United Communities Foundation formed to benefit county

“To nurture and support the growth of education, artistic excellence, and culture for all age groups in performing, visual, literary, media and folk arts in Presque Isle County,” is the mission statement of a new foundation. The United Communities Foundation, created in September, has set promoting arts in the county as one of its high goals.

Board members represent communities from across the county. The group’s officers consist of Marlowe Belanger, president; Tom Moran, vice president;; Lara Shack, treasurer; and Marilyn Halloran, secretary. Other members of the board of trustees are Dr. Tom Allum, Anne M. Belanger, Janet Bieri, Judge Ken Radzibon, and Jeff Whitsitt. Ex-officio members are the county’s three superintendents of schools, Ed Schultz of Rogers City, Bob Szymoniak of Onaway, and Dennis Stratton of Posen.

THE MEMBERS formed the group in response to financial conditions which have hampered the sponsorship of the arts. Board members say school art and music programs, cut from some curriculums, is critical for the development of youth. Moran said the idea for the foundation came from what other communities have been doing for many years.

“I was asked to attend a benefit dinner in Indian River. Their local foundation had more than $800,000 in the treasury and they give out $30,000-$50,000 each year,” he said. “Our area should have started this many years ago. We have a lot of catching up to do. My personal goal is to have $1 million in this endowment in five years. I don’t think that is an unrealistic goal. It is attainable.” The foundation’s goal is to fund projects which integrate art and cultural experiences in the school.

ONE OF THE foundation’s written goals underscores the importance of maintaining art programs in schools and in the community: “The arts bring people together, connecting them through festivals, arts centers, theaters, museums, as well as in schools, libraries, civic organizations, and other public places.” The foundation goals also say “education, art, and culture are essential for invigorating and restoring character to our communities. The arts help youth build self-esteem and self-confidence.”

MARLOWE BELANGER said the need for this foundation is great. “In Presque Isle County, it was evident there is a need to establish an organization to address the concerns of the students who have an interest in the arts to further their career of c

hoice in an artistic manner. There is also a concern for arts organizations who found it difficult to support their needs,” she said.

As part of its mission, the foundation will award three educational scholarships for vocational and academic studies. Those will be presented in May at the Rogers City branch of the Presque Isle District Library. The group’s second event is planned for October. An awards/benefit dinner will take place October 1 at the Presque Isle Association Clubhouse. The foundation also will be a funding resource for artistic interests within the communities of Presque Isle County.

Plans are for the foundation to give out 10 percent of contributions and thereafter up to six percent of net worth. An endowment fund will be set up to accept donations. A county wide mailing gathered some funds for the endowment, which added to a start-up donation made by a generous donor. Donations may be sent to P.O. Box 102, Rogers City, MI 49779.