Community Stories

Shirley Rasmussen: Dedicated to Making Ludington a Better Place

Shirley Rasmussen's deep connection to Mason County spans nearly a century. Her love for this community began as a young girl, playing beneath her grandmother's lilac bushes and observing the summer influx of Epworth visitors. As a college student, she worked as a server on a car ferry during WWII, the war's impact echoing through her community. It was also in those years that she met her beloved Jack at the Oswald Crumb in the Stearns Hotel. Shirley recently solidified her and Jack's legacy of giving with an unrestricted gift to the Community Foundation. Her flexible gift ensures she can help address her community’s most pressing challenges and opportunities for generations to come. Click to read more.

Caritas Food Pantry Addresses Food Insecurity with Foundation Grant

In the spring of 2024, the Caritas Food Pantry in Custer, Michigan received a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Mason County. This funding was made possible through the Rick & Mary Ann Randall Fund and the Mason County Funds for the Community and supported the pantry's mission to provide nutritional food options to a growing number of families in need. Click to read more about the grant and its impact.

Patty Smith Creates a Legacy of Giving

For Patricia "Patty" Smith, Mason County wasn't always home. Her journey began in Detroit, where she lived until the age of twelve. The city's escalating tensions, particularly the riots of 1967, prompted her family to move to Bloomfield Hills. After high school, Patty's interest in dental hygiene led her to Kalamazoo Valley Community College and, eventually, a job opportunity in Ludington. Trading city life for the close-knit charm of Mason County took some adjusting. "It took a couple of years," she admits. But a deep love for the community simmered. This love recently blossomed into the creation of the Robert A. Smith & Patricia A. Smith Fund at the Community Foundation for Mason County – one that will support the greatest needs and opportunities in Mason County forever. Click to read more.

A Safe Haven for Teens: John’s Place Receives Grant to Expand After-School Program

Thanks to a Community Foundation for Mason County grant provided by Healthy Youth/Healthy Seniors Fund and Mason County Funds for the Community, area teens have a new place to call their own. John's Place, an after-school program run by St. John's Lutheran Church, was awarded $2,400 to support its mission of providing a safe and engaging environment for middle and high school students. Click to learn more about John's Place, how the Community Foundation is supporting the program, and a special end-of-the-school-year party.

YAC Grant Supports Program Empowering At-Risk Youth

For at-risk youths without structured activities, summer can pose challenges, increasing vulnerability to risky behavior, abuse, and neglect. YAC provided a grant to support a research-based summer program led by Staircase Youth Services, targeting at-risk adolescents ages 13-17. Click to read more about the program and its impact on area teens.

Take the Community Center Survey TODAY!

The Community Foundation for Mason County, along with key community stakeholders, is launching a survey to seek input to measure community interest in exploring the potential for a new multigenerational community center for people of all ages to enjoy social, cultural, recreational, fitness, and educational activities.  Click to read more and take the survey TODAY!

WSCC, CTE, & Me Day Paves Career Paths for Students

With support from a Community Foundation for Mason County grant, 735 third graders from across Lake, Manistee, Mason, and Oceana counties participated in WSCC, CTE, & Me Day held at West Shore Community College last May. The special event introduced the third graders to career and technical education (CTE) and community college programs, planting seeds of hope and enthusiasm for the future. Click to read more about this collaborative effort. 

House of Flavors, Inc. Nourishes its Team and Community with Mission

House of Flavors, Inc. recently set up a donor advised fund with the Community Foundation for Mason County. Sarah Holmes, Vice President of Finance and daughter of previous owners Bob and Kay Neal, says the company will use the fund to continue providing grants while also being able to grow their fund for the benefit of the organizations they support now and in the future. Click to read more about the company, fund, and mission.

Ludrock’s Legacy Impacts Youth Forever

In the heart of Ludington, Michigan, a tradition rooted in friendship and music blossomed years ago. What started as a gathering of Ludington High School graduates and self-proclaimed "misfits" playing music in the City Park over the Fourth of July flourished into an annual celebration known as Ludrock. The group held its last concert in 2023 and created a committee-advised fund with the Community Foundation to support youth-related projects. Click to read more about Ludrock's community impact.

The Scottville Clown Band: Bridging Music and Philanthropy

The Scottville Clown Band is known across Michigan for its zany costumes, comedic antics, and powerful musical sound. But what many may not know about the band is its philanthropic mission to support youth who have an interest in the performing arts.  In 2015, the Clown Band started the George F. Wilson Memorial Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation for Mason County. The fund was named after “Big George,” who served as the band’s street leader for over 65 years and also served for several years as the band’s secretary. Click to learn more about the Scottville Clown Band and its philanthropy.