Frankenmuth Community Foundation

Grant Approved for Frankenmuth Clay Target Club

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:53:54 GMT

FCF Supports a new club in town...

In the inaugural season, the Frankenmuth Clay Target Club had 25 kids participate. For the majority of kids participating in this program, this is the ONLY extra-curricular activity they are doing - so it's fitting a need that was out there and offering kids a unique alternative to traditional sports and arts activities.

This Club is available for the Frankenmuth School District, home-school students and students from surrounding communities whos schools do not offer this program.

Nationwide, more than 90% of the kids who try this activity stay with it through the end of high school.

The adult instructors are all passionate about this activity and extremely safety conscious.

Frankenmuth Community Foundation is proud to help get this program established in Frankenmuth.

2026 Legacy Ball Partner Announced

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:50:19 GMT

Frankenmuth Community Foundation Announces 2026 Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby Partner

The Frankenmuth Community Foundation is pleased to announce that the Frankenmuth Women’s Club (FWC) has been selected as the partner organization for the 2026 Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby. Each year, the Foundation invites local nonprofits undertaking major community projects to apply for support through this signature fundraising event. Last year, the Foundation raised more than $63,000 for the Frankenmuth Little Angles Foundation. Previous Legacy Ball partnerships have supported the Lions Club Biergarten, the Willkommen Sign replacement, the Frankenmuth Historical Association’s renovation and expansion, and the establishment of the Frankenmuth Ice Rink.

For 2026, the Foundation and FWC will work together to raise funds to replace the aging roof of the Palmer Schau Platz bandshell. A beloved Frankenmuth landmark for more than three decades, the Palmer Schau Platz hosts the community’s cherished Concerts in the Park, drawing over 45,000 attendees each summer. The venue also serves as an important gathering space for school programs, graduations, and community celebrations.

The current roof has begun to fail, causing leaks and structural concerns that require immediate repair. The FWC has stepped forward to lead this critical preservation effort, demonstrating their longstanding dedication to Frankenmuth. Restoring the bandshell will help ensure that this treasured asset continues to enhance quality of life, draw visitors, and support the traditions that make Frankenmuth thrive.

All funds raised through the 2026 Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby will directly support the roof replacement project. Businesses can expect sponsorship information to arrive by mail in January, and individual event tickets will be available on the Frankenmuth Community Foundation website at the end of March.

The 2026 Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby will take place on Saturday, April 25 , at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, with cocktail hour beginning at 4:30 PM . The community is invited to enjoy an evening of fellowship, fine dining, dachshund derby races, and spirited fun—all in support of preserving the Palmer Schau Platz for generations to come.

For more information, please visit: www.frankenmuthfoundation.org.

Christmas Card Deliveries

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:48:07 GMT

YAC Brightens the Holidays

The Frankenmuth Community Foundation's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) recently distributed 85 hand-made Christmas cards to elderly residents in group homes in Frankenmuth. This was a thoughtful and heartfelt gesture by the kids, meant to bring Holiday cheer to those who may not get out much or have anyone to visit them at Christmas.

2025 Legacy Ball Check Presentation

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 21:14:41 GMT

Frankenmuth Community Foundation Legacy Ball Committee Presents $63,886.13 to Frankenmuth Little Angels

The Frankenmuth Community Foundation's Legacy Ball Committee recently presented a check for $63,886.13 to the Frankenmuth Little Angels Foundation. The funds were raised at the 2025 Legacy Ball, an annual event supporting local nonprofit initiatives.

Frankenmuth Little Angels provides financial assistance and compassionate support to families who have experienced the loss of a minor child. The Foundation was selected as this year’s Legacy Ball beneficiary through a competitive application process.

Each year, the Legacy Ball Committee partners with one local organization working on a major community project and awards them all proceeds from the event. Over the past five years, the Legacy Ball has raised more than $292,000 for projects such as the Frankenmuth City Beautification Committee’s Willkommen sign, the Frankenmuth Lions Club Biergarten, the Frankenmuth Historical Association’s museum renovation and expansion, and the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce's Ice Rink.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Legacy Ball partner. Interested organizations can apply at [insert application link]. The next Frankenmuth Community Foundation Legacy Ball will be held on April 25, 2026.

