The Rekindle the Spirit Grand Giveaway concluded its 12th year with resounding success, bringing together the community to support local businesses and celebrate the holiday spirit.
Organized by the Alger County Chamber of Commerce, the initiative ran from Thanksgiving through Dec. 17, offering shoppers the chance to win prizes while contributing to the local economy.
Katherine A. Reynolds, CEO of the Greater Munising Bay Partnership and Alger County Chamber of Commerce, described the event as a “circle of giving,” emphasizing the importance of keeping funds within the community.
Since its inception, the event has collected over $2.5 million in local receipts, making an impact on supporting businesses across Alger County. This year alone, participants submitted receipts totaling $158,200 spent at local businesses, further demonstrating the event’s significant impact.
“We’ve made it simple,” Reynolds said. “For every $50 spent locally, shoppers earn an entry. This encourages people to think about their spending habits and realize how much they can contribute to our local economy.”
This year’s prize pool surpassed $10,000, marking a milestone for the Grand Giveaway. Notable contributions included a top-of-the-line snowblower from Madigan Ace Hardware, Pictured Rocks Cruises and Pictured Rocks Kayaking and a 50-inch Roku TV from Putvin Drug Store. The second-place prize, an ice-fishing shack with supplies and a $100 gift card to Pat’s Foods, also showcased the event’s focus on practical, locally sourced items.
Reynolds noted the unique funding approach for the prizes. While some businesses donate items directly, much of the prize pool is funded through cash sponsorships. These funds are used to purchase more prizes from Alger County businesses, maintaining the local focus of the campaign. For example, sponsors’ contributions were used to purchase a Blackstone griddle and additional prizes from local retailers.
This year’s grand prize winners reflected the community’s enthusiasm: 1. Barbie Bowerman: snowblower from Madigan Ace Hardware, Pictured Rocks Cruises and Pictured Rocks Kayaking 2. Becky Faucette: ice-fishing shack, supplies and $100 Pat’s Foods gift card 3. Toni Lee: 50-inch Roku TV from Putvin 4. Kelly Hall: Blackstone griddle Reynolds felt the joy of seeing winners claim their prizes, often using them to enhance their holiday celebrations or give as gifts. “It’s rewarding to see how much people appreciate the event and how it brings our community closer,” she said.
A highlight of the campaign was Rekindle the Spirit Night, held earlier in December. The event featured festive activities like Santa’s parade, the Grinch and other holiday characters and a tree-lighting ceremony. Businesses across Munising participated by decorating their storefronts, enhancing the downtown area’s holiday ambiance.
On this night, receipts earned double value for entries into the Grand Giveaway, further encouraging local shopping. “We’ve had businesses tell us they notice increased activity on that day,” Reynolds said. “Customers are more likely to shop locally and save their receipts because they want to participate.”
Over the years, the Grand Giveaway has evolved into a cornerstone of Alger County’s holiday season. Gale Rodgers, president of the Kiwanis Club of Alger County and a volunteer for the event, praised its ability to unify the community. “It’s inspiring to see everyone come together to support our local businesses,” Rodgers said. “This initiative truly embodies the spirit of giving.”
Local business owners Richard Madigan of Madigan Ace Hardware and Debbie Nedeau, co-owner of Putvin Drug Store, also shared their thoughts on the event.
“We’re proud to be part of this tradition,” Madigan said. “Seeing the community come together and knowing that our contribution helps make the holidays brighter for so many is rewarding.”
Nedeau added, “This event is about more than just prizes; it’s about showing how much we value the support of our neighbors. It’s a chance to give back and celebrate the community spirit that makes Alger County special.”
Reynolds discussed the broader economic impact of the event. The program encourages residents to utilize local services, from grocery stores to professional services like dentists and auto repair shops. “People often don’t realize how much they spend locally until they participate in something like this,” she said. “It’s an eye-opener and a reminder of the importance of supporting our local businesses.”
The Alger County Chamber of Commerce utilizes a mix of traditional advertising and wordof- mouth promotion to ensure wide participation. Posters, social media campaigns and local newspaper ads spread the word, while businesses themselves encourage shoppers to save receipts and participate.
The chamber serves as a vital hub for community and economic engagement. Residents and visitors alike can explore the chamber’s activities and resources on its official website (algercountychamber. com) and Facebook page, where updates about events, initiatives and local business opportunities are regularly shared.
Reynolds encourages community members to stay connected through these platforms, noting, “We want everyone to have easy access to information about what’s happening in Alger County. Our website and Facebook are great tools to keep everyone informed and engaged.”
She added, “Our goal is always to strengthen connections within the community and provide platforms where local businesses can thrive. Events like Rekindle the Spirit Grand Giveaway not only support this mission but also highlight the resilience and generosity of our residents.”
