The Superior Health Foundation hosted its annual Spring Grants Celebration in 2024, awarding over $200,000 in grants to health-focused organizations. One of the recipients was the Lakeview School Garden Growing Gardeners project, which received an $8,500 grant to fund supplies for their healing garden and hands-on gardening and learning opportunities for students.
Sarah Weaver, Chair of the Negaunee Public Schools Garden Project, expressed her gratitude for the grant, stating that it helps children develop important skills such as teamwork, collaboration, and an understanding of where food comes from through gardening and farming education.
Superior Health Foundation Executive Director Jim LaJoie highlighted the organization’s goal of giving back to the community through grants that support indigent care. He mentioned some of the organizations receiving grants, including the Great Lakes Recovery Centers and Cancer Care of Marquette County. LaJoie also shared that this was his last grant celebration as executive director before retiring after 11 years of service.
LaJoie reflected on his time with the Superior Health Foundation, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to make a positive impact through grant funding. He noted that the organization has awarded over $6,000,000 in grants since 2012 and that being a part of the foundation has been the highlight of his career.