Pictured from L to R: Frankenmuth Community Foundation Executive Director Jon Webb, Legacy Ball Chair Anne Webb, Legacy Ball committee members Kristi Krafft-Bellsky & Melissa Rau, Little Angels board members Sarah Opperman, Ken Horn, Chris Opperman, and Joelle Abke, and Legacy Ball committee member Bethany Burnett. Committee members not pictured include Danielle and John Daugherty, Dave Bellsky, Marnie Higgins, Jeanna Rogner, Mary Szagesh, and Trisha Way.

Frankenmuth Little Angels is currently seeking additional board members. Those interested can contact Sarah Opperman at oppermansao@yahoo.com .

2024 Legacy Ball Recap

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 20:18:06 GMT

2024 Legacy Ball Recap

Proceeds from the 2024 Legacy Ball went to our partner of the year- Frankenmuth City Beautification Committee to go toward replacing the Willkommen sign along the Cass River. the sign also gets changed to Peace on Earth during the Christmas season. The sign was in major disrepair and is expected to be replace with the new sign in 2025.

2024 Legacy Ball to Partner with Frankenmuth City Beautification

director@frankenmuthfoundation.org (Jonathan Webb) — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:34:03 GMT

The Frankenmuth Community Foundation is excited to announce their partner organization for the 2024 Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby is the Frankenmuth City Beautification. Each year, the Foundation accepts applications from local organizations engaging in a major project who are seeking help in raising funds. Last year, the Foundation raised over $71,000 for the Frankenmuth Lions Club to complete their new patio Biergarten outside the Lion Haus in Heritage Park. In previous years, other recipients have been the Frankenmuth Historical Association for their renovation and expansion project and the Frankenmuth Visitors Center to bring the Frankenmuth Ice Rink to town.

This year, the Frankenmuth Community Foundation and the Frankenmuth City Beautification are excited to collaborate on this event to benefit the Frankenmuth City Beautification Committee’s project of replacing and upgrading the iconic “Willkommen” sign on the south bank of the Cass River, near the Main Street Bridge.

2023 Scholarship Winners

director@frankenmuthfoundation.org (Jonathan Webb) — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 17:27:41 GMT

Congrats class of 2023

These local High School seniors have been awarded the following scholarships held at the Frankenmuth Community Foundation.

We wish you continued success and blessings!

2023 Successful Legacy Ball to Support Frankenmuth Lions Club Biergarten Project

director@frankenmuthfoundation.org (Jonathan Webb) — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 12:13:35 GMT

The Frankenmuth Community Foundation’s Legacy Ball committee presented the check to our 2023 Legacy Ball Partner Organization, the Frankenmuth Lions Club, on Tuesday June 13th in the amount of $71,438.02. The Lions Club did an outstanding job working with the Legacy Ball Committee and will be using the funds to complete their new patio Biergarten outside the Lion Haus in Heritage Park. They will be commencing the project this summer and hope to have it complete by fall 2023.

Organizations interested in being the 2024 Legacy Ball partner can get an application online at the FCF’s website:

www.FrankenmuthFoundation.org . Applications will be accepted now through November 15th.

2023 Legacy Ball to Partner with Frankenmuth Lions Club

director@frankenmuthfoundation.org (Jonathan Webb) — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 15:59:21 GMT

The Frankenmuth Community Foundation is excited to announce their partner organization for the 2023 Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby is the Frankenmuth Lions Club. Each year, the Foundation accepts applications from local organizations engaging in a major project who are seeking help in raising funds. Last year, the Foundation raised over $58,000 for the Frankenmuth Historical Association’s renovation and expansion project. The previous year, the Foundation raised money to help bring the Frankenmuth Ice Rink to town.

This year, the Foundation will work with the 74 member Lions Club to create an outdoor “Biergarten.” This unique, German themed social gathering place will be a great area for residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of Heritage Park and the Cass River in sun or shade, while socializing with friends, old and new. The beautifully designed feature will be located on the east side of the Lions Haus.

