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Northern Notes: BACN neighbors help neighbors [The Record-Eagle, Traverse City, Mich.](Record-Eagle, The (Traverse City, MI) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Sept. 15--Gerri VanAntwerp, executive director of Benzie Area Christian Neighbors, wrote on behalf of the BACN board of directors to extend a thank you to the Benzie and Manistee communities for their support of the 2014 "Summer Match Challenge." This year's goal of $110,000 was met and exceeded thanks to the inspiration challengers The John L. Mulvaney Foundation, The Father Lovett Foundation and one local couple who wished to remain anonymous. The challenge brought in more than 500 matching gifts. "The Match inspires our volunteers and truly creates a caring community of neighbors helping neighbors," she said. Proceeds will provide critical support this winter for adult education programs, the BACN food pantry, and heat, utility and critical assistance services. "Hundreds of children, seniors and working families still living below the poverty guideline will be impacted. On behalf of those families, thank you, and also, appreciation for your continued support during the busy months ahead," she said. Tim Hinkley, board member of United Way of Northwest Michigan, acknowledged the impact BACN has on the community they serve when he thanked volunteers last month for helping United Way utilize their funding so smartly last winter. United Way's 2013-2014 $10,000 grant to BACN supported both conservation and financial assistance to Benzie families struggling with utilities last winter. Their contribution funded the purchase of weatherization kits to seal air leaks around old windows and doors, the purchase of replacement windows and other building materials for the STAMP "safer, warmer, drier" program and provided assistance to 35 families who faced utility shut-off with a portion of their utility bill. n If someone has gone out of their way to lend a hand when you were in need, and you would like to acknowledge their act of kindness or generosity in the Northern Notes column, email [email protected] or call 933-1506. ___ (c)2014 The Record-Eagle (Traverse City, Mich.) Visit The Record-Eagle (Traverse City, Mich.) at record-eagle.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |