Taste & Tour Nonprofit Highlight: Part 2

The response to our 50^th Anniversary Taste & Tour Celebration has been phenomenal, and we couldn’t be more excited! We are proud of our history and love that we have the support of our great friends, partners, colleagues and neighbors. This event was designed to celebrate with you all, and we can’t wait.

The response to our nonprofit partners has also been incredible to witness. We know there are a lot of truly powerful, impactful organizations in our community that we can come together to support in a big way. Here are the next four nonprofits we will be benefitting with donations collected and matched at the Taste & Tour!

Mel Trotter

Mel Trotter aims to bring an end to homelessness in West Michigan, one life at a time. They provide emergency services to anybody suffering from homelessness, no matter their age, gender or situation. Clients can receive meals and shelter, but also help people secure long-term housing and employment. Last year alone, they were able to help more than 500 people find housing and connect 135 individuals with employment opportunities.

D.A. Blodgett

With more than 20 services available, D.A. Blodgett St. John’s is able to impact 9,000 lives every year in making sure that children and families have the resources they need to thrive. Services include counseling, foster care, adoption, mentoring and residential care. Since 2006, Mick has partnered with Wedgewood Christian Services and St. John’s Home in conducting two annual camps for underprivileged youth at his working ranch in Montana. The two-week camps for youthful residents of group and foster homes teach ranching skills which help develop self-reliance and confidence in these young people, many of whom have never been out of a city environment. Each camping group also works on a community project during their stay. “For us, knowing we’re impacting kids’ lives means our ranch is achieving the higher purpose we intended for it. It is so rewarding to witness the kids overcome fears and challenges as they hike, ride horses, and repair cattle fences.”   Mick & Lucy McGraw

Women at Risk International

Officially founded in 2006, Women at Risk International unites and educates to create circles of protection around those at risk through culturally sensitive, value-added intervention projects. They are currently represented in all 50 states and over 40 countries, and utilize local partnerships to provide safe places for women to heal from abuse, trafficking, exploitation and more.

Comprehensive Therapy Center

Since 1982, Comprehensive Therapy Center has provided Speech-Language Pathology as well as Sensory and Motor Therapies to West Michigan children and adults with special needs. Their mission is to meet the therapeutic and educational needs of those with disabilities who are at-risk or disadvantaged through skill building, academic enhancement and social emotional support. This holistic approach helps children walk, talk, learn and play while also helping adults maintain or increase their independence.

These organizations, along with the twelve others we are working with for Taste & Tour, clearly have an immense impact on lives locally, nationally, and around the globe. The power and reach of organizations rooted right here in West Michigan is awe-inspiring, and we can’t wait for you to meet representatives from them at our events! If you haven’t already, be sure to RSVP to the Taste & Tour on Facebook, and check the new page on our website for all the information- it is going to be a great weekend!