Our Stories

An older man and woman smile together outdoors near a beach at sunset. The man wears glasses, a blue shirt, and a blazer; the woman has short hair and a yellow shawl over a red top. The sky and ocean are visible in the background.

Carole McKnight’s Legacy of Love: A Gift to Mason County

For Carole McKnight, summer in Ludington is a homecoming. For more than six decades, she and her late husband, Sid, have loved Mason County far...

Four adults dressed formally, two men in tuxedos and two women in elegant dresses, stand together and smile in front of a dark background.

Roots of Giving: The Reed Family Legacy

True to their family roots, two remarkable couples, Todd and Debbie Reed and Budde and Sheryl Reed, have demonstrated their love for their community...

Five women stand together smiling indoors at an event, holding a Community Foundation sign. Informational posters are visible in the background. They are dressed in business casual attire.

Community Foundation Celebrates Campaign and Community Impact at 2025 Annual Gathering

The Community Foundation for Mason County hosted its 2025 Annual Gathering on June 18. The event brought together generous donors, dedicated...

A middle-aged man with short light hair, wearing round glasses, a yellow sweater vest, and a dark shirt, smiles in front of a dark, mottled background.

Honoring a Legacy of Community and Education: The Jack and Jean Ereon Scholarship Fund

When Doug Ereon reflects on his journey from Ludington to a successful career in oil and gas, he credits much of his success to the financial awards...

A young woman with brown hair and a pink floral dress is smiling while working on a laptop at a classroom desk. Colorful posters and classroom supplies are visible in the background.

Lauren Knizacky Pursues Teaching Dream with Community Foundation Scholarships

Lauren Knizacky, a 2022 graduate of Mason County Central High School, can’t wait to become the kind of teacher she was drawn to as a child. “I...

Two people work on the snow-covered roof of a two-story house. A tall ladder leans against the side, and the yard and roof are covered with snow on a cloudy winter day.

Home Team Housing Makes Critical Repairs, Removes Barriers

A grant from the Community Foundation for Mason County provided by Mason County Funds for the Community has helped Home Team Housing complete...

A conductor leads a seated outdoor band performance in a park, with a small audience watching and a large ferryboat in the background. Trees and lawn surround the scene on a cloudy day.

West Shore Civic Band Enriches Community with Grant-Funded Performance

The West Shore Civic Band, dedicated to providing community enrichment through music, successfully completed its 2024 summer season of “Monday...

Campaign for Mason County Receives Major Boost from Safe Harbor Credit Union

Safe Harbor Credit Union, a valued partner in Mason County for over 70 years, recently donated a significant gift to the Community Foundation in...

A group of people sits around a table in a meeting room while a woman stands and speaks. A screen behind her displays a chart titled “Topics of Greatest Concern,” listing academic stress, home life, substance use, mental health, and bullying.

Needs Assessment Reveals Top Concerns of Mason County Youth

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) of Mason County conducts a needs assessment every three years to determine the top concerns and needs of its local...

A smiling woman and man in formal attire pose together in front of a dark, softly blurred background. The woman has short brown hair and wears a black top, while the man has short gray hair and wears a suit and patterned tie.

Lee & Joan Schoenherr Establish Community Fund and $1 Million Match to Support Mason County: A Legacy of Love and Giving

This past August, Lee & Joan Schoenherr celebrated 56 years of marriage, despite a memorable start. Their first date almost didn’t happen – a...

A smiling man in a light green shirt stands next to a smiling woman in a blue patterned dress. She rests her hand on his chest, showing a ring. Warm lights and a wooden wall are visible in the background.

Local Philanthropists Todd and Julie Schrader: Investing in Mason County’s Future

Todd and Julie Schrader embody the heart of a small-town community — approachable, warm, and invested in the well-being of their neighbors. Whether...

Ten professionally dressed adults, seven men and three women, pose together in a modern conference room. Eight are standing behind a table, while two are seated. A large painting hangs on the wall behind them.

West Shore Bank Supports Community Foundation’s Campaign for Mason County

West Shore Bank, a local institution that has served its neighbors for more than 125 years, is building on its legacy of community engagement by...

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