Ward and Eis Gallery in Petoskey continues a tradition of annual contributions to local nonprofit organizations totaling $31,000. Pictured are (from left) Keri Borgeld and Jennifer Eis of Ward and Eis; Gail Kloss, Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan; Jama Moffett, The Petoskey Club; Carrie Klingelsmith, The Manna Food Project; and Michael Walker, The Nehemiah Project. Not pictured, Denneen Smith, Friendship Centers of Emmet County; and Melissa Hahn, Health Department of Northwest Michigan.

For 38 consecutive years, Ward and Eis Gallery in Petoskey has embraced a business philosophy of giving back because when each individual flourishes, so does the community. At the outset of 2021, however, businesses were headed into the second year of a global pandemic. It was unclear if the gallery would be able to maintain its traditional level of giving; everything was uncertain and different.

Gallery owner Jennifer Eis said that after a challenging and exhausting year, she was grateful to discover that not only could she continue to give back, but she could give more enabling the financial support of six nonprofit organizations with charitable donations totaling $31,000: Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM), $6,000; The Manna Food Project, $5,000; Friendship Centers of Emmet County, $5,000; The Nehemiah Project, $5,000; Petoskey Club, $5,000; and the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, $5,000.

The donations are the result of 3% of annual sales, 20% of holiday benefits and 100% of the proceeds from the Magpie Papers book co-authored by Don Ward and Jennifer Eis.

During the donation presentation, Eis acknowledged the difficult and ongoing work nonprofits face, especially these past few unusual years. She hopes the gallery’s philanthropic support helps each organization keep their mission candle burning brightly. In this way, they can continue being a light for those in need of the sustenance, shelter and support that strengthens the mind, body and spirit.

Ward and Eis Gallery’s consistent community support totaling $537,000 and stretching over nearly four decades could be described as miraculous. Eis explains it with a quote from prominent writer Willa Cather, “Where there is great love, there are always miracles.”

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