Tag Archives: Fundraising

“Unleash the Love” – Local pet therapy nonprofit launches Giving Tuesday campaign

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West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. launches campaign to raise funds for critical operational needs (Courtesy, WMTD)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. (WMTD), a nonprofit organization providing pet-assisted therapy throughout West Michigan, is launching its “Unleash the Love” fundraising campaign on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2. WMTD hopes to raise $5,000 by Jan. 1, 2026.

The campaign aims to support the organization’s rapidly expanding programming and the growing need for trained therapy dog teams across the region.

Bringing comfort and joy

For nearly 25 years, WMTD has brought comfort, connection and healing to individuals facing emotional, physical and psychological challenges. With more than 200 volunteer teams serving over 100 programs and facilities across five counties, WMTD teams visit hospitals, schools, assisted living centers, libraries and community organizations, providing companionship, support and moments of joy for those who need it most.

As demand for pet therapy continues to rise, WMTD is seeking community support to strengthen operational capacity and ensure programs remain accessible and effective.

Therapy dogs bring comfort, connection and healing to individuals facing emotional, physical and psychological challenges (Courtesy, Cindy Bateson/WMTD)

“Each visit our teams make creates an impact that can’t be measured in dollars alone,” said Heather McCormick, Board President of West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. “But the resources required to train, equip and support our growing program are real.

“This campaign helps ensure we can continue bringing love, hope and connection to individuals throughout West Michigan.”

How funds will be used

Funds raised through Unleash the Love will support critical needs, including:

  • Securing dedicated storage space for wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, AV equipment, and classroom materials used during training and certification.
  • Offsetting training facility fees to provide volunteers with a consistent, safe space to learn and practice.
  • Covering essential operational costs that keep WMTD running smoothly as the organization grows.
  • Purchasing training and certification supplies, including therapy dog vests, badges, evaluation materials, and program resources.

The campaign runs Dec. 2 – Jan. 1, and community members are invited to support WMTD by donating online or by mail.

“With continued support from our community, we can train more teams, reach more people and continue the work that has defined WMTD for nearly 25 years,” said McCormick. “Together, we can truly ‘unleash the love’ this season and beyond.”

How to Donate

Donations can be made online at www.wmtd.org/donate or by mail at West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc., P.O. Box 2533, Grand Rapids MI 49501-2533.

More information about WMTD can be found on their website and social media sites (Facebook, Instagram).

WKTV launches “Create, Inspire, Connect” campaign to power community-driven media forward

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WKTV Community Media, 5261 Clyde Park Ave. SW.



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org


WKTV Community Media, one of the nation’s oldest continuously operated community television stations, today announced the launch of “Create, Inspire, Connect,” the first major fundraising campaign in its 50-year history.



The initiative aims to strengthen WKTV’s unique role as the only organization providing comprehensive media services that connect and strengthen Wyoming, Kentwood and greater Grand Rapids communities.

“Asking community to invest in our unique services”

“For half a century, WKTV has filled critical gaps in our local media landscape, from providing Spanish-language news coverage to helping nonprofits amplify their impact through professional media production,” said Tom Norton, WKTV Executive Director and GM. “As traditional funding sources shift due to cord-cutting, we’re asking our community to invest in these essential services that no other organization provides.”


Marge’s Donut Den.


Marge’s Donut Den and Wyoming Community Foundation early supporters

The campaign has already gained early momentum, with a $1,925 grant from the Wyoming Community Foundation supporting WKTV’s Veterans Voices project and a $1,000 contribution from local business leader Marge’s Donut Den. These initial investments demonstrate how community support directly strengthens vital programs that preserve local stories and connect neighbors.

Wyoming Community Foundation.



WKTV’s community-driven media services include:

  • The WKTV Journal, the area’s only dedicated source for hyper-local news coverage
  • Professional media services that help local nonprofits multiply their community impact
  • Veterans Voices, preserving irreplaceable local veterans’ stories in partnership with GVSU
  • Soundbites en Español, the region’s only Spanish-language local news coverage
  • Youth media education programs that empower the next generation of community storytellers
  • Free access to media production tools and training that give community members a voice

“When community members support WKTV, they’re not just sustaining a media organization – they’re investing in a platform that amplifies every aspect of community life,” Norton said. “Today’s challenge is to strengthen our unique role in building community through media while embracing new platforms and technologies that expand our impact.”

