Using Forks to Raise Funds

The Margaret Shaw Memorial Fund was created by the Paine family, owners of Metalworks Inc. in Ludington, in honor of Sidney Shaw’s wife, Margaret, who passed away in 2004.

The Shaw family steadily grew the fund over the years and, when Sidney retired in 2015, they decided to begin actively developing it. That led to the first annual Margaret Shaw Memorial Fund dinner, held in July at the home of Sidney and Mary Shaw of North Muskegon. Twelve special guests enjoyed a six-course, European-style dinner featuring fresh, locally grown meat and produce. It must have worked some magic, because the event raised $2,150 for the Fund.

According to Sidney, “This was our opportunity to combine the two things we love most – friends and food – in service of a wonderful cause. It was a magical evening and we are very grateful for the generous support.”

The Fund is dedicated to healthy living through good nutrition. In 2017, it awarded six $250 mini-grants to local nonprofits actively engaged with area youth in the construction, tending, and harvesting of raised-bed vegetable gardens. The success of this year’s dinner enables the Fund to double the number of projects it supports in 2018, and expand to Oceana and Mason Counties.