Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Cathy Kass-Aten, executive director of Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly in Hancock, spoke during the gala in Houghton on Friday night.

HOUGHTON — More than 100 people turned out to celebrate Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly’s 40th anniversary with a gala at Michigan Technological University Friday night.

The Upper Michigan chapter is one of seven in the United States for the organization, which is dedicated to relieving isolation and loneliness among the elderly.

“I just think it’s a wonderful opportunity to come together with our forever friends, who are elderly friends we visit with, our volunteers and our donors,” said Cathy Kass-Aten, executive director for the chapter. “We have reason to celebrate and be proud of all we’ve accomplished.”

From its beginning in Houghton County in 1982, the Upper Michigan chapter now serves five counties in the western Upper Peninsula. It has also grown from its original two programs to seven, including home visits, medical transportation, food deliveries and holiday dinners.

Mike Aten helped found the Upper Michigan branch, after the national board decided to expand in 1981. Aten had an interest in expanding Little Brothers into rural areas; he had researched areas included Appalachia, the Mississippi Delta, northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

“While areas of the Mississippi Delta and Appalachia had experienced more dire poverty, Houghton County had a high percentage of elderly people, extreme poverty and high unemployment rates,” he said.

The lack of services for elderly people and extreme winters also led to high levels of isolation.

The visiting programs and holiday celebrations were the original priority. But as they got to know the community, Little Brothers realized other huge needs. They launched medical transportation. With the help of Michigan Tech fraternity members, they also made their first firewood delivery to a person in Painesdale, beginning a program that is still in existence today.

Other milestones have included opening an office in Marquette and, in 2014, creating its own foundation.

“That’s a huge accomplishment for us, because we want Little Brothers to be here for years and years to come,” Kass-Aten said. “And the foundation will help make that happen.”

Linda and Dave Rulison, 40-year volunteers with Little Brothers, also spoke at the gala.

Linda remembered volunteering for Christmas when she was nine months’ pregnant with her oldest son. It became a tradition, incorporating more and more family; Linda’s sister and her husband moved across the street, while Dave’s father and brother also moved up.

“It became a family thing that we did in Tapiola,” she said. “And so it was a way that we really got to see our neighbors, not just across the road from us.”

During the pandemic, Linda began thinking about how to foster a new generation of volunteers as the original one ages out. Modeling volunteerism, as she did with her family, is one way.

“It still is a challenge to get enough volunteers to do everything,” she said. “I’ve got no good suggestions besides just living a volunteer life, and I guess I’ll leave the rest of the answer to you.”

Kass-Aten thanked everyone in the community who helped make the last 40 years possible.

“I don’t think Little Brothers could survive in just any community,” she said. “It really takes a special community that embraces our mission and supports what we do. And the organization found that here.”

Those interested in volunteering for LBFE may call 906-482-6944, email michigan@littlebrothers.org or visit https://houghton.littlebrothers.org.