2026 Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor
Nonprofit Proceeds Recipients
ARC of Manistee County
ARC of Manistee County promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. There are over 8 million people with IDD in the United States, which encompasses over 100 different diagnoses, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and more. Arc of Manistee holds many events and social activities throughout the year. There is no charge for their participants. They include such things as a Halloween party and prom night. These events usually have 70- 100 participants.They also offer a free summer day camp each year that serves about 35 campers. It’s their largest expense. They hire camp counselors and try to keep a ratio of one counselor to four to five campers. Many of their counselors are students who are considering working in special education or related fields. This camp is not only valuable to the intellectually disabled community in Manistee County, but also provides training and experience to potential professionals. Another significant cost incurred by the camp is bus transportation. Arc of Manistee also provides medical equipment to clients with financial need.
Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club
The Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club is passionate about helping people connect with nature. The club offers a variety of opportunities to engage with the environment and learn about conservation efforts. Whether you’re interested in hiking, fishing, attending camp, volunteering, or donating, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference. The Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club is facing an unexpected and devastating challenge. After significant recent rainfall, the clubhouse and surrounding property—standing strong for over 80 years—have been severely flooded. Unfortunately, the club does not carry flood insurance, leaving them with overwhelming repair and recovery costs. Right now the clubhouse appears to be structurally sound. At this point, they are clearing everything out of the clubhouse including flooring, some subflooring, cabinets and the counter. After the cleanup, repairs will be started. The grounds need a lot of work. Most of the fishing platforms are gone or damaged. There are a lot of downed trees, sand on trails and trenches all around. The grounds have been enjoyed for fishing, hiking and snowshoe events, all offer a place to connect with nature. The clubhouse and property have hosted countless events that have brought people together in meaningful ways. The clubhouse does not charge for reservations—it has always operated on a donation-only basis. For over 30 years, the clubhouse and property have also been home to their annual free Kids Field Camp, where local children learn about nature, conservation, and the outdoors—creating memories and values that last a lifetime.
Lakeside Club Scholarship for Service Award Program
Lakeside Club offers a $1,000+ Scholarship for Service to one qualifying young woman from each high school located in Manistee County. The applicant must Be able to demonstrate community and school involvement, be accepted at a college, junior college, university, trade school or certification program within twelve months of high school graduation, genuinely cares for others before self and is an advocate for anti-bullying, and is a good citizen that is respected by her peers.
Nonprofit Proceeds Recipients
ARC of Manistee County
ARC of Manistee County promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. There are over 8 million people with IDD in the United States, which encompasses over 100 different diagnoses, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and more. Arc of Manistee holds many events and social activities throughout the year. There is no charge for their participants. They include such things as a Halloween party and prom night. These events usually have 70- 100 participants.They also offer a free summer day camp each year that serves about 35 campers. It’s their largest expense. They hire camp counselors and try to keep a ratio of one counselor to four to five campers. Many of their counselors are students who are considering working in special education or related fields. This camp is not only valuable to the intellectually disabled community in Manistee County, but also provides training and experience to potential professionals. Another significant cost incurred by the camp is bus transportation. Arc of Manistee also provides medical equipment to clients with financial need.
Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club
The Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club is passionate about helping people connect with nature. The club offers a variety of opportunities to engage with the environment and learn about conservation efforts. Whether you’re interested in hiking, fishing, attending camp, volunteering, or donating, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference. The Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club is facing an unexpected and devastating challenge. After significant recent rainfall, the clubhouse and surrounding property—standing strong for over 80 years—have been severely flooded. Unfortunately, the club does not carry flood insurance, leaving them with overwhelming repair and recovery costs. Right now the clubhouse appears to be structurally sound. At this point, they are clearing everything out of the clubhouse including flooring, some subflooring, cabinets and the counter. After the cleanup, repairs will be started. The grounds need a lot of work. Most of the fishing platforms are gone or damaged. There are a lot of downed trees, sand on trails and trenches all around. The grounds have been enjoyed for fishing, hiking and snowshoe events, all offer a place to connect with nature. The clubhouse and property have hosted countless events that have brought people together in meaningful ways. The clubhouse does not charge for reservations—it has always operated on a donation-only basis. For over 30 years, the clubhouse and property have also been home to their annual free Kids Field Camp, where local children learn about nature, conservation, and the outdoors—creating memories and values that last a lifetime.
Lakeside Club Scholarship for Service Award Program
Lakeside Club offers a $1,000+ Scholarship for Service to one qualifying young woman from each high school located in Manistee County. The applicant must Be able to demonstrate community and school involvement, be accepted at a college, junior college, university, trade school or certification program within twelve months of high school graduation, genuinely cares for others before self and is an advocate for anti-bullying, and is a good citizen that is respected by her peers.