On Saturday, October 5, The Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation will host its annual Stake the Lake event at Bayshore Park in Munising. The event, presented by Pat’s Foods, aims to celebrate cancer survivors and honor the memory of those lost to the disease while raising funds for the Alger County Chemotherapy and Mammography Program (CHAMP) grant program.
Danielle Tiernan Beverly, co-founder of The Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation and a four-time breast cancer survivor, shared the motivation behind the foundation’s efforts: “Our fight against breast cancer made us realize how fortunate we were to have the means to fight without hesitation or questioning how we would be able to afford it. Not everyone is as fortunate, and we saw a need and wanted to help address it.”
Founded in 2006 in Atlanta in partnership with Grady Health System, The Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation simultaneously launched its efforts in Danielle Beverly’s hometown of Munising, located in Alger County, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In 2024, the foundation chose to focus solely on Munising through its CHAMP Fund, which has awarded over $135,000 in grants to help local residents with the financial burdens of cancer treatment. These grants cover essential needs such as transportation, utilities, and basic necessities like groceries. Danielle Beverly highlighted the foundation’s mission: “We want to ensure that regardless of one’s situation, they can approach cancer knowing there is support available if needed.”
Stake the Lake, now in its eighth year, has become a vital event for the Munising community. Participants walk along the bay, surrounded by garden stakes decorated in honor of loved ones affected by cancer. Sue Passinault, Vice President of the Foundation and a two-time cancer survivor, shared the event’s significance: “Having cancer is scary, but worrying about how to pay for the many expenses that come along with cancer is stressful. Stake the Lake brings awareness to how many people are affected by cancer, and it’s heartwarming when Danielle gets a note saying how we helped with the stress of expenses.”
Sue is especially mindful of the financial strain cancer places on individuals, particularly those working hard just to make ends meet. “I wondered how people managed it, especially the young mothers living paycheck to paycheck,” she said. “As a retiree, I had my own concerns, but I couldn’t imagine the stress for those still working and trying to support a family while battling cancer.”
Sue and her husband, Dave Passinault, are not only dedicated volunteers but also hold key leadership roles within the Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation. Sue serves as Vice President, and Dave as a Director, both playing pivotal roles in guiding the foundation’s mission. Their commitment extends far beyond their board positions. Dave meticulously handcrafts the wooden stakes and crosses that line the bay during Stake the Lake, while Sue works tirelessly to secure sponsors and rally community support. “Without Sue and Dave Passinault, Stake the Lake wouldn’t be what it is today,” said Danielle Beverly. “They spend countless hours making sure everything comes together, and their efforts are truly a labor of love. We are blessed to have them as part of our team.”
For local resident Sue Marentette, a lung cancer survivor of eight years, Stake the Lake is personal. She has participated in the event for eight years, and this year, she is dedicating her walk to her friend Diane Fleck, who recently passed away from cancer. Marentette reflected on the impact of the event: “It makes you realize just how many in this town have gone through cancer. I think this event is just great. I think what the foundation does is great.”
Stake the Lake offers participants the chance to decorate a garden stake to celebrate or honor someone special. The stakes will line the bay, creating a powerful visual tribute to those affected by cancer. As always, proceeds will go to the CHAMP Fund, supporting Alger County residents in their cancer battles.
In addition to providing grants, the CHAMP Fund also supports monthly awareness campaigns designed to educate the public on the life-saving importance of early detection. The foundation has contributed to local schools and Munising Memorial Hospital, including a $10,000 donation for digital imaging equipment in 2011. The sense of community and purpose behind Stake the Lake is reflected in the words of Danielle Beverly: “Munising has and always will be home. I hope that through our foundation, we can continue to help our neighbors for years to come and inspire others to give back. It takes a village, and we are truly appreciative of ours.”
Local sponsors and community support play a crucial role in the success of Stake the Lake. Pat’s Foods, a longtime supporter, proudly serves as the presenting sponsor for this year’s event. The generosity of local businesses and individuals has been instrumental in raising funds to support cancer patients through the CHAMP Fund. From sponsorships and donations to volunteers who dedicate their time and effort, the Munising community has consistently rallied around the cause. This outpouring of support reflects the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors, ensuring that those facing cancer in Alger County know they are not alone.
To be a part of this year’s event, participants can register online. The walk will take place at 10 a.m. on October 5, starting at Bayshore Park. Registration and more information, including details on sponsor and sponsorship opportunities, can be found at www.beverlyfamilyfoundation.org.
