About Macomb Charitable Foundation
About The Foundation
Community Focused
The Macomb Charitable Foundation is a non-profit organization run solely by volunteers whose purpose is to REACH OUT to the CHILDREN in our community who are homeless or living below poverty level.
It is our desire to provide these children with basic NECESSITIES.
Letter From Our President
In 1982, I was a young employee in a Macomb County school district that had a large population of low-income housing. There were children attending school without necessities, oftentimes they were hungry. Teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and other school employees would rally around these children and supply them with clothing, food, shoes and other needed items. One child in particular tugged at my heart.
It was early fall when I noticed he was not wearing clothing suitable for the weather. No socks, shoes with holes, no coat or warm weather gear. I knew from working at the school that he lived in less than desirable conditions. My mom and I provided him with a bountiful Christmas. Completely anonymous. He didn’t know it was from us and we didn’t see him open the packages. My mom always imagined him opening his gifts and exclaiming with joy that it was his best Christmas ever! I was a young newlywed, we didn’t have much, but we had more than he did. It felt so good to bless this young boy. The next year we found another child to “adopt.” My aunt and sisters jumped on board. The year after that friends became involved. Year after year the program grew. Around 2002 one of our generous supporters offered us a 501c3 nonprofit license. We have remained an all-volunteer group helping homeless and poverty-level children in Macomb County ever since.
I have been humbled, but never surprised, at the generosity of this community. Strangers coming together to help children they will never meet. Prayers and financial gifts offered to those who are struggling. Given freely, with no expectation of reward or acknowledgment. This should be the headline of every local newspaper.
Hundreds and hundreds of Macomb County children are forced to spend the night somewhere other than “home”. Many will be sleeping in area shelters. Some will be in motel rooms or on the couch or floor of a friend or relative. All of these children have the same wants and needs as our own children do. Having a secure home and their own bed are high on their lists of wants.
We can’t buy them all a home. We can’t change some of the horrific stories they’ve lived. But we can provide them with some basic necessities and love! Thank you for partnering with Macomb Charitable to make a difference in their young lives. ~ Shelly Penzien
MEET OUR BOARD MEMEBERS
Meet Our Board
The board members of The Macomb Charitable Foundation are a group of friends who have a passion to help children in need. Ours is a faith-based, all-volunteer group that enjoys the support of many generous members of our community. Together we make a difference!
“Investing in the well-being of homeless children in our community creates a brighter future for all of our children. I consider it a privilege to help the most vulnerable families in our neighborhoods. It is a bonus to be surrounded and supported by friends and loved ones.
“Investing in the well-being of homeless children in our community creates a brighter future for all of our children. I consider it a privilege to help the most vulnerable families in our neighborhoods. It is a bonus to be surrounded and supported by friends and loved ones.
“For me, the secret of MCF, is not the things we do just at Christmas time, but the Christmas things you do all year through”.
“For me, the secret of MCF, is not the things we do just at Christmas time, but the Christmas things you do all year through”.
“I am honored to be part of a charity that allows me to give back to the children in our community. Being surrounded by a group of individuals who share the same values makes it possible to truly make a difference. Together, we work to improve the lives of vulnerable children by providing them with safety, support, and hope for a brighter future. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the smile on a child’s face when they realize that someone genuinely cares.”
“I am honored to be part of a charity that allows me to give back to the children in our community. Being surrounded by a group of individuals who share the same values makes it possible to truly make a difference. Together, we work to improve the lives of vulnerable children by providing them with safety, support, and hope for a brighter future. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the smile on a child’s face when they realize that someone genuinely cares.”
“The Macomb Charitable Foundation has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Our board members, supporters, and the families we assist have shaped me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful that God has called our group to come together as we continue to strive to improve the lives around us. Being on the board of MCF isn’t just a volunteering activity for me, it’s part of who I am”.
“The Macomb Charitable Foundation has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Our board members, supporters, and the families we assist have shaped me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful that God has called our group to come together as we continue to strive to improve the lives around us. Being on the board of MCF isn’t just a volunteering activity for me, it’s part of who I am”.
Frank is a Partner with Warner Norcross + Judd, LLP. He concentrates his practice in the areas of estate and trust planning, tax and business succession planning, probate estate and trust administration, business and corporate law, and nonprofit organizations. He is the Chair of the firm’s Trusts and Estates Administration Subpractice Group.
Frank is a Partner with Warner Norcross + Judd, LLP. He concentrates his practice in the areas of estate and trust planning, tax and business succession planning, probate estate and trust administration, business and corporate law, and nonprofit organizations. He is the Chair of the firm’s Trusts and Estates Administration Subpractice Group.