“We are excited to work with the Frankenmuth Lions Club on this unique project,” stated Anne Webb, 2023 Legacy Ball Chairperson. “The Biergarten will be a great social gathering place, adding an authentic German feature to Heritage Park. Anytime the Lions Haus is not rented, the Biergarten will be accessible year-round for residents to use as a picnic spot or just to relax when visiting the park.” Tentative construction plans are for the patio to be installed in the summer of 2023, ready to use by Auto Fest. The trellis and final details will come in the spring of 2024. For information or to rent the Lions Haus for your next gathering, please contact FrankenmuthLions@gmail.com.

Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby committee members who will be working with the Frankenmuth Lions Club on this year’s event include Chairperson Anne Webb, FCF Board member Bethany Burnett, Legacy Ball founder Victoria DeGrace, with Wayne Cormier, Dave Bellsky, Kristi KrafftBellsky, Trisha Way, John Daugharty, Danielle Daugharty, Melissa Rau and FCF staff members Jonathan Webb and Ashley Hopp. The 2023 event will be held at Bavarian Inn Restaurant on April 29th. Sponsorship packets have been mailed to local businesses.

FCF Seeks 2023 Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby Partner Following Successful 2022 Event

director@frankenmuthfoundation.org (Jonathan Webb) — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 01:39:42 GMT

For more than a decade, the Frankenmuth Community Foundation has been raising money to make Frankenmuth a better place to work, live and play through its annual Legacy Ball. The 2022 Legacy Ball was no exception, raising $58,138.44 for the Frankenmuth Historical Association’s museum renovation and expansion project.

The Legacy Ball has evolved over the years into what has now been dubbed the Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby. “Making the event more interactive has been widely successful,” says Legacy Ball Committee Chair, Anne Webb. “The Community Foundation was able to choose a new path and target a specific

project to raise funds for, a project that would be beneficial and impact the community in a big way.”

For the 2022 event, the Foundation chose the Frankenmuth Historical Association as a partner. Their gallery construction and renovation will begin in early 2023 with a scheduled completion date of 2024 and will include new galleries highlighting World War II, Beer & Brewing, Becoming Little Bavaria,

Festivals & Traditions and Continued Community. On Tuesday, October 4, the Legacy Ball Committee, and the FHA staff gathered for a check presentation at the museum’s Fischer Hall.

Now, the Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby Committee turns their focus to 2023 as they seek a partner for next year’s event.

“Our goal is to raise $20,000 or more for a deserving local organization that is engaged in a major project designed to improve the lives of Frankenmuth citizens,” noted Frankenmuth Community Foundation Executive Director Jonathan Webb. “We are looking to partner with another great local non-profit to help make their dream project come true. All proceeds from the 2023 Dachshund Derby will go directly to the selected partnering organization’s project that strives to improve recreation, education, leadership, economic growth or community good within Frankenmuth."

The 2023 Annual Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby is set for Saturday, April 30, at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth.

Groups who have a project that would strengthen the Frankenmuth community but need a jumpstart to the funding and want a great way to spread the news of the project should apply as a Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby partnering organization for 2023. The application window will open November 1 and

run through November 30, 2022. To apply, simply go to the Frankenmuth Community Foundation’s website and click on the Legacy Ball Partner Application link under the “Apply for Funding” tab.

“We are excited to partner with another terrific group. The winning partner for 2023 will be notified after December 15, 2022,” stated Webb. For more information, email frankenmuthcommunityfoundation@gmail.com or fill out the application on the website, www.frankenmuthfoundation.org beginning November 1.

