REGION- Ward and Eis Gallery, a mainstay in the downtown Petoskey business community, recently celebrated a significant milestone of $592,500 in charitable donations. Continuing its 40-year tradition, the gallery recently distributed $28,000 among several local non-profits to help further their efforts in providing essential services like sustenance, shelter, and the support that strengthens the mind, body, and spirit.
Gallery owner Jennifer Eis, during the presentation, highlighted the collective effort required to build a stable and compassionate community. She drew parallels between the work of the six supported non-profits and a Native American story where unity is key to resolving a crisis, underscoring the importance of community interconnectedness.
Eis said that every day, she and her employees work together to support artisans represented in the gallery, patrons of the store, and community nonprofits. The organizations supported, in turn, continue their important work which is essential to creating a healthy, resilient community.
The gallery’s community contributions represent 3% of annual sales, including 20% of Thanksgiving and Christmas benefits, and all proceeds from the sale of the Magpie Papers, authored by Don Ward and Jennifer Eis. The beneficiaries of this year’s donations include Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan, The Manna Food Project, Friendship Centers of Emmet County, The Nehemiah Project, Petoskey Club, and the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, each receiving $4,500 to $5,500.
Reflecting on the gallery’s long-standing commitment to giving, Jennifer Eis recalled Mother Teresa’s powerful message: “In this life we cannot all do great things. We can only do small things with great love.”
Ward and Eis Gallery is located at 315 East Lake Street, Petoskey, and can be contacted at 231-347-2750.
