ART & CULTURE FINALIST:

Bay Community Theatre

INITIATIVE: Bringht Futures – Enhancing Theatre Experience with New Projection Technology

Ever since its founding 5 1⁄2 years ago, the Bay Community Theatre has been on a journey of transformation.  The 75 year-old Bay Theatre was set to close in late 2018 when the community rallied to “keep the lights on!” and created the non-profit Bay Community Theatre.

Since its founding, “The Bay” has been open 364 days a year, served as many as 17,000 visitors each year, and held countless special movie and live events for students, seniors, families, various local non-profits, the native American community, and many more.  Our mission is to bring people together to enhance the appreciation and access to cinema and performing arts and to protect the historic Bay Theatre building.  

With funding from Impact 100, the Bay Community Theatre will replace its obsolete and unreliable film projector with new projection technology.  This investment will be critical to furthering our mission to serve thousands of patrons from Leelanau, Benzie, and Grand Traverse county for years to come.  This new technology will also allow us flexibility to redesign the theatre’s “front of the house” as well as address important issues identified in recent research.

This funding from Impact 100 will be a major step in The Bay’s transformation from dying venue to thriving community center. Read more

EDUCATION FINALIST:

Northwestern Michigan College Foundation

INITIATIVE: Bringing 3D Printing Homes to NMC and our Community

Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is seeking funding to purchase a 3D printing arm. This 3D printer will revolutionize the construction industry in our region by leveraging cutting-edge technologies to construct homes more efficiently, with smaller teams, and at an accelerated pace.

NMC’s ultimate goal is to tackle the current labor shortages and affordable housing crisis and create a brighter future where technology is fully harnessed. NMC is committed to helping students acquire specialized technical skills that will set them apart in the job market, with innovative problem-solving techniques, as well as leadership and entrepreneurship skills to equip them for success.

NMC will implement a revised curriculum focused on innovation with emerging technology utilizing the first 3D home printer in Northern Michigan. At NMC, they aim to meet this need by introducing students to the latest advancements in construction technology and pushing the boundaries of innovation. Read more

ENVIRONMENT, RECREATION & PRESERVATION FINALIST:

Thompsonville Area Revitalization Project

INITIATIVE: Thompsonville Juntion Trailhead Project

The mission of TARP is to undertake projects which will enhance the quality of life for all people in the greater Thompsonville area.

TARP’s keystone project is the creation of a bicycle trailhead, and an ADA compliant visitor’s pavilion and campground at the historic Thompsonville Junction. TARP’s vision is that this project would initiate a transformational change to the Thompsonville area community. With the successful completion of the trailhead project, Thompsonville would become an important node on the recreational trail map that is evolving in Michigan and attract runners, wheelers, walkers, bicyclists and bicycle campers. The pavilion could be utilized as an outdoor education setting for students in the local preschool and learning center

and the Benzie Central school system, as well as a venue for programs of other non-profits, and public outdoor meetings and functions. By commemorating Thompsonville’s past, this project would establish a path for the community’s future. Read more

FAMILY FINALIST:

Friendship Community Center

INITIATIVE: Leelanau Investing For Teens (LIFT)

Leelanau Investing For Teens (LIFT) is the only no-cost, out-of-school program for 6th through 12th graders in Leelanau County. Over 400 middle and high schoolers join LIFT programming 230 days of the year to connect with community mentors and participate in activities that support their development and mental health.

Housed within three school districts, teens spend over 2,725 hours in LIFT’s dedicated classrooms annually. LIFT’s well-loved out-of-school time spaces are the image of thrift and creativity. Tabletops rest on milk crates, couch covers hide stains, and malfunctioning spring-loaded recliners can send an unsuspecting teen flying.  

Inspired by research on the impact of the physical environment on mental health, LIFT is updating its classrooms for the first time as a necessary investment in the wellbeing of local teens. LIFT will simultaneously purchase a 12-passenger vehicle to increase accessibility to its programs by providing participating teens with transportation to and from its out-of-school time activities. Read more