Frankenmuth Community Foundation seeks partner for 2023 Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby

director@frankenmuthfoundation.org (Jonathan Webb) — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 13:25:56 GMT

Application opens November 1, 2022 and closes November 30, 2022

The Frankenmuth Community Foundation Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby is a fundraising event that celebrates fellowship, fine dining, fancy hats and fun. Our goal is to raise $20,000 or more for a deserving local organization that is engaged in a major project designed to improve the lives of Frankenmuth's citizens. This past April, the 2nd Annual Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby was a resounding success, as we far surpassed the $20,000 goal as we collaborated with the Frankenmuth Historical Association to support the construction of new museum galleries which will reflect Frankenmuth's recent history, from 1995 to the present.

We are looking to partner with another great organization in 2023 to help them bring their dream project to fruition. All proceeds from the 2023 Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby, to be held April 29, 2023 at Bavarian Inn Restaurant, will go directly to the selected partnering organization's project. For more information or questions about partnering please email us at FrankenmuthCommunityFoundation@gmail.com.

2022 Scholarship Winners

director@frankenmuthfoundation.org (Jonathan Webb) — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 14:07:16 GMT

Congrats class of 2022

These local High School seniors have been awarded the following scholarships held at the Frankenmuth Community Foundation.

We wish you continued success and blessings!

2022 Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby to Partner with Frankenmuth Historical Association

director@frankenmuthfoundation.org (Jonathan Webb) — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 16:29:29 GMT

The Frankenmuth Community Foundation is excited to announce their partner organization for the 2022 Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby is the Frankenmuth Historical Association. Each year, the Foundation accepts applications from local organizations engaging in a major project who are seeking help in raising funds. Last year, the first time this concept was tried, was a great success as the Foundation raised nearly $45,000 to help the Chamber of Commerce bring the Frankenmuth Ice Rink to town.

This year, the Foundation will help our local history organization better tell the fascinating story of Frankenmuth’s founding and evolution into one of Michigan’s most visited destinations. In 1995, in honor of the community’s 150 ^th Anniversary, the Frankenmuth Historical Association, located on Main St., built a seven-gallery museum of Frankenmuth history. With the help of the Frankenmuth Community Foundation’s 2022 Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby, the FHA’s new project will update these galleries to reflect the last 26+ years of our rapidly changing town and to revamp technological features the galleries currently lack. Part of the update includes reduction of the current gift shop space to accommodate a new 8 ^th gallery.

A timetable for the project includes a design phase starting in the summer of 2022. Once an artist rendering is completed, planning will commence to determine what information and artifacts will go in the new space, and further fundraising will be sought for the project. If all goes according to plan, actual fabrication will begin in 2023, with a grand opening in late 2023 or early 2024.

Zentx Media Group, out of Freeland, Michigan will be doing the exhibit construction. Further collaboration will include local individuals, civic groups, and businesses that will aid in ideas, artifact and information collection, and construction, electric, and video creation for the project. FHA Director Heidi Chapman said, “The FHA feels that working directly with our community for the creation of this project is incredibly important, considering these are the people who actually lived through the history being shared with the public. This is the perfect way to "preserve, communicate, and celebrate" Frankenmuth's history for generations to come.”

Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby committee members who will be working with the FHA on this year’s event include Chairperson Anne Webb, FCF board

member Bethany Burnett, Legacy Ball founder Victoria DeGrace, Wayne Cormier, Joelle Abke, Kristi Krafft-Bellsky, Dave Bellsky, Danielle Daugharty, John Daugharty, and FCF staff members Jonathan Webb and Ashley Hopp. The 2022 event will be held at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth on April 30 ^th . Sponsorship packets have been mailed to local businesses.

Frankenmuth Community Foundation seeks 2022 partner following ice rink support

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 18:14:46 GMT

FCF seeks 2022 partner following ice rink support

Members of the Frankenmuth Community Foundation's Legacy Ball Dachshund Derby Committee presented a check in the amount of $44,365.44 to the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce for their new Frankenmuth Ice Rink, currently being installed downtown in Zehnder Park. Pictured L to R; Caleb Snook (Chamber), Jamie Furbush (Chamber CEO), Jon Webb (FCF Executive Director), Anne Webb (Legacy Ball Committee Chair), Kaylie Schluckebier (Chamber), Kristi Krafft-Bellsky (Legacy Ball Committee Treasurer), and Ashley Hopp (FCF PR & Marketing). The Frankenmuth Community Foundation looks forward to identifying another worthy local organization and project to partner with for their 2022 event - See below.

