Deadline To Register For Portage Health Foundation 25th Anniversary Gala Is Thursday

[Hancock, MI] This year, is the 25^th Gala Anniversary for the Portage Health Foundation. It will be a time of looking back at the past accomplishments but also an exciting celebration of what the future holds.

The proceeds raised from the Gala will be used to support the second round of funding for the Stop the Roar of Hunger food initiative that was started in the fall of 2016. The event will be held at Michigan Tech’s Memorial Union Ballroom. The Bluewater Kings Band will be joining them again this year after a wonderful performance from the 2016 Gala. Black tie attire is encouraged.

The past two years, the Portage Health Foundation has used the proceeds to support outdoor recreation grants and then support for the start of the Stop the Roar of Hunger food initiative. The food initiative is a multi-year commitment by PHF to help address the systemic issues that are facing those in our community lacking proper food and adequate nutrition. This year’s funds will once again be allocated toward this initiative. Last year’s funds went to three programs that addressed immediate access to food as well as community education. The first program is the Let’s Eat community dinners that are held throughout the four-county community every month. These dinners adopted the MyPlate nutrition guidelines that are now incorporated in every meal. These dinners are open to the community. The second project is the Prescription for Health Program which is a partnership with the Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center’s Dr. Michelle Seguin and the Downtown Houghton Farmer’s Market. This program provides a group of individuals with tokens each week to be used at the farmer’s market for fresh fruits and vegetables. This program not only provides access to local whole foods but it educates the participants on healthy eating habits, cooking styles, and overall wellness. The last project that was funded was the Market Bucks program with the Portage Lake District Library. This project is in partnership with their Summer Reading Program. All participants who complete the program are giving Market Bucks to be used at the Downtown Houghton Farmer’s Market throughout the season. All of these grant projects were made possible by the attendees of the 2016 Gala. The PHF is looking forward to this year and the potential for more partnerships and more support for the Stop the Roar of Hunger food initiative.

This event is open to the public. Ticket prices are $85 for individuals or $150 for couples. The PHF office requests that you RSVP by September 1 for early registration and prize opportunity or the latest of September 14, 2017. To register, either call the office at 906.523.5920 or email PHF at info@phfgive.org. Tickets can also be purchased on the website by going to the contribute page and writing 2017 Gala in the comments.