“Being a board member of Macomb Charitable has filled my heart with gratitude…I feel blessed to be able to help bless others”.
“Being a board member of Macomb Charitable has filled my heart with gratitude…I feel blessed to be able to help bless others”.
“I’m so blessed to be part of the Macomb Charitable Foundation. This foundation allows us to partner with our generous, love-filled supporters to make a difference in the world. To see the enormous impact MCF makes on the lives of these children is astounding. It is life-changing — both for the child and for me”.
“I’m so blessed to be part of the Macomb Charitable Foundation. This foundation allows us to partner with our generous, love-filled supporters to make a difference in the world. To see the enormous impact MCF makes on the lives of these children is astounding. It is life-changing — both for the child and for me”.
“I am honored to be a part of The Macomb Charitable Foundation. It is deeply important to me that every child deserves and receives safety, stability, and the chance to thrive. We are committed to giving these families dignity, hope and a brighter future”.
“I am honored to be a part of The Macomb Charitable Foundation. It is deeply important to me that every child deserves and receives safety, stability, and the chance to thrive. We are committed to giving these families dignity, hope and a brighter future”.
“I am honored to be part of The Macomb Charitable Foundation, where we are truly doing God’s work here on earth. The children we serve through MCF have touched my heart and transformed my life, helping me grow into the best version of myself. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families – one child at a time”.
“I am honored to be part of The Macomb Charitable Foundation, where we are truly doing God’s work here on earth. The children we serve through MCF have touched my heart and transformed my life, helping me grow into the best version of myself. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families – one child at a time”.
“I am honored to be part of The Macomb Charitable Foundation because it allows me to personally see the heartfelt appreciation felt by each child we are able to help. Fulfilling the smallest wish of basic necessities for a child is a blessing from God that not many are able to witness first hand”.
“I am honored to be part of The Macomb Charitable Foundation because it allows me to personally see the heartfelt appreciation felt by each child we are able to help. Fulfilling the smallest wish of basic necessities for a child is a blessing from God that not many are able to witness first hand”.
“Macomb Charitable has a most dedicated, hard-working group of volunteers whose work benefits so many. I’m proud to be even a small part of the organization.”
“Macomb Charitable has a most dedicated, hard-working group of volunteers whose work benefits so many. I’m proud to be even a small part of the organization.”
Volunteer Testimonials
This foundation is true to my heart and there have been so many lives blessed because of this group of wonderful people! Not only for the ones who are blessed to receive their great and life changing gifts but also for those whose lives have been changed just to be able to serve those who are unfortunately in need. Love this foundation beyond words!
This foundation is true to my heart and there have been so many lives blessed because of this group of wonderful people! Not only for the ones who are blessed to receive their great and life changing gifts but also for those whose lives have been changed just to be able to serve those who are unfortunately in need. Love this foundation beyond words!
Meet Our Junior Ambassadors
“Our Junior Ambassadors have generously dedicated countless hours supporting our fundraisers, assembling newsletters, and assisting with our Christmas drop-off and pick-up efforts, all with the goal of giving back to the community and making a difference in the life of a child in need.”
“Our Junior Ambassadors have generously dedicated countless hours supporting our fundraisers, assembling newsletters, and assisting with our Christmas drop-off and pick-up efforts, all with the goal of giving back to the community and making a difference in the life of a child in need.”
“Our Junior Ambassadors have generously dedicated countless hours supporting our fundraisers, assembling newsletters, and assisting with our Christmas drop-off and pick-up efforts, all with the goal of giving back to the community and making a difference in the life of a child in need.”
“Our Junior Ambassadors have generously dedicated countless hours supporting our fundraisers, assembling newsletters, and assisting with our Christmas drop-off and pick-up efforts, all with the goal of giving back to the community and making a difference in the life of a child in need.”
“Our Junior Ambassadors have generously dedicated countless hours supporting our fundraisers, assembling newsletters, and assisting with our Christmas drop-off and pick-up efforts, all with the goal of giving back to the community and making a difference in the life of a child in need.”
“Our Junior Ambassadors have generously dedicated countless hours supporting our fundraisers, assembling newsletters, and assisting with our Christmas drop-off and pick-up efforts, all with the goal of giving back to the community and making a difference in the life of a child in need.”
“Our Junior Ambassadors have generously dedicated countless hours supporting our fundraisers, assembling newsletters, and assisting with our Christmas drop-off and pick-up efforts, all with the goal of giving back to the community and making a difference in the life of a child in need.”
