The Leelanau Children’s Center (LCC) and Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trails’ (LPWT) relationship continues to grow.
The LPWT through the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association donated $15,385 to the LCC for the year 2024.
“This partnership is deeply important to us,” shared Andie Hobbins, managing director of the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. “We are grateful for the incredible support from our guests, whose enthusiasm for our events and premier wine region has made this incredible donation possible.”
Both the LPWT and LCC has partnered for the past few years.
The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail attributes this milestone to increased participation in its signature events, drawing guests from across the country. This growth not only bolsters the local wine industry but also strengthens the ability to give back to the Leelanau Peninsula community.
“We hope to continue expanding our events and welcoming new and returning faces to the Peninsula,” Hobbins said. “Our vision is to enhance the community support that makes Leelanau Peninsula so special.”
This marks the second consecutive year that the LPVA has supported LCC through its community- oriented events, including “Sips and Soups” and “Toast the Season.” As part of these initiatives, the LPVA donates $5 from every ticket sold, culminating in a check for over $15,000 this year.
David Albert, treasurer for the LPVA and Boathouse Winery owner in Lake Leelanau, presented the donation to Rita Wessels, President of the LCC Board.
“Partnerships like the one we have with the LPVA are crucial to our ability to continue serving the county,” Wessels said. “Early childhood education and care prepare children for continued learning and development in school and beyond.”
Albert, whose granddaughter attended the Center, spoke warmly about the organization’s impact on his family. “The socialization that happens at the Center helped her in many ways,” he shared. “She is 15 now and still has great memories of the Center, especially helping in the kitchen. It is an important foundation of our community.”
Heidi Kruse, executive director of LCC, thanked LPVA for their ongoing support. “Without donations like this, we would not be able to operate,” Kruse said. “The support this community has shown over the last 48 years demonstrates how many families and children benefit from our program.”
