Keweenaw Community Foundation Celebrates a Magical Evening at Keweenaw Gold: The Next Chapter

Guests reconnecting and making new friends

On November 5th, the Keweenaw Community Foundation welcomed more than 100 friends, neighbors, and supporters to the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts for Keweenaw Gold: The Next Chapter, an evening defined by reconnection, new friendships, and a genuine celebration of community.

This year’s gathering felt like a reunion, where familiar faces shared hugs and laughter, new relationships formed, and stories filled the room. The evening reflected what makes the Keweenaw special: authenticity, generosity, joy, and a deep care for one another.

“Keweenaw Gold reflects the heart of our community,” said Vienna Leonarduzzi, Director of Development and Communications. “This event honors the generosity, collaboration, and shared love for this place that define the Keweenaw. Together, we are writing the next chapter, one filled with connection, opportunity, and lasting impact.”

KCF staff and Board members

Celebrating the People Who Made the Night Special

KCF extends heartfelt appreciation to the partners and volunteers who added magic to the evening:

  • Emcee: Jason Mack

  • Photographer: Lily Venable Photography

  • Musician: Clay Hilman on piano

  • Live Painter: Rebecca Paavo Art and Design

  • DIY Bookmark Activity: Keweenaw Young Professionals

  • Venue Host: Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts

  • Dinner and Catering: Michigan Tech Catering

Youth Advisory Council (YAC) members

Special thanks to Rebecca Paavo for creating a live painting of Hungarian Falls during the event, capturing the beauty of the region and the spirit of the evening, and to Clay Hilman for filling the night with whimsical and heartfelt piano music.

Gratitude for Our Event Sponsors

KCF extends its sincere gratitude to the event’s exclusive sponsors, whose generosity helped make this celebration possible:

  • Presenting Sponsor ($5,000): Insight Wealth Solutions

  • Social Hour Sponsor ($2,000): Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital

  • Floral Sponsor ($1,000): McGann Building Supply

  • Appetizer Sponsor ($750): The Nature Conservancy

  • YAC Sponsor ($750): The Keweenaw Heartlands Project

  • Dessert Sponsor ($500): Peninsula Federal Credit Union

Their investment in our region demonstrates a shared commitment to the people and future of the Keweenaw.

We are deeply grateful for our general sponsors and the local businesses, artists, and makers who donated to the silent auction. Their gifts showcased the very best of our region and helped support a vibrant community future.

A Community United in Hope and Generosity

The spirit of the evening was clear: when the Keweenaw comes together, incredible things happen. As KCF continues its mission to connect people, ideas, and resources to strengthen Houghton and Keweenaw Counties, this event serves as a joyful reminder of what is possible when neighbors rally for a shared future.

For a complete list of our event sponsors, please visit our event webpage.

Vienna Leonarduzzi