There are few better ways to begin a new year than to say THANKS SO MUCH to those who offer us their invaluable support. To kick off 2017, we want to send out a rousing cheer to the Yelp Foundation for its gift of $3,000 to 826michigan! It’s a gift we were awarded thanks to a finalist nomination from the Yelp Foundation during their Give Local event at the end of 2016. (We must also acknowledge the enduring support of the e-voting public for our strong showing throughout Yelp’s Give Local event. That totally means the fantastic person reading these words right now. Thank you, friend!)
A $3,000 grant is not the only way that Yelp has made a deliberate investment in 826michigan, though. For multiple years now, Yelp has been one of several sponsors for Mittenfest—our signature winter music festival that celebrates Michigan-made music and raises funds for 826michigan programming across Ypsilanti. Beyond consistent Mittenfest sponsorship, the company has historically gone out of its way to inform us of awesome volunteer recruitment venues—namely the super fun Yelp Helps event—which gathers dozens of incredible nonprofits under one roof, surrounds them with the most celebrated food and beverage vendors in the region, and then opens the doors to the general public so that they can enjoy great eats and beats while deciding where to volunteer. What we’re saying is, Yelp is far more than a website to check reviews before heading out to dinner. It’s truly an organization with a focus on community and we deeply appreciate the attention and concrete investment that Yelp has given to 826michigan.
The generosity of the Yelp Foundation’s $3,000 gift this quarter will certainly pay dividends in the tremendous writing of our students that is on its way this winter and spring. We can hardly wait to read what they will produce and we are thrilled to put this donation to work! Thank you, Yelp, for all of your support. This January, we celebrate you!
