The Salvation Army of Marquette County received $10,000 from the West End Health Foundation. Pictured, from left, are Kori Bjorne, WEHF secretary; Kurt Lehman, MD, WEHF board director; Cari Detmers, Salvation Army of Marquette County; Bill Brutto, Salvation Army of Marquette County; Paul Bonetti, WEHF board director; Deb Pellow, WEHF board director; and Tom Edmark, WEHF president. (Photo courtesy of the West End Health Foundation)

CHAMPION – The West End Health Foundation hosted a business after hours on Nov. 12, at Jerzi’s 41 in Champion and took the opportunity to award the 2025 fall grant recipients.

The total funding allocated for the fall grants included $50,000 for programmatic grants and $40,000 for proactive grants. The $40,000 represented the remaining funds from the first proactive grant cycle conducted this spring. In response to continued community requests, the WEHF directed this remaining funding into a second round of proactive grants in the fall, focused specifically on addressing food security.

“The West End Health Foundation is delighted to provide $90,000 in funding to 11 organizations through this year’s fall grant cycles. These grants support programs and services that enhance health and wellness throughout the West End,” said Tom Edmark, president of the West End Health Foundation.

The board of directors presented the following proactive grant awardees with a check: Feeding America West Michigan received $3,560 for Mobile Food Pantries serving the West End; the Greater Ishpeming Commission on Aging received $26,440 for the Seniors Eat Well initiative; and The Salvation Army of Marquette County received $10,000 for its Community Meal program. The total amount awarded for the Fall Proactive cycle was $40,000.

The board of directors also awarded fall programmatic grants to the following organizations: the Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter received $6,900 for the Dementia Risk Reduction & Support Program; Cancer Care of Marquette County received $10,000 for Patient Care Services; The Caregiver Incentive Project (CIP) received $10,000 for Safe Hands – West End; First Tee Northern Michigan Marquette County received $3,000 for First Tee programming in Marquette County; the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes received $3,000 for the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in Western Marquette County; Ishpeming-Negaunee-NICE Community Education received $7,000 for Adult Basic Education (ABE) & Beyond 26; Superior String Alliance Inc. received $2,100 for Classical Chamber Music for Seniors; and U.P. Children’s Therapy received $8,000 for its Summer Speech Program. The total amount awarded for the Fall Programmatic cycle was $50,000.

The board of directors also took the opportunity to award the Marquette County Cares coalition (MC2) $18,786 from the 2025 Annual Golf Classic event partnership, held in September.

“We are deeply honored to once again partner with the West End Health Foundation for the 10th

Annual Golf Classic,” said Jessy DeMarinis, Marquette County Cares Coalition (MC2) coordinator. “The continued collaboration between MC2 and WEHF has made a meaningful impact on youth and families throughout Marquette County. We are grateful to the Foundation for their trust in our mission and for their commitment to building healthier, more connected communities. Together, we’re making a difference that lasts well beyond the 18th hole.”

For more information about the West End Health Foundation, visit westendhf.org or call (906)226-6591 Ext. 107.