“Our Junior Ambassadors have generously dedicated countless hours supporting our fundraisers, assembling newsletters, and assisting with our Christmas drop-off and pick-up efforts, all with the goal of giving back to the community and making a difference in the life of a child in need.”
“Our Junior Ambassadors have generously dedicated countless hours supporting our fundraisers, assembling newsletters, and assisting with our Christmas drop-off and pick-up efforts, all with the goal of giving back to the community and making a difference in the life of a child in need.”
“Our Junior Ambassadors have generously dedicated countless hours supporting our fundraisers, assembling newsletters, and assisting with our Christmas drop-off and pick-up efforts, all with the goal of giving back to the community and making a difference in the life of a child in need.”
“Our Junior Ambassadors have generously dedicated countless hours supporting our fundraisers, assembling newsletters, and assisting with our Christmas drop-off and pick-up efforts, all with the goal of giving back to the community and making a difference in the life of a child in need.”
“Our Junior Ambassadors have generously dedicated countless hours supporting our fundraisers, assembling newsletters, and assisting with our Christmas drop-off and pick-up efforts, all with the goal of giving back to the community and making a difference in the life of a child in need.”
“Our Junior Ambassadors have generously dedicated countless hours supporting our fundraisers, assembling newsletters, and assisting with our Christmas drop-off and pick-up efforts, all with the goal of giving back to the community and making a difference in the life of a child in need.”
“Our Junior Ambassadors have generously dedicated countless hours supporting our fundraisers, assembling newsletters, and assisting with our Christmas drop-off and pick-up efforts, all with the goal of giving back to the community and making a difference in the life of a child in need.”
Volunteer Spotlight
Debby is a longtime supporter of Macomb Charitable. She and her husband Bud have been an integral part of our volunteer team for years. Debby has helped on almost every one of our fundraisers in some way or another. She is a cherished supporter who helps us make a difference!
Debby is a longtime supporter of Macomb Charitable. She and her husband Bud have been an integral part of our volunteer team for years. Debby has helped on almost every one of our fundraisers in some way or another. She is a cherished supporter who helps us make a difference!
Jamie is the force behind our “Ladies Night Out” events. She took over this event several years ago when we outgrew our home at Hessell’s Greenhouse and has taken it to new levels! With attendance reaching 500 women or more, this event has become a community favorite. Jamie also collects and delivers Christmas Tree’s to our newly housed families. She has a heart for helping others in need that shines brightly.
Jamie is the force behind our “Ladies Night Out” events. She took over this event several years ago when we outgrew our home at Hessell’s Greenhouse and has taken it to new levels! With attendance reaching 500 women or more, this event has become a community favorite. Jamie also collects and delivers Christmas Tree’s to our newly housed families. She has a heart for helping others in need that shines brightly.
May is the coordinator of our popular Garden Art fundraiser! She and her talented group of friends design and assemble each unique Garden Art piece. If you’ve driven by 24 Mile and Card Road you’ve most likely seen the Garden Art for sale at Schramm’s Farm. Many hours of dedicated service go into this project of love.
May is the coordinator of our popular Garden Art fundraiser! She and her talented group of friends design and assemble each unique Garden Art piece. If you’ve driven by 24 Mile and Card Road you’ve most likely seen the Garden Art for sale at Schramm’s Farm. Many hours of dedicated service go into this project of love.
Tracie is sister to board member Julie Standlick. Together with her husband Greg, they created and continue to run our popular “Mixed Golf Outing” each year. This event has not only raised thousands of dollars for MCF, but introduces us to new supporters each year. Tracie is also an avid volunteer for many of our other events. She is deeply appreciated.
Tracie is sister to board member Julie Standlick. Together with her husband Greg, they created and continue to run our popular “Mixed Golf Outing” each year. This event has not only raised thousands of dollars for MCF, but introduces us to new supporters each year. Tracie is also an avid volunteer for many of our other events. She is deeply appreciated.
Stephanie came to us thru our relationship with Cracklewood Golf Club. Quickly embracing our cause, she is an enthusiastic supporter who is always willing to do the hard work at our events. She is quick to jump in and offer help whenever needed. You will find her volunteering at most all of our fundraisers. Our foundation is better because of her support.
Stephanie came to us thru our relationship with Cracklewood Golf Club. Quickly embracing our cause, she is an enthusiastic supporter who is always willing to do the hard work at our events. She is quick to jump in and offer help whenever needed. You will find her volunteering at most all of our fundraisers. Our foundation is better because of her support.