2021 Scholarship Winners

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 18:58:39 GMT

Congrats class of 2021

These local High School seniors have been awarded the following scholarships held at the Frankenmuth Community Foundation.

We wish you continued success and blessings!

Setting Up a Scholarship

director@frankenmuthfoundation.org (Jonathan Webb) — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 18:01:36 GMT

Spaulding Family Creates Philanthropic Legacy Through Frankenmuth Community Foundation

When Keith Spaulding, a lifelong Frankenmuth resident, beloved teacher and performing arts instructor passed-away recently, his family wanted to keep his memory alive in a way that would positively impact others. “We wanted to honor our father’s legacy and commitment not only to the Frankenmuth community but specifically to the Frankenmuth School District,” explained Emily Spaulding, daughter of the late Keith Spaulding. The day after his passing, the Spaulding family contacted Jonathan Webb, Executive Director of the Frankenmuth Community Foundation to learn about their options for setting up a scholarship. “Jonathan worked with us to explain the process clearly and to immediately set up the scholarship so that we were able to accept donations online and via mail the very next day” stated Spaulding. “The Foundation made my family feel confident that the Keith Spaulding Memorial Fund will be well managed and safeguarded.”

“Setting up a scholarship fund is a very simple process,” added Webb. “We are here to work with you and for you and will make the experience easy and comfortable. We help the family customize all the details of the scholarship, so it meets their exact desires and goals. It is truly a great way to honor and remember a loved one that has impacted your life whole also helping future students achieve their dreams. The memory of your loved one can live on and give forever through this scholarship.”

The Frankenmuth Community Foundation exists to receive gifts, donations, and bequests, which provide the source for grants and scholarships distributed to make Frankenmuth a better place to live, work and play.

The Frankenmuth Community Foundation makes donating simple through its online donation portal. If you would like to support one of the more than 80 funds held at the Foundation, simply visit their website at www.FrankenmuthFoundation.org. Or look for their Annual Appeal letter being mailed to Frankenmuth residents this week.

For information and questions on starting a fund or scholarship please contact Jonathan Webb at 989-274-1013 or email director@frankenmuthfoundation.org.

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2020 Scholarship Winners

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 16:59:30 GMT

Congrats class of 2020

These Frankenmuth High School seniors have been awarded the following scholarships held at the Frankenmuth Community Foundation.

We wish you continued success and blessings!

$25,000 Pledge by Frankenmuth Community Foundation in response to COVID-19

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 18:20:42 GMT

The Frankenmuth Community Foundation has announced an initial pledge of $25,000 designated for the Frankenmuth Emergency Task Force Relief Fund to aid them in assisting community members struggling with unmet needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Foundation's Board of Governors, under the leadership of Chairman Joe Cramer, met last week to identify the Foundation's role in this COVID-19 crisis. The Board recognized the opportunity to make a difference in the community and agreed to pledge $25,000. "The Frankenmuth Community Foundation's willingness to take a leadership role and to collaborate with the Task Force already in place should enable us to meet a variety of challenges and help citizens of Frankenmuth weather this storm" stated Jonathan T. Webb, Executive Director of the Foundation. "Further plans are being discussed should more resources or funding be required. I'm extremely proud to work with this generous group and to represent the Frankenmuth Community Foundation in this time of crisis."

If you, or someone you know may be in need of assistance, please reach out to the Frankenmuth Emergency Relief Task Force at 989.652.3341.

A special fund has been set up through the Frankenmuth Community Foundation for individuals & businesses to donate to help this cause. If you'd like to donate to the Frankenmuth Emergency Task Force Relief Fund, please click Donate Now on the top of frankenmuthfoundation.org and select the fund from the list.

Since the Frankenmuth Community Foundation's inception in 1976, more than $6.6 million has been distributed to groups and programs working to enhance the quality of life in Frankenmuth. These goo works are made possible thanks to the generous donations, gifts and bequests from individuals and businesses across Frankenmuth.

