Ward and Eis Gallery in Petoskey continued a tradition of charitable giving with recent donations to local nonprofit organizations totaling $22,000. Pictured at the donation presentation are (front from left) Keri Borgeld, Ward and Eis team member; Michael Walker, The Nehemiah Project; Amanda Thompson, Health Department of Northwest Michigan; Gail Kloss, Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan; Lisa Hoig, Friendship Centers of Emmet County; Jennifer Eis, owner of Ward and Eis; Jama Moffett, The Petoskey Club; Lisa Ross, Ward and Eis team member; (back from left) Kim Baker, The Manna Food Project; and Kathy Goodwin, manager of Ward and Eis.

Ward and Eis Gallery in downtown Petoskey, continues a 35-year tradition of supporting local health and human services organizations. The philanthropic funding began with a $698 donation to the Friendship Center in 1984, after the first year Don Ward and Jennifer Eis opened the doors of their gallery. Since that time, they have donated a total of $460,000 to 18 organizations that serve the area.

Eis, who continues to own and operate the gallery since Ward’s passing in 2016, said the donations help organizations that provide basic assistance to people in need of food, shelter and support that strengthens the mind, body and spirit. Eis invited six local nonprofit leaders to the gallery to receive this year’s donations, describing it as an opportunity for them slow down, reflect on the impact of their work and feel re-energized to return to their daily activities.

The gallery’s contributions represent 2% of annual sales, 20% of Thanksgiving and Christmas benefits and 100% of the proceeds of the Magpie Papers, a book authored by Don Ward and Jennifer Eis. The resulting $22,000 was shared as follows: Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan, $4,500; Manna Food Project, $3,500; Friendship Centers, $3,500; Nehemiah Project, $3,500; Petoskey Club, $3,500; and Health Department of Northwest Michigan, $3,500.

Ward and Eis Gallery has supported Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) for 31 years with donations totaling $84,000. Gail Kloss, WRCNM Executive Director said, “Jennifer and the late Don Ward have shown a steadfast commitment to local organizations and community members which is quite extraordinary. This humble and charming Lake Street gallery has given back nearly half a million dollars to this community. It’s both incredible and awe-inspiring.”

The donation presentation included a small Medicine Wheel for each nonprofit representative to take back to their organizations. The wheel features the four directions (East, South, West and North) represented in four colors (yellow, red, black and white) signifying the cycles and circular nature of life.

In closing the donation presentation, Eis asked those gathered in the back of her gallery to use the medicine wheel to remember to continually move through the circle of life and to observe, listen, remember, share and learn from every experience.

Ward and Eis Gallery is at 315 East Lake Street, Petoskey, and can be reached at (231) 347-2750.