The Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge recently announced five Northern Michigan charities would be the recipient of grants this year.
The grants, which range from $5,000 to $50,0000, were awarded by Art Van Elslander, the founder of Art Van Furniture, when he visited Petoskey last week.
"It's been really a wonderful experience," says Van Elslander. "When you see the tears in the eyes, and you see the humility of the people, and you see the tremendous need out there and the coming together of the community, it's very worthwhile."
This marks the second year of the Million Dollar Charity Challenge, which was started last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Art Van Furniture franchise.
Northern Michigan Regional Hospital Foundation received $20,000 for the hospital's Sound Beginnings Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program. The program improves the lives of children with hearing deficiencies.
Friendship Shelter in Gaylord received $10,000, which is going to be used for healthy, sturdy bedding.
Other area charities receiving grants include Camp Quality of Northwest Michigan, Friendship Shelter, Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency and the Third Level Crisis Intervention Center.
In addition to the grant, Art Van will be giving an additional $25,000 to the charity who can get the most clicks. Voting for the additional funds goes through Saturday, Oct. 30 and can be done on the
Art Van website.
Over 600 charities applied for a part of the challenge grants, but only 50 were chosen as recipients.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Art Van Elslander, Art Van Furniture
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