Giving Tuesday means much more than just raising funds for the nonprofits that set up tables at the Copper Country Mall. It is a full day dedicated to engaging with the community, and introducing residents to volunteer opportunities, projects, and initiatives. The day also offers nonprofit leaders a valuable chance to connect, collaborate, and leverage resources across areas of the Copper Country’s community health.
In the lead-up to Giving Tuesday, Copper Shores helps organizations in developing communication strategies and boosting social media engagement. Michael Babcock, of Copper Shores, says the foundation has continues to improve Giving Tuesday planning and execution based on feedback from participating groups and donors.
“We’re never done trying to make it better, and I think next year will be a big year for us as it marks our 10th anniversary,” Babcock shared. “We want to get people together more, possibly with a kickoff event and more in-person training from nonprofits. Our goal is to boost engagement and celebrate the nonprofit community.”
New to the Isle Royale & Keweenaw Parks Association, Executive Director Adrienne Detanico described the month leading up to Giving Tuesday as a crash course in managing large-scale fundraising. She plans to use the experience to build upon the association’s engagement already strong engagement and presence in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
“Sometimes these efforts fall by the wayside, but this campaign is the best way to communicate with people,” Detanico noted. “Getting everything organized for Giving Tuesday was very helpful, especially as a newcomer learning how to manage contacts and tailor outreach.”
Jessica Flagler-Gelety, Administrative Assistant for Main Street Calumet, emphasized community health’s role in tackling regional challenges like an aging population, food insecurity, and funding gaps for essential projects.
“A healthy economy and community rely on all of us working together to create events and activities, especially for families, ensuring everyone feels included,” Flagler-Gelety said.
Leading up to Giving Tuesday in 2025, Babcock expressed pride in how the participating groups have consistently carried the momentum from the event into the rest of the calendar year.
By connecting nonprofits across Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties, Copper Shores’ Giving Tuesday inspires new ideas and collaborations for the future.
Copper Shores hopes the 10th anniversary of Giving Tuesday in 2026 will continue to inspire community support for nonprofits making a meaningful difference. Preliminary numbers suggest that at least $700,000 was raised for the nonprofit sector this year, with final totals to be announced soon.
Overall, Giving Tuesday has become a powerful catalyst for nonprofits in the Keweenaw Peninsula—not only as a fundraising event but as a vital opportunity to build stronger community bonds, foster collaboration, and encourage ongoing engagement in service to the region’s needs.
Comments