--For more information, visit frankenmuthfoundation.org.

2020 Legacy Ball

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 15:57:45 GMT

The 2020 Legacy Ball is set for May 2, 2020 at Zehnder's of Frankenmuth

Please save the date for May 2, 2020 at Zehnder's of Frankenmuth for a Kentucky Derby Party

2019 Scholarship Winners

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 20:27:07 GMT

Congrats class of 2019

These Frankenmuth High School seniors have been awarded the following scholarships held at the Frankenmuth Community Foundation.

We wish you continued success and blessings!

Community Bulletin

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 19:54:02 GMT

Thank you for supporting our community!

With a new season of giving fast approaching, the Frankenmuth Community Foundation would like to thank you for supporting our community in 2019. Because of generous gifts from donors we were able to award grants and support many relevant and meaningful projects to make Frankenmuth and the surrounding area a better place to work, live, and play.

Our 2019 grants included:

Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce to educate employees, residents and volunteers about Frankenmuth in a web-based certification learning program

Frankenmuth Farmers Market “Power of Produce” Program to provide community children fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms and to provide education pertaining to local food sources and healthy eating habits

Bronner Performing Arts Center for wireless headsets to improve communication throughout the facility especially in case of an emergency

WAI-IAM Program, an interactive presentation designed to educate Frankenmuth High School students and their parents on the dangers of opioid addiction.

Frankenmuth DDA’s “Frankenmuth River Walk”

Please continue to make Frankenmuth a wonderful place to live by generously giving a 2019 year-end gift to the Frankenmuth Community Foundation. Donations can be made by mailing a check to:

Frankenmuth Community Foundation

PO Box 386

Frankenmuth, MI 48734

or give online at www.frankenmuthfoundation.org. There are over 70 different funds you can donate to so please specify where you would like your gift to help most. If you are 70 ½ years old or older, you may gift part of your Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA directly to the Foundation and at the same time avoid paying income taxes on this distribution.

Thank you for being an indispensable partner in the mission of the Frankenmuth Community Foundation!

Lamarr Woodley to headline 2019 Legacy Ball

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 17:01:27 GMT

Local Football Legend and Philanthropist at Legacy Ball

YAC Focuses on giving back to the community

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 17:00:13 GMT

Home is where their hearts are.

And that’s why Frankenmuth Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is such a perfect fit for Olivia Perrou, Erich Laux and Halia Andrews.

“These kids love their hometown and have learned firsthand the importance of philanthropy and how they, as individuals and collectively, can make a difference in their community. That’s exactly what YAC is all about,” said Jonathan Webb, executive director of the Frankenmuth Community Foundation.

YAC is a Foundation program designed to encourage young people to become more involved in philanthropy and volunteerism. The group’s 15 Frankenmuth High School students meet monthly during the school year to review grant proposals submitted by students and educators that would benefit local youth.

Then YAC determines where the available money from the Frankenmuth Youth Advisory Council Endowment fund will be best used. The Frankenmuth Community Foundation’s Board of Governors has final approval of all grant distributions.

Youth Advisory Council members are chosen as incoming freshmen based on applications they submit as eighth-graders. Now Frankenmuth High School seniors, Perrou, Laux and Andrews have each served in YAC for four years.

The students have funded a variety of projects including grants for the Frankenmuth schools, special programming, and James E. Wickson District Library.

“I’ve learned from YAC the value of putting in time in the community, to not only help others but to widen and advance my view on the world,” said Perrou, 17, who serves as YAC president. “I don’t think I will ever stop helping others.”

Perrou plans to attend Calvin College to study nursing in hopes of eventually becoming a traveling nurse. Her favorite experience with YAC was a grant that provided busing so List Elementary School fourth-graders could read with residents at Independence Village of Frankenmuth.

“Two totally different generations were able to connect, and it was very rewarding to have a small part in making that happen,” Perrou said.

