Now, more than ever, we are aware of the importance of public service and volunteerism. At Shepler’s, we have long known about these benefits and now we are stepping up our efforts and we encourage our guests to do the same. If we all give just a little of our time, we can make a big difference!
Alex’s Lemonade Stand
This summer Shepler’s is planning to sell lemonade to raise money to help fight childhood cancer. We will set up lemonade stands and donate the proceeds to the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. (www.alexslemonade.org) This organization funds pediatric cancer research and to date it has funded over 200 research projects at more than 65 institutes across the U.S. You will see our lemonade stand in St. Ignace on July 2nd & 3rd, 2012. In Mackinaw City, be sure to drop by the stand if you are here August 3rd -5th. Come quench your thirst and donate to a great cause at the same time!
Shepler’s Adopts a Highway
The Shepler’s crew has adopted a section of I-75 and we are dedicated to doing our part to help keep our beautiful part of Northern Michigan clean. Look for our section of road along I-75 between Hebron Road and Mackinaw City, MI.
Preserving our Historic Straits Area Lights
Just as we did when the first Shepler’s Lighthouse Cruise set out in 1998, we continue to donate a portion of the proceeds of every Shepler’s Lighthouse Cruise to the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association (GLLKA) and lighthouse preservation. In recent years, this has amounted to an average of $19,000 per year given to GLLKA for its lighthouse preservation and restoration efforts.
Save our Sites
As a member of the National Tour Association (NTA), last summer we helped to raise money for the Save Our Sites program run by Tourism Cares, the official philanthropy of NTA. SOS helps to preserve some of our historic landmarks and buildings for future generations of visitors to enjoy.
Walk For Warmth
Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry will once again be a Community Partner in the annual Cheboygan County Walk for Warmth on February 18, 2012. The Shepler’s office staff has put together a team to participate in this event since it began in 2010. While our wintertime crew is small, our hearts are in it to raise money to assist our area United Way in their mission to aid Cheboygan County residents who need some help with their heating bills. Even if it is a chilly day, it is a fun walk for a good cause!
College Volunteer Programs
Shepler’s is once again teaming up with student Volunteer Centers at Central Michigan University and Northern Michigan University. As an added incentive for their volunteers, for the second year in a row, we are donating vouchers that will be distributed by the Volunteer Centers to individuals who have participated in service programs on their campus and in their communities. We hope this will help encourage individuals to volunteer and contribute to the success of the events.