Ward and Eis Gallery hosts 41st Friendship Circle

Pictured (standing from left) are Colleen Fantozzi, Ward and Eis Gallery; Leslie Elrod, The Petoskey Club;   Jennifer Eis, Angelo Santini, and Kathy Goodwin, Ward and Eis Gallery; Brian Peters, The Nehemiah Project; (seated from left) Melissa Hahn, Health Department of Northwest Michigan; Carrie Klingelsmith, The Manna Food Project; Denneen Smith, Friendship Centers of Emmet County; Gail Kloss, Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 marked the 41^st Friendship Circle at Ward and Eis Gallery on Lake Street in Downtown Petoskey. Gallery owner Jennifer Eis invited several local nonprofits to her store to present them with philanthropic donations totaling $28,000 to support their organizations.

Donations were shared with the following organizations: Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan, $5,500; The Manna Food Project, $4,500; Friendship Centers of Emmet County, $4,500; The Nehemiah Project, $4,500; The Petoskey Club, $4,500; and Health Department of Northwest Michigan, $4,500.

Over the past 41 years, Ward and Eis donations to local organizations have totaled $658,600. Executive Director Gail Kloss said the consistent community support from Ward and Eis Gallery, spanning just over four decades, is truly remarkable. These donations come from 3% of all annual sales, 20% of Thanksgiving and Christmas benefits, and 100% of the proceeds from the Magpie Papers book co-authored by Don Ward and Jennifer Eis.

At this gathering, Jennifer Eis shared a series of personal, community-centered stories—many drawn from her grandmother’s life—to honor the relationships that bind all of us who serve this community. Through moments of loss, resilience, humor, and grace, she reflected on how support, respect, and compassion make it possible to keep going, even when the work feels heavy or unseen. Her stories, alongside Indigenous teachings and reflections on shared giving, reminded us that none of us does this work alone and that our collective strength comes from showing up, staying present, and leading with heart. As a tangible reminder of this message, Jennifer offered a small, smooth stone shaped like a heart, symbolizing the intention to lead—and serve—with heart in all that we do. In sharing both resources and stories, she affirmed the quiet heroism of each organization in the room and the shared responsibility we carry in caring for the people and community we serve.

Together, these stories and gestures reminded us that our work is rooted not just in programs or funding, but in relationships, dignity, and shared purpose. As we return to our organizations, we carry with us both the heart stone and the deeper reminder that when we lead with respect, compassion, and presence, we strengthen not only those we serve, but one another and the community as a whole. Eis believes the gallery’s philanthropic support helps each organization remain focused on its mission, enabling them to continue offering the essential sustenance, shelter, and care that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.

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