“Create, Inspire, Connect” campaign supports:

  • Continued free access to media production facilities that enable community-driven content
  • Expansion of community partnerships that amplify nonprofit and civic impact
  • Enhanced hyper-local news coverage that keeps our community informed and connected
  • Youth media education programs that build tomorrow’s community leaders
  • Technology upgrades that expand the reach of community voices

Community members can multiply their impact on local media by visiting www.wktv.org or contacting Josh Weston at josh@wktv.org.

About WKTV Community Media 

Founded in 1974, WKTV serves the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood from its 10,000-square-foot facility on Clyde Park Ave., which features two studios, multiple edit bays, public spaces, and classrooms for media instruction. As the region’s only comprehensive community media center, WKTV operates with six full-time staff members and over 400 active volunteers, providing unique platforms for diverse local voices and fostering civic engagement through innovative, community-driven media.

Palermo Pizza owner holding 50th birthday fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 14; helping some graduating seniors

City of Wyoming, Local Business, Local Food, West Michigan,




By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Palermo Pizza owner Janice Vitale is holding a 50th Birthday Fundraiser on Oct. 14 at 735 36th St. SW Wyoming.



The fundraiser will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and consist of a bake sale, pop can drive and a portion (20 percent) of all orders that day will be donated to charity. Cake and refreshments will be served as well.



“Help me celebrate my birthday by doing what I love to do best; service,” Vitale said. “Together we can do more by giving back.



“Drop your pop cans off, maybe purchase some baked goods and have a slice of cake with me. Each year I sponsor a few graduating seniors. I pay for the cost of their caps and gowns, other memorabilia, and their senior all-nighter. I try to sponsor students in the foster care system, but never limited to. I know with your support we can help more students this year.”





Disability Advocates’ new headquarters to include first-of-its kind occupational therapy home center

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Construction for the Disabilities Advocates of Kent County’s future home is now underway. Move-in date is set for April 22. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Katie Pew Wolters admitted she thought raising $40,000 was a monumental task for the dream of having a model apartment that showcased how people with disabilities can live independently.

“Now they are raising $2.5 million,” said the former executive director of the Grand Rapids Center For Independent Living which became Disability Advocates of Kent County.
 

The $2.5 million is for the Disability Advocates’ new expanded headquarters which the organization celebrated the start of construction on Sept. 14. The 8,600-square-foot facility, located in the future Special Olympics Michigan facility, 160 68th St. SW., will including a new Occupational Therapy home accessibility center.

Kate Pew Wolters, the first executive director for Disability Advocates, said she remember the challenges of raising $40,000 for the organization’s first model apartment. (WKTV)

“The $40,00 we raised was for a model apartment which was a corner of our office,” Wolters said. “It is nothing like what is being planned now. It had a bed and a very small kitchen but it was designed so people with disabilities would learn about being independent.”

The new Occupational Therapy home accessibility center builds on the initial concept that Wolters and her staff had in the early 1980s. (Diability Advocates was founded in 1981). The center will be a place where people with disabilities explore ways to renovated and retrofit their homes so they can be more independent. It will serve as a “test space” showroom where persons with disabilities, their families healthcare, and design professional and building contractors can explore options for a safer home, including models and adaptive equipment, something that is not offered anywhere in the region.

Disabilities Advocates Executive Director David Bulkowski said the center will be a national model where people can come “hang out and try new things to make themselves more independent.”

“The Home Accessibility Center is a response to a demonstrated need,” said Disabilities Advocates Development Director Peggy Helsel. “Often people ask, ‘What does that mean?’ When we talk about universal design and home, we are giving people a real-life model home to experience what a universally-accessible space can look.”

