September 6th. 9/06. 906. A day on the calendar to celebrate the people and places that make the 906 area code, according to TV6, Someplace Special.
It was the sunrise photo guy, Bugsy Sailor, who came up with the idea of 906 Day, “on a whim,” back in 2012. Sailor, the self-proclaimed Official Unofficial Ambassador of the Upper Peninsula and owner of downtown’s U.P. Supply Company, promotes a list of activities you can do to celebrate the day. Things like… take a sauna, skip some stones on one of our Great Lakes, or make a toast with a U.P. brew.
Here’s another one. Support Yoopers United… the volunteer center of the United Way of Marquette County.
If you’re unfamiliar with Yoopers United, like I was, you might be interested to learn exactly how important it is. It’s one of those things you don’t always see, but you benefit from in a number of ways.
Yoopers United
Yoopers United is the clearinghouse for area volunteer opportunities for a variety of programs and events around Marquette County. It serves both nonprofit agencies in need of volunteers, and community members who want to volunteer. For example, Bugsy Sailor’s upcoming Fresh Coast Film Festival works with Yoopers United to staff the many different venues used for that event. And that’s just one example. Visit their website and you’ll see dozens of different agency operations that appreciate help from people like you.
Of course, volunteering is just one way you can support Yoopers United, the United Way of Marquette County, and your community. Can you guess another way? If you guessed… put your money where your pasty is, you guessed right!
United Way of Marquette County
United Way raises funds primarily through workplace campaigns, where employers solicit contributions on United Way’s behalf payable through automatic payroll deductions. United Way was created in 1887 with the idea of consolidating fundraising under one roof, with money raised then distributed to area nonprofits.
Contributing through their employment doesn’t work for everyone… so for those who love hockey and want to support United Way, there’s Marquette County Hockey Night, next Friday the 13th at the Berry Events Center.
Hockey Night
Hockey Night helps kickoff United Way’s annual campaign with a celebration of hockey featuring the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association facing off against the Yoopers United Hockey Team, built of local hockey players and celebrities, still living the dream.
Presented by Embers Credit Union, this fundraiser helps support the 28 local partner nonprofits under the United Way umbrella. According to Executive Director Andrew Rickauer, with 100% of funds being used locally, our United Way serves around 40% of our population in one way or another. Visit the United Way website and you’ll see all the different partner agencies that rely on United Way for funding.
And if you’re one of those who is concerned that too much nonprofit money is wasted on top-heavy administrative costs, our local United Way office has a staff of two. Yeah… two.
Contribute…
If you work somewhere in Marquette County, ask your employer how you can contribute through payroll deduction. And watch for informational presentations taking place in the upcoming weeks featuring 2024-25 Campaign Co-Chairs Megan O’Connor and Jesse Renfors.
Yoopers Unite… for a Great Cause!
The Hockey Night festivities start with a block party at 3:30 outside the Berry Events Center, plus there’s a Sled Hockey Game which will precede the alumni tilt. And of course, there will be plenty of games and other fun ways for you to contribute, including an online auction of game worn jerseys taking place right now at the United Way website, where tickets are also available.
Got a few extra bucks burning a hole in your pocket, and you’re wondering how you can contribute to something that’s helping make this community a better place to live and work? Celebrate 906 Day the best way possible. Yoopers Unite and BUY TICKETS TO HOCKEY NIGHT!