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Boreal Community Media

Over 20 non-profit organizations celebrated at the 2nd Dessert to the Max event

Nov 20, 2023 11:06AM ● By Content Editor
All photos by Laura Durenberger-Grunow

From Boreal Community Media - November 20, 2023

On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, over 20 Cook County non-profits gathered at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts for the 2nd Dessert to the Max event. Each organization offered a sweet treat for attendees to enjoy, a friendly face, a door prize, and highlights of upcoming events or work they’ve recently done. The event, which was hosted by Boreal Community Media, aimed to celebrate and support local non-profits, the work they’ve done, and their staff and volunteers.

 

“It was really fun having so many people and organizations under one roof and we are so grateful for everyone who came out,” said Laura Durenberger-Grunow, Digital Content Editor for Boreal Community Media. “Most seemed to really enjoy being able to chat, learn, and connect with each other. I think many made meaningful connections. I know we at Boreal did.”

 Erik Torch


The last portion of the event included a short presentation by Erik Torch, Executive Director of the Lloyd K Johnson Foundation, on the importance of non-profits in Cook County. Karen Blackburn, Director of Cook County Higher Education, was the event MC and introduced Torch, followed by assisting in giving away door prizes. Over 20 prizes were awarded to attendees, including a grand prize of a 2-night stay at Bluefin Bay, graciously donated by Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts

 Karen Blackburn assisting with prizes


While the community connections were a main highlight, the desserts offered by each organization were also a hit. At the end of the evening, organizations that didn’t want to take leftovers home had the opportunity to donate them to the Empty Bowls Bake Sale, which was taking place the following morning. An Empty Bowls board member and other volunteers graciously helped organizations package up their treats and bring them to the sale. 

 WTIP even had its own branded cookies!


“Excuse the pun, but it was really such a treat to be able to continue the community aspect of the event beyond the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. We are grateful that Empty Bowls could use the extra treats to raise money for organizations in the community who are working to address food insecurity,” Durenberger-Grunow said. 


 AAR was just one organization represented at the event


A list of organizations represented at the event can be found below:

  • Boreal Community Media

  • Grand Marais Playhouse

  • Cook County Higher Education

  • North House Folk School

  • Care Partners of Cook County

  • Oddz & Endz

  • Great Expectations School

  • North Point

  • Arrowhead Animal Rescue

  • Pincushion Ski & Run Club

  • The Story Laboratory LLC

  • Cook County Local Energy Project

  • Northwoods Food Project

  • Grand Maris Lions Club

  • Cook County Historical Society

  • Starry Skies North

  • Sawtooth Mountain Clinic

  • WTIP Community Radio

  • Let's Plant Trees

  • Hamilton Habitat

  • Cook County School District 166 Education Foundation 

  • Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation


 Many organizations offered fun swag, including Boreal!




Boreal Ship Spotter - larger view here