The Copper Shores Community Health Foundation delivered checks to 59 nonprofit organizations across the Copper Country on Tuesday. The foundation distributed funds raised during the 2025 Giving Tuesday campaign just in time for Christmas.
The morning was filled with excitement as grateful organizers thanked the region for its generosity during the annual fundraising event.
“Thank you for your generosity,” said Eugene Lewis, director of Camp Josh.
Representatives from the Baraga County Cancer Support Group expressed their appreciation, “You people are awesome out there. Merry Christmas.”
BKG Shelter Home celebrated a milestone by marking its ninth year participating in Giving Tuesday with Copper Shores. “Thank you again for supporting us this year for our ninth year,” said Mary Niemala, executive director of BKG Shelter Home.
The Copper Harbor Trails Club expressed appreciation for continued support. “On behalf of the Copper Harbor Trails Club we want to thank Copper Shores for their continued support over the last few years,” a representative said.
Copper Shores raised $975,000 in 2025 with help from Copper Country residents. The foundation’s $200,000 match brought this year’s campaign total to over $1.1 million to support local nonprofit work.
“You can see it in their eyes that this means they can do the work whether that’s allowing kids to do music lessons with Dan Schmidt Gift of Music,” said Michael Babcock, donor relations director for Copper Shores Community Health Foundation. “Our trails club saw a tremendous response this year from donors. All of those trails clubs do so much work to make it so that people can come up here and our local people can enjoy the wonderful trail systems that we have in place.”
Several new organizations participated this year including the Baraga County Cancer Support Group. The group saw strong donations despite being in its first year. Adventure Mountains Lions Club from Greenland Township also joined the campaign.
“Seeing them be part of this and watching and knowing that they’re going to see a few thousand dollars come in is really powerful,” Babcock said.
Third Coast Adaptive Diving expressed surprise at the community support they received.
“It’s just very very moving for us to receive that kind of support and that kind of acknowledgment that what we’re doing is beneficial to our community and to the children and adults and veterans with disabilities that come out and dive with us,” said Jodi Santeford, president and co-founder of Third Coast Diving.
Omega House led fundraising efforts among participating nonprofits by raising $127,000. Executive Director Mike Lutz reflected on the work Copper Shores’ team accomplishes in coordinating with so many nonprofit organizations.
“Yes they amplify the fund by $200,000 but what I don’t think people really understand is how much other expense and time that goes into it,” Lutz said. “It does take a lot of hours to promote this type of event and our community is catching on. I can tell you from an Omega House standpoint that donor patterns have changed completely. Many people wait now until the end of the year.”
Copper Shores works with participating organizations beyond the funds raised through Giving Tuesday. The foundation helps them build confidence in their own fundraising initiatives. It provides groups with tools they need to continue momentum into 2026.
The Copper Shores Community Health Foundation thanked this year’s donors for supporting numerous nonprofit causes in the western Upper Peninsula. The foundation looks forward to next year when Giving Tuesday in the region will celebrate a full decade of giving.
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