Through corporate sponsors and private fundraising, Disability Advocates have raised $1.75 million of the $2.5 million for the project. The organization launched its public campaign for the remaining $750,000 on Sept. 14. Bulkowski noted that they have received a matching challenge grant of up to $50,000 from the Frey Foundation to help get things rolling.

Disability Advocates of Kent County’s new headquarters will inline the Occupational Therapy home center. (WKTV)

“Dreams can come true even from 36 years ago,” Wolters said. “I am very excited about this opportunity. We knew we needed to keep going until we got it done.”

Disability Advocates will be one of nine disability organizations occupying the former South Christian High School, which is currently being transformed into the largest Special Olympics trading and inclusion center in the world. Special Olympics launched its own public phase of capital campaign in July to raise $20 million for the retrofitting and construction of the 127,000-square-foot facility that was once the South Christian High School.

Wolverine Building Group is the general contractor with Disabilities Advocates allocating 40-percent of its construction budget on engaging with local minority-owned contractors which include DHE Plumbing, Monte Christo Electric, and Grand Rapids Fire Suppression. Mathison l Mathison Architects is the architect. A move-in date has been set for April 22.

Feedback Concert at Founders to raise support for Access of West Michigan

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By Ellie Wahlburg, Access of West Michigan

 

What better way to support the community than through listening to local artists, enjoying delicious food and drink and having the opportunity to win prizes.

 

On Sunday, April 9 from 4-10 p.m., Access of West Michigan is hosting the annual Feedback Concert, held at Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.

 

The evening will feature three great local artists who also call Grand Rapids home. The Legal Immigrants, Conrad Shock and The Noise and the Honeytones will light up the stage with their unique sound and high energy.

 

Founders Brewing Co. offers a venue full of atmosphere and fun.

 

Access of West Michigan will be there with a 50/50 raffle for prizes to win. A silent auction, featuring cool merchandise from some great area organizations, will also raise support for Access of West Michigan.

 

Access of West Michigan is a nonprofit organization serving Grand Rapids in developing holistic solutions to poverty by cultivating equitable systems through education and collaboration. Since 1981, Access has been committed to serving those in need and promoting opportunities for access to good food.

 

Tickets for Feedback 2017 are $5, with all proceeds going to Access.

 

Come join Access and the community in celebrating and supporting holistic solutions to poverty!

 

Learn more about the event, go here.

Local Business Helps Feed the Hungry in West Michigan

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Feeding_America_logo.svgjanice_limbaughBy: Janice Limbaugh

The owner of Eastbrook Auto Wash and Eastbrook Oil and Lube, Paul Coffman is dedicated to this community; most especially to those families in West Michigan who are going hungry.

“Everyone should be able to have food on the table not just during the holidays, but all days of the year,” Coffman says.

EastbrookAuto2As a result, Eastbrook Auto Wash and Eastbrook Oil & Lube are holding a month-long food drive and fundraising event for Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank. Now through November 30, these businesses will be collecting canned, boxed and bagged food staples, toiletry staples, pet food supplies and monetary donations to help offset the fight against hunger in West Michigan. And yes, there is hunger in West Michigan.

Each year it is estimated that over 492,000 people receive food from Feeding America West Michigan. Since 1981 this charity has served families in 40 counties by distributing 1,100 hunger-relief agencies.

“To be able to support this charity during a time when having food on the table has such a strong advertising message, yet others have nothing for their table, is not lost on us,” says Coffman.

EastbrookAutoTo support the cause, Coffman decided that customers who make monetary or supply donations to Feeding America West Michigan during business hours (Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) will receive discounted car washes and oil changes. Every dollar donated to Feeding America West Michigan will be multiplied by the food bank by 10, turning the donation into four meals for someone in need.

The most needed items for the food drive include: jars of peanut butter, canned beef stew, tuna, chicken, fish and meat, macaroni and cheese, rice, pasta, canned vegetables and fruits, beans of all kinds and toiletries.

For more information about the event, contact Jana Schrier at eastbrookautowash@gmail.com or visit www.eastbrookautowash.com.