crisis intervention, support groups, court accompaniment, information and referrals, emergency shelter and personal advocacy.
Local nonprofit organizations are successful at their fundraisers in the community due to the generous support of the public and business sponsorships. Those who purchase tickets and attend the numerous “fun” fundraisers help agencies that may impact their lives and those of their loved ones and friends.
We’re fortunate in Lapeer County to live in a community that steps up to make a difference when a need is identified, and nonprofit organizations and agencies are paramount to that end.