The core of what The Mendel Center does is on hold for the moment. Over 100 events have been cancelled since March. Despite a 50% reduction of the annual operating budget, there is still an expected gap of more than $150,000 this fiscal year. The executive orders limiting gatherings to 10 or fewer, and shuttering the Mainstage and Hanson Theatres completely leave little room for revenue generation.
However, we are re-inventing The Mendel Center for a socially distanced world and beyond. During the pandemic, we are connecting with our communities through the Remotely Interested livestream series, Drive-In Live! Concert Series, the Mendel Center Connections interview series which highlights arts and community leaders, micro-weddings, and more. We have also embarked on a project called 100 Conversations – we are ensuring we are relevant, inclusive, and welcoming to a broader range of people by talking with members of the communities we serve.
The Mendel Center will emerge stronger than ever with your help. Your support ensures the lasting presence of The Mendel Center to serve as:
- A place where family and friends connect through the performing arts and celebrations
- A center for creative expression, growth, and collaboration
- A lifelong learning resource – from preschool through college and beyond
- A catalyst for economic vitality throughout the region
- A leader in bringing together and advancing communities
Thanks to a $50,000 matching challenge grant from the Upton Foundation, your contribution has double the impact. Please consider making a contribution below, or by mailing your check made payable to the Lake Michigan College Foundation to:
Lake Michigan College Foundation
Attention: Creating Bridges Campaign
2755 E. Napier Avenue
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
For more information or to discuss contribution options, please contact Mike Nadolski at mnadolski@lakemichigancollege.edu or 269-927-8109.
Thank you to the following individuals who have already made the decision to support The Mendel Center:
| Marv Abbott |
| Carol & Spike Abernethy |
| Susan Anderson |
| J.C. Anderson |
| Karl & Joyce Andrews |
| Ron Arturi |
| Dr. Alice Bacak, O.D. |
| Susan Balmes, in honor of Roland Bowman |
| Joe & Bonny Barrett |
| Earl & Claudette Becher |
| Celina Bevelhymer |
| Cindy Birk |
| Rosanne & Rick Burden |
| Norman & Sheryl Burns |
| Nancy Calme |
| Eileen Carlson |
| Tom & Heather Catania |
| Dyann Chenault |
| Richard & Beth Chubb |
| Doris Claudon |
| Adrian Collins |
| Barbara & Martin Craig |
| Clara Dansfield |
| DeGroot Inc. |
| Elaine Edgecomb |
| Melissa & Dan Emery |
| Arnold & Arlene Feinberg |
| Glen & Cathy Feirick |
| Larry & Sandy Feldman |
| Eleanore Flowers |
| Elaine Fluck |
| Mary Ann Forsythe |
| Judith Fowler |
|
| Julian & Rhona Frazin |
| Carla Frischkorn |
| Kim Jorgensen Gane |
| Mary Good |
| Georgiana Gormley |
| Paul Gray |
| Alexander Halbleib |
| Theresa Harrison |
| Mike & Henrietta Hall |
| Deanna Heminger |
| Bailey Hermann |
| Michael Hoge |
| Margie Hojara-Hadsell |
| Dan Hopp |
| Joyce & Joe Howell |
| William & Greta Hurst |
| Doug Jaques |
| Jennifer Jacobs |
| Charles Jespersen |
| Jackie Kamerer |
| Grace Kelmer |
| Rich and MaryAnn Kelmer |
| Bill & Barb Klein |
| Dan Kmitta |
| Trevor & Kim Kubatzke |
| Rom & Norita Lachica |
| Eric & Audrey Lester |
| Cindy Leichliter - in honor of Selina McGovern |
| Dr. Michael & Deborah Lindley |
| Peter & Kathleen Loveland |
| Patrick M. Lynch |
| Kathy Manning |
| Ann Marie Marlow |
|
| Dennis & Kathryn McCarthy |
| Robert & Bonnie McMillen |
| Linda McPherson & Terry Wainright |
| Charles McKelvy, clarinet |
| Betty Meyerink |
| Mike & Sarah Nadolski |
| Leslie Navarro |
| Jim Neuman |
| Bob & Kelly Nightingale |
| Steve & Patty Nordberg |
| Michael & Joann Nordin |
| Jen & Marvell O'Flynn |
| Candace & Richard Onweller - in memory of Roger Hathaway |
| Jo Ann Parrish |
| Barbara Pence |
| Dr. John Porritt |
| Kimberly Powell |
| Quality Mold & Engineering |
| Dr. R. Rademacher, O.D. |
| Barbara Radewald |
| Joelle Regovich |
| Dale & Cindy Reuss |
| Rober & Fran Rodstrom - in honor of Grace Kelmer |
| Sam Roy - in memory of Dave Holt |
| David & Clare Rutlin |
| Deanne Rymarowicz - in honor of Ann Marie Marlow |
| Keith Rydecki |
| Camille Sandel |
| Doug & Peggy Schaffer |
|
| Jenny & Larry Schanker |
| Dr. Serge Schillio |
| Karen & Jerry Schlaack |
| Micki Schmidt |
| Gordon Schreiber |
| Silver Beach Pizza |
| Silver Harbor Brewing |
| Carol Sizer |
| Jim & Joan Smith |
| Eric & Deborah Standen |
| Linda Steinke |
| Jan Street |
| Tom Street |
| Linda Stright |
| Maureen Stritch |
| Eileen Suva |
| Lenore Taylor |
| Judith Thompson |
| Boyd & Linda Timm |
| Mary Jo Tomasini & Fred Malawski |
| Alex & Sara Vanderveen |
| Jan Versaw |
| Dana L. Wales, Wales & Associates |
| Sandra Warren |
| Gene Weil |
| Marcia Wiinamaki |
| Marcia Wineberg |
| Ned & Diane Wollenslegel |
| Jonathon R. & Dr. Katie M. Woodhams |
| Ross & Debbie Woodhams |
| Larry Wozniak |
| Mamie Yarbrough |
|