The Keweenaw Community Foundation Granting Committee and Board of Trustees recently confirmed the award of several of our scholarships. Congratulations to the following students who will be continuing their education with the support of these wonderful scholarship funds.

Ronald and Lou Ellyn Helman Scholarship

— Gabrielle Roberts – $700

— Katherine Jaszczak – $700

Alec Fisher Scholarship

Tyler LeMahieu – $1,000

The Herman Gundlach Fund: A Legacy of Giving

The Keweenaw Community Foundation and local area simply would not be what they are today were it not for Herman “Winks” Gundlach’s civic involvement and philanthropy. The Herman Gundlach Fund has been instrumental in helping the Foundation and many area non-profits achieve their missions and strengthen the community. Established in 2005 by the Keweenaw Community Foundation and the Gundlach family, the fund has supported numerous causes and organizations throughout the past 15 years. For Winks, his unwavering support of the community was nothing more than continuing the legacy of his own parents. So it is fitting that the legacy continues through the family today, who work closely with KCF to address the needs of Houghton and Keweenaw county. The organizations and initiatives that are supported are many-from care for youth and the elderly, to the environment, recreation, and so much more.

To help with COVID-19 pandemic relief in the area, the fund has made several contributions to area food banks and food security programs. These efforts have been critical in helping alleviate hunger for area residents who are facing the extraordinary challenges the COVID-19 pandemic presents. Those supported include residents from all ages and walks of life, from young students at local schools and universities to the elderly at home and in care facilities. The fund has made several rounds of investments in recent months, providing assistance to food banks, pantries, and feeding programs throughout Houghton and Keweenaw counties.

One of the most significant projects that Winks championed is the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter, named in honor of his wife. The shelter offers a safe place for victims of domestic violence and their children. Both Barbara and Winks believed in a comprehensive focus that highlight all issues that make up a community-whether that be housing, transportation, education, infrastructure, or the local environment. The fund continues to champion initiatives where those fields overlap, a recent example is the support of the Keweenaw Outdoor Recreation Coalition, which strives to improve the community through recreation and conservation.

Learn more Winks’ legacy of giving at www.hermangundlach.com

Learn more about the fund and recently supported organizations at www.keweenawcommunityfoundation.org/herman-gundlach-fund

Helping Bring the Warmth this winter season

Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly provides a critical service to area elders each year as the weather begins to cool and throughout the winter season with their Firewood Program. Last year they made 189 wood deliveries to 107 recipients, many who have wood-burning as their primary heat source.

This year they could really use your help. A wood supplier has offered an opportunity for a direct match, but to make that happen Little Brothers needs to raise $6,000 to $8,000. They are also looking for volunteers to help facilitate the program. If you are able to help in any way, please get in touch with Little Brothers by visiting houghton.littlebrothers.org or calling (906) 482-610 and asking for Debby Hart, Firewood Program Coordinator.