Ward and Eis Gallery owners, Don Ward (right) and Jennifer Eis (second from right), continue a tradition of charitable giving with recent donations to local nonprofit organizations totaling $22,500. Pictured at the donation presentation are (from left) Pat Fralick, Community Health Department of Northwest Michigan; Jama Moffett, Petoskey Club; Michael Walker, Nehemiah Project; Howard Beck, Nehemiah Project; Jan Mancinelli, Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan; Deb Noblett, The Manna Food Project; Sue Engel, Friendship Centers of Emmet County; Jennifer Eis and Don Ward.

Ward and Eis Gallery, nestled in the heart of Petoskey’s famed Gaslight District, has reached a milestone in their 31-year history. In 1984, Don Ward and Jennifer Eis, decided to donate $698 to two local non-profits which represented a percentage of store proceeds from the previous year. They chose to support area organizations every subsequent year and as their sales grew, so did their donations. The gallery’s annual donations are neatly and precisely charted on a hand-drawn spreadsheet with a 31-year total of $347,000 dispersed to 18 organizations.

The business philosophy embraced by Ward and Eis is as simple and straight forward as their hand-printed spreadsheet. From the very start, they agreed the business would be successful and viable if they followed a simple business plan: put people first – community, staff, customers and crafts people; provide a fine product; realize a profit; and participate in local philanthropy.

Ward and Eis are convinced that wealth and abundance in life comes through giving. “Our major emphasis has always been on helping organizations provide basic assistance for individuals and families in need of food, shelter and emotional support,” said Eis. “All of us benefit if the reciprocity of getting and giving is observed.”

Representatives from six local health and human services organizations gathered at the Gallery for a donation ceremony and to reflect on the past year. Eis described the work of each agency as a gift that lasts a lifetime because the support provided helps each person in need to better help themselves.

The donations dispersed represented 2% of annual store sales, 20% of Thanksgiving and Christmas weekend sales, as well as 100% of the proceeds of the book Magpie Papers co-authored by Ward and Eis. The resulting $22,500 was shared as follows: Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan, $4,500; Manna Food Project, $3,500; Friendship Centers, $3,000; Nehemiah Project, $3,000; Petoskey Club, $3,000; and Community Health Department of Northwest Michigan, $3,500.

Ward also credits gallery patrons for making these donations possible. “In reality, it is our customers who support these choices and provide the funds,” said Ward. “We encourage them to nominate organizations to share in this effort.”

The Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) has received financial support from Ward and Eis for the past 27 years totaling $66,000. “Amazing” is how Jan Mancinelli, the agency’s executive director, summed it up. “These two amazing people have gone about their business in the most pure, yet purposeful way and epitomize the essence of philanthropy,” said Mancinelli.

“They are the real heroes,” Ward said of the funded organizations. “They ensure that our community is a more compassionate and humane place to live.”