The Keweenaw Community Foundation has rebranded its annual fundraiser to “Keweenaw Gives” in November. The new name better reflects the region’s giving spirit and collaborative culture highlighted during the event.
The rebrand aims to celebrate how community members contribute their time, talents, and ideas to support one another. Vienna Leonarduzzi, director of development and communications for the foundation, said the new name captures the essence of what makes the Copper Country unique.
“We live in a small town, people give their time, their talents, ideas, and I always say that the biggest resource in this community is the people that you know,” Leonarduzzi said. “So we wanted this event to reflect that spirit that the community really shows up for each other.”
The November 4 event at the Rozsa Center will bring together the foundation’s partners, supporters, volunteers, and community members for an evening of awareness, art, music, and giving. Local artist Rebecca Pavo will paint a landscape during the event that will be included in the silent auction, allowing attendees to witness the creative process.
“The mood and just like the feeling in the room is really unique, I think, compared to other gatherings I’ve been to in the community,” Leonarduzzi said. “It’s just that people leave feeling inspired and really being proud of the community that they’re a part of.”
Foundation CEO Robin Meneguzzo will share highlights of the foundation’s accomplishments and initiatives launched in 2025. The foundation expanded its grant programs this year, introducing field of interest grants and a mini grants program. The organization also launched “The Current,” a nonprofit support hub designed to help local nonprofit leaders attract volunteers, organize fundraisers, and improve community engagement.
“We will be highlighting some new initiatives that we launched this year,” Leonarduzzi said. “We’ve added to our team, so staff changes. We’ve also launched our mini grants program. So really just highlighting the things that we’ve been able to launch this year and different collaborative projects that we worked on with the community.”
The event will feature a silent auction with items donated by local organizations, businesses, and supporters. Sponsorships and auction donations are still being accepted. Ticket options include individual tickets, pairs, or reserved tables for eight people.
Potential sponsors should contact the foundation before Friday, September 25th, to learn about sponsorship opportunities. Those interested in donating items to the silent auction can find more information online at the Keweenaw Community Foundation website.
Those interested in contributing to the Keweenaw Gives silent auction will need to contact Vienna Leonarduzzi by October 16th at (906) 482-9673 or vienna@keweenawgives.org to coordinate the pickup or drop-off of your donated item(s). Sponsorship opportunities range from $250 to $5,000 and offer varying levels of event recognition and benefits. Tickets cost $70 per person, $135 for two, or $550 to reserve a table of eight.
Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased or submitted in the following ways:
● Online: https://bit.ly/kgives-26
● Mail: PO Box 264, Hancock, MI 49930
● Phone: 906-482-9673
● In Person: 417 Quincy Street, 3rd floor, Hancock
