Over 700 participants and 45 volunteers enjoyed sunshine and unseasonably warm temperatures at this year’s Suds and Snow charitable event, held March 6 at Timber Ridge Resort. Proceeds from this year’s event were donated to Bethany Christian Services, TART Trails and The Father Fred Foundation.

A big “Thank you” to American Waste, the principle sponsor who worked with Timber Ridge and a host of other businesses donating time, services or product to make this event so successful. Donors included Shorts Brewery, Right Brain Brewery, Arbor Brewing Co., Arcadia Brewing, Bell’s Brewing, Three Sergeants Brewing, Mackinaw Brewing, Freshwater Lodge, Travino’s, Schelde’s, Red Mesa, Stone House Bread, Brick Wheels, Celtic Transportation, The Copy Shop, Stone House Bread, Chateau De Leelanau, Northern Express, Morsels, North Peak Brewing, Mt. Pleasant Brewing, Atwater Brewing, B Nektar, Meadery, and Cherry Republic. We hope you will patronize these sponsors to help us show our appreciation.

The Father Fred Foundation is a non-denominational charity providing food, clothing, household goods and financial assistance to families and individuals in crisis who live in the five county Grand Traverse region. Visit www.fatherfred.org or call (231) 947-2055 for more information.

February 22, 2010 – Twenty four snowmobile riders from the Trail Mix Adventure Group raised $500 and 300 cans of food for the Father Fred Foundation Food Pantry, on Saturday, February 20. A ride was held in memory of Roger Dumortier, snowmobile enthusiast, followed by a complementary lunch at Peegeo’s Restaurant.

Organizer Ben Clayton, extends a big thank-you to Peegeo’s and all of the riders who participated in this year’s ride.

The Father Fred Foundation is a non-denominational charity providing food, clothing, household goods and financial assistance to families and individuals in crisis who live in the five county Grand Traverse region. For more information on The Father Fred Foundation, visit www.fatherfred.org or call (231) 947-2055.

There is a good chance you might catch sight of a lucky leprechaun on Sunday, March 14 at Kilkenny’s Irish Public House located at 400 West Front Street in Traverse City. The Lucky Leprechaun Ball, sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, features music, dancing and singing to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. This year, the event will also benefit The Father Fred Foundation.

“We are so fortunate to have the Ancient Order of the Hibernians supporting us through their Lucky Leprechaun Ball,” said Martie Manty, Executive Director of The Father Fred Foundation. “Because we do not accept any federal or state funding, community events like these are crucial in helping us provide food, clothing and financial assistance to our neighbors in crisis.”

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for an evening full of fun events and live music by Song of the Lakes. Hopefuls of all ages are encouraged to join in the Danny Boy singing contest. This may be a step on your way to American Idol! An Irish Trivia Contest will be followed by the Couch Potato Auction, and an evening of music from The Wild Sullys is on the auction block for the House Concert Auction. The winning bidder will enjoy an hour of great entertainment at their place of business or residence.

“The Lucky Leprechaun Ball is designed to be very family-friendly; it’s smoke free and we’re offing a kid’s menu with items under $5. Admission is $10 for adults; free for kids under 16,” said Mike Sullivan, event organizer.

Tickets are available at Nolan’s Tobacco Shop, The Father Fred Foundation, NorthPeak, Kilkenney’s or at the door.

For those unable to attend this event, a secure donation can be made online at fatherfred.org, or mailed to The Father Fred Foundation, P.O. Box 2260, Traverse City, MI 49685-2260.

The Father Fred Foundation is a non-denominational charity providing food, clothing, household goods and financial assistance to families and individuals in crisis who live in the five county Grand Traverse region. Visit www.fatherfred.org or call (231) 947-2055 for more information.

The Father Fred Foundation will be the beneficiary of 100% of the proceeds generated from the sale of a special hand-crafted, microbrew beer to be created and sold exclusively at Right Brain Brewery, North Peak Brewery, Short’s Brewery and the Jolly Pumpkin/Northern United Brewing Co. The special drink is called “MyNorth Passion Brew, Beer with Benefits.” Each brewery will launch MyNorth Passion Brew on tap this Friday, February 12, in time for the 2010 Valentine’s Day celebrations. The beer is a limited edition and should be available for a couple of weeks.