Laux, YAC’s treasurer for two years, plans to attend the University of Southern California to pursue degrees in mechanical engineering and German. His favorite YAC grant was for FHS robotics equipment because he could see how it helped get students involved and excited about research.

“No matter the scale of what we do, YAC always has a positive impact on our community and those in it,” said Laux, 18.

Andrews, 17, said her years volunteering with YAC taught her the importance of giving back to her community whether that was through Christmas caroling, planting trees for Earth Day or approving grants throughout the year.

Her favorite grant was approving funds for the Frankenmuth High School Seagles Robotics team.

“They were in need of camera equipment, which I was able to test firsthand during my freshman year. I really enjoyed seeing our grant’s effects and the benefit it brought to the students involved,” said Andrews, who plans to pursue biomedical engineering after graduation.

“YAC also strengthened my leadership and communication skills by working together with the group in each decision and activity,” she said.

Bonnie VanVoorhees, FCF board member and new YAC advisor, loves working with the youth group.

“This is my first year working with the YAC group as their advisor, and I am continually amazed at their leadership and community spirit,” VanVoorhees said.

The Frankenmuth Community Foundation is currently conducting its Annual Appeal, called “Giving 150% to Our Community”. From now through Jan. 15, 2019, every dollar donated by individuals (non-corporate) to one of its Endowed Funds or Scholarship Funds will receive an additional 50% matching donation from the Frankenmuth Community Foundation, up to a maximum donation match of $5,000, Webb said.

For more information on funds and online donations visit www.frankenmuthfoundation.org, or simply mail your donation to Frankenmuth Community Foundation, P.O. Box 386, Frankenmuth, MI 48734. Be sure to specify which fund(s) you would like to support with your donation.

2018 Legacy Ball a big hit

Sun, 15 Apr 2018 17:03:00 GMT

Even icy roads on Saturday couldn’t stop Nicole Curtis and 265 guests from enjoying a wonderful evening at the Frankenmuth Community Foundation’s Legacy Ball.

April 15, 2018 -- Even icy roads on Saturday couldn’t stop Nicole Curtis and 265 guests from enjoying a wonderful evening at the Frankenmuth Community Foundation’s Legacy Ball.

Curtis, star of HGTV/DIY Network’s “Rehab Addict,” was the gala’s keynote speaker. Curtis made the drive from Detroit to Frankenmuth despite a horrific ice storm that prompted road closings and power outages across Michigan.

“We were so nervous the nasty weather was going to put a damper on our evening. But most of our guests still made it to the event - and what an event it was,” said Legacy Ball Committee Chair Kristi Krafft-Bellsky.

Curtis is famous in the do-it-yourself world for restoring vintage homes to their past glory. The Michigan native was a big hit among attendees. Curtis and her guest enjoyed themselves so much that they visited Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie in downtown Frankenmuth afterward with several Legacy Ball Committee members.

The evening at Zehnder’s included a gourmet meal, entertainment by Empty Canvas, and a wide variety of live and silent auction items.

“Our local businesses donated some quality items that helped our live and silent auctions bring in some big bucks,” Krafft-Bellsky said. “Dietrich Bronner, Wayne Cormier and Bob Zehnder get an extra special thank-you for donating not one, but TWO Chef Challenge experiences that raised $10,000 for the Foundation.”

Individuals and businesses in Frankenmuth and across the Great Lakes Bay Region were extremely generous in this year’s financial support of the Legacy Ball, said Jonathan T. Webb, the Foundation’s executive director.

“We couldn’t have done it without all of our sponsors, particularly My Member Insurance Agency, Frankenmuth Insurance and Tri-Star Trust Bank,” Webb said.

The evening also included a tribute to Stephen C. List, who retired in 2017 as the Foundation’s first executive director.

Since it’s debut eight years ago, the Legacy Ball has raised more than $300,000 in operating funds for the Foundation.

Over the last 41 years, the Frankenmuth Community Foundation has distributed more than $5 million to groups and programs working to enhance the quality of life in Frankenmuth. These good works are made possible thanks to the generous donations, gifts and bequests from individuals and businesses across Frankenmuth.