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Back to School Supply Drive

Support Bay County Students by Donating Backpacks and School Supplies

Bay Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee partners with United Way to support area children

The past two school years have been a struggle for area youth. Between online learning and COVID-19 restrictions, area students are looking forward to returning to school for a normal school year. Unfortunately many students in the area will not be able to return to school with the necessary supplies to be successful. The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) of the Bay Area Community Foundation recognizes this issue and is proud to partner with the United Way of Bay County to provide backpacks and school supplies as part of the Helen Wirt Lee Back to School program.

The Youth Advisory Committee is a group of dynamic young people (7th to 12th grade) who positively impact the youth of Bay County by identifying needs, making informed decisions, raising and distributing funds and volunteering within our community. “The Youth Advisory Council is designed to develop our next generation of community and philanthropic leaders. Through the YAC, area youth are given a unique opportunity to improve life for their peers and those who come after them. Resourced with an endowment fund of almost $2 million, participants are asked to identify the most pressing youth issues and to recommend grants to solve these challenges and improve their hometown,” said Diane Fong, Bay Area Community Foundation President and CEO.

In order to collect the necessary supplies, the YAC has organized a Back-to-School Drive that will take place on Saturday, July 31st and Sunday, August 1st from 10 am-6 pm. The drive will take place at both Bay City Meijer locations (595 N. Pine Road & 2980 Wilder Road). School buses, provided by Bay City Public Schools and Bangor Township Schools, will serve as collection points for backpacks and supplies in each store’s parking lot.

Since 2015, the YAC has awarded over $42,000 to the Helen Wirt Lee Back to School Program. “This is a program that YAC has supported for a number of years,” YAC Chair Easton Anderson explains. “When the United Way of Bay County approached us about partnering with them and taking on a more active role, it was a no-brainer.”

“We know that over 8,000 children in Bay County qualify for this program, and we want to help as many of them as possible.”, said Nicole Luczak, President/ CEO of the United Way of Bay County. To sign your child up, click here or call 989.893.7508 for more information.

To learn more about the Helen Wirt Lee Back to School Drive or to get involved with YAC, please contact BACF Program Officer Aaron Faist at 989-893-4438 or via email.

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Press Release – Bay Area Community Foundation receives $20,000 Grant to Support Community Foundation Access and Opportunity Grant Program

“We are excited to once again partner with the United Way of Bay County as we work together to provide this opportunity to the education sector.  Following the success of the pilot program, Lifted Voices: Navigating the Challenges Facing ALICE Youth, we will once again primarily focus on the education sector for training in the program.”  Shawna Walraven, President & CEO, Bay Area Community Foundation.

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Nicole Horn

989.893.4438 or email below 

Donor Relations and Communications Officer

At BACF, I am fortunate to contribute to our mission in meaningful and impactful ways. As your main contact for donor-advised funds, I help ensure that each donor’s unique passions are brought to life through their giving—whether this be through designated or agency funds. It is an honor to connect with generous community members, and I am always available to discuss how you can create a lasting impact in our community.  

In addition, I oversee all of BACF’s communications, bringing ideas to life through engaging stories and visuals. While upholding our brand identity, I strive to highlight the remarkable individuals in our community and the collaborative efforts that make Bay and Arenac counties exceptional places to live, work, and thrive.

As a lifelong Bay County resident, I am deeply connected to our people and community. I cherish the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and am committed to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Bay and Arenac counties, ensuring a bright future for generations to come.

I Can Help You With:

  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Agency & Designated Funds
  • Business Sponsorships
  • Give Local Bay and BACF Events
  • BACF Website
  • BACF Donor Portal

Things I Do In My Free Time: You’ll often find me at a local coffee shop in Downtown Bay City and frequenting the area’s local arts and music scene. I also love hiking and exploring parks both in our area and throughout northern Michigan.

Madi Syring

989.893.4438 or email below 

Program Officer

I am proud to serve my community through my role at BACF. As a Program Officer, I collaborate with nonprofit, government, church, and school partners in Bay and Arenac counties to navigate our grant opportunities and find the right funding alignment. From project conception to post-award, I am your main contact for all things grants. Connecting organizations and donors who share the same vision and passion is at the heart of my work.

I am dedicated to supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to improve our community. Additionally, I provide capacity-building opportunities by hosting educational workshops, managing Catchafire—a volunteer platform connecting organizations with professional services at no cost—and offering technical assistance and resources to build strength in our nonprofit community.
 

I Can Help You With:

  • Navigating the Competitive Grant Process
  • Finding Funding Alignment
  • Building Organizational Capacity
  • Technical Assistance

Things I Do In My Free Time: Outside of work, you might catch me on the trail with my dog! I love backpacking, hiking, hunting, and kayaking all over Michigan. I’m also an avid reader, so you might find me at a local library or bookshop. 

Rachael Rosas

989.893.4438 or email below

Administrative Officer

As the Administrative Officer at BACF, my responsibilities include maintaining our comprehensive database, accurately documenting gifts, and collaborating with building vendors to maintain the historic Pere Marquette Depot.

I am committed to establishing well-documented processes that contribute to the ongoing success of BACF. My deep appreciation for the Pere Marquette Depot drives me to preserve this historic landmark as a source of price for our community, ensuring its legacy for future generations. 

I Can Help You With:

  • Making a Gift to One of Our Many Funds
  • Updating Your Contact Information
  • Identifying the Most Helpful Staff Member or Resource
  • Answering General Questions about BACF
  • Providing Information About the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room Event Space

Things I Do In My Free Time: I enjoy immersing myself in flower gardening and various art projects. I love spending time in nature and attending community events, which help me stay connected and get inspired. 

Frances Moore

989.893.4438 or email below 

Program and Finance Associate

As the Program and Finance Associate at BACF, I support our Scholarship Program and partner with the Director of Finance on financial reporting. I also assist in the management of the Pere Marquette Depot and the 1904 Room event space.

I am honored to play a role in helping individuals achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. I am passionate about making a positive impact and am always ready to lend a helping hand to ensure the success of our programs and the betterment of our community. 

I Can Help You With:

  • Scholarship Applications and Award Process
  • Information about the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room Event Space
  • Coordination with Scholarship Committees
  • General Support for BACF Programs and Initiatives

Things I Do In My Free Time: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring Michigan’s beautiful landscapes, camping under the stars, and bike riding through scenic trails.