The project was the brainchild of Russ Springsteen, owner of Right Brain Brewery, who wanted to showcase how the Northern Michigan beer community works together. Each brew master will have his or her interpretation of the recipe.

“We will be working off the same recipe, however, there may be interesting variations in taste due to the differences in the sources of our hops and other ingredients,” said Russ Springsteen, Right Brain brewer and project coordinator. “This was a project we could all do together while benefitting a great local charity.”

Read more at MyNorth.com.

The Fox Grand Traverse Collection Trailer Delivers another big load of food

The Father Fred Frostbite Food Drive received a record number of donations during this year’s drive to stock its pantry. A total of 58 pallets of food and over $35,000 in cash donations was received!

Fox Grand Traverse, a new donation site for this year’s drive, extended their collection by 3 extra days to make sure the drive reached its goal. Three additional pallets of food were received during this extended period.

“It is very humbling to watch the outpouring of goodwill the drive represents. Everyone at the Foundation wants to say “Thank You.” Over 100 volunteers manned the drop off sites and hundreds of food donors took the time to make a purchase and help the Frostbite reach its goal,” said David Abeel, Development Director.

“On Sunday afternoon, Dave Barr from WTCM and John Cueter from Fox Grand Traverse, huddled and decided 3 more days would put us over the top, and they were right! In fact, a number of very generous cash gifts also came in during those extended days.”

If you missed this year’s drive, donations can still be made at The Father Fred Foundation on Hastings Street in Traverse City. And, for those preferring a more convenient method of giving, a secure online donation can be made any time by going to The Father Fred Foundation Web site at www.fatherfred.org.

The Father Fred Foundation is a non-denominational charity providing food, clothing, household goods and financial assistance to families and individuals in crisis who live in the five county Grand Traverse region. The Foundation pantry saw a 40% increase in pantry requests last year. The Frostbite Food Drive restocks pantry shelves at the Foundation. In 2009, the pantry packed grocery bags for 3,000 families, supporting over 5,000 children.

The Father Fred Frostbite Food Drive, Jan 15-24, welcomes two new sponsors this year, Fox Grand Traverse and The Homestead Resort.

Fox Grand Traverse, located on US 31-North, is a donation collection site for this year’s drive. The Homestead Resort, in Glen Arbor, is donating free ski passes as an extra incentive to Frostbite donors who drop their donation at the Fox Grand Traverse location.

“In addition to helping collect food and donations, Fox Grand Traverse will help promote the food drive this year through a number of media outlets,” said David Abeel, Director of Development. “Pantries in northern Michigan have seen big increases in demand this year. The Father Fred pantry, for example, experienced a 40 percent increase in families seeking help. It is our hope that with the additional media support from Fox Grand Traverse more people will know about the food drive and make a donation.”

In addition to the Fox Grand Traverse location, Frostbite donations may be dropped at Garfield Plaza in front of Agave Mexican Grill. Volunteers at both locations will be ready to receive your donations of food and cash from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends during the drive.

For people in the Kalkaska area, donations may be dropped at the Forest Area Credit Union, 782 South Cedar Street, Kalkaska. Proceeds from this location will benefit Kalkaska Area Interfaith Resources.

“Families are hungry and struggling to get through difficult times,” said Martie Manty, Executive Director. “The Frostbite Drive, now in its 16th year, is a great way for all ages in the community to respond to that need. We find the experience of making a gift – weather a gift of food or a donation that will enable us to buy additional food for our pantry – brings a warm feeling to everyone involved. Fill the Pantry / Warm a Heart is our theme for this year’s drive.

I’m sure Father Fred would be thrilled to see how this event has grown and flourished over the years through the generosity of our community.”

For those wanting the convenience of donating from home or office can make a secure donation over the Internet. A list of preferred food or personal care items that are needed most can be found right here. Or, just call the Foundation at 947-2055. Mail should be sent to P.O. Box 2260, Traverse City, MI 49685.