Keweenaw Community Foundation Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Keweenaw Gold Celebration
Robin Meneguzzo, Executive Director, Keweenaw Community Foundation
The Keweenaw Community Foundation commemorated its 30th anniversary with a memorable Keweenaw Gold Celebration on November 7th at the Bonfire Restaurant in Houghton. This milestone event brought together community members, donors, and supporters to honor KCF’s three decades of impact and to look ahead to a promising future for the community.
String instrument music from the Copper Country Suzuki Association enriched the evening, creating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. Local artist Rebecca Paavo from Ilo Art Supplies and Books provided an interactive live painting experience, capturing the natural beauty of Lake Superior for attendees to enjoy (see photo). KCF Executive Director Robin Menguzzo shared an inspiring presentation highlighting the Foundation’s achievements, current projects, and vision for the future.
“I am deeply moved by the incredible support from our community in celebrating KCF’s 30th anniversary,” said Robin Meneguzzo, Executive Director of the Keweenaw Community Foundation. “From our sponsors and donors to our planning committee and all the attendees, everyone played a role in making this event a success. Together, we are building a community that values and supports each other, and it’s truly inspiring. As we continue working with a shared vision, I believe we can create a brighter future for the Keweenaw.”
Keweenaw Gold silent auction
The silent auction was a highlight of the evening, featuring an array of curated packages that showcased the best of the Keweenaw region. The packages included:
Keweenaw Adventure Package – Scuba diving certificate from Third Coast Diving and Adaptive Recreation.
Keweenaw Artists Package – A gift certificate for a class at the Copper Country Community Arts Center (CCCAC), original framed artwork from Studio 13, and homemade jam from the Laurium Manor Inn.
Keweenaw Brews Package – Merchandise from Keweenaw Brewing Company, plus tickets to the 2025 Keweenaw Brewfest from the Rotary Club of Houghton.
Keweenaw Coast Package – Private boat tour from Copper Country Boat Tours, Mariner North gift certificate, Minnetonka Resort apparel, and pickled eggs from The Genny - The Gas Lite General Store.
Keweenaw Creatives Package – Membership to the Copper Country Community Arts Center (CCCAC), a canvas photo print of an aerial view of Eagle Harbor from Quincy Aerial, and a gift certificate from Studio Alchemy.
Keweenaw Family Adventure Package – Family passes to Delaware Mine, a basket of baked goods from Copper Country Sweets, a gift certificate from Mariner North, and a Keweenaw Treasure Tours Treasure Box from KC Bonkers.
Keweenaw Kids Package – Mini golf passes from Into the Woods Mini Golf and Gardens, a basket of merchandise from Keweenaw Co+op Market and Deli, a box of fudge from Country Village Shops, and a Treehouse membership from the Keweenaw Family Resource Center.
Keweenaw Lovebird Package – A mini photo session with Amethyst Imagery, a one-night stay at Laurium Manor, a group exercise punch card from U.P. Portage Fitness Center, and a live cello performance by the CC Suzuki Association.
Keweenaw Minerals Package – Mineral specimens from Main Street Rocks, tickets to a Rozsa Center event, a gift card from The Forge Food Smith, and a gift certificate to the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum.
Keweenaw One Night Staycation Package – A one-night stay at The Vault Hotel, tickets to a Michigan Tech hockey game, and Bloody Mary fixings from the Genny - The Gas Lite General Store.
Keweenaw Parents Package – Fudge from Country Village Shops, a gift certificate from Harbor Haus, a two-night stay at the Keweenaw Castle Resort, and a sunset cruise for two on Isle Royale Queen.
Keweenaw Passageway Package – A kayak tour from Keweenaw Adventure Company, a gift certificate from Harbor Haus, a stay at The Pines at Lake Fanny Hooe Resort, and homemade jam from Laurium Manor Inn.
Keweenaw Professionals Package – A 10-day punch card to 1Q1 Quincy Coworking, class passes to Fresh Coast Yoga, tickets to the 2025 Keweenaw Sparkplug Awards Ceremony, a one-month membership to the U.P. Portage Fitness Center, and apparel from Minnetonka Resort.
Keweenaw Views Package – A 30x40 painted canvas by Rebecca Paavo. This painting was completed during Keweenaw Gold.
Keweenaw Threads Package – Apparel items from Fresh Coast Cabins and a gift card from Bonfire Restaurant.
“We are incredibly grateful to our silent auction donors, whose generous contributions helped us raise essential funds to support our community,” said Vienna Leonarduzzi, Director of Operations and Communications at the Keweenaw Community Foundation. “Their support, along with the enthusiasm of our attendees, allows us to continue making a meaningful impact in our community. We’re proud to partner with local businesses that share our vision for a thriving and connected community.”
Keweenaw Gold 2024 Sponsors and Donors
KCF extends its heartfelt thanks to the Keweenaw Gold 2024 sponsors and donors, whose support made this celebration possible:
Benefactor Sponsors ($2,500+): Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital, Insight Wealth Solutions
Supporter Sponsors ($1,200 - $2,499): The Nature Conservancy
Friend Sponsors ($600 - $1,199): Breakwater Federal Credit Union, Ferrellgas
Neighbor Sponsors ($300 - $599): Tony Schwen, Financial Advisor - Edward Jones; McGann Building Supply; Paint River Creative; Superior National Bank and Trust; UP Health System Portage
“Reflecting on the wonderful Keweenaw Gold event, I’m filled with pride and admiration for the KCF team and all who created such a fantastic event. Every detail was thought of by the event planners —from the little gold nuggets and table decor to the tastefully packaged auction baskets, to the live painting and music artists—the event was truly elegant, classy, and welcoming. I overheard lively conversations and positive commentary all around. The KCF team’s passion, dedication, and teamwork are truly inspiring.”
Rebecca Paavo, local artist
Special Thanks
Bonfire Restaurant for graciously hosting and catering the event, providing a wonderful venue and delicious food.
Copper Country Sweets for a delicious selection of cupcakes.
47 North Photography for capturing memorable moments throughout the evening.
Copper Country Suzuki Association for enhancing the atmosphere with classical string music.
Rebecca Paavo for her live painting experience, adding a creative and interactive touch.
KCF is grateful to everyone who attended and supported the Keweenaw Gold Celebration. Your generosity and commitment fuel KCF’s mission to strengthen the Keweenaw community and build a brighter future.
“Reflecting on the wonderful Keweenaw Gold event, I'm filled with pride and admiration for the KCF team and all who created such a fantastic event. Every detail was thought of by the event planners —from the little gold nuggets and table decor to the tastefully packaged auction baskets, to the live painting and music artists—the event was truly elegant, classy, and welcoming. I overheard lively conversations and positive commentary all around. The KCF team's passion, dedication, and teamwork are truly inspiring,” said Cassy Tefft de Muñoz, KCF Board of Directors member.