FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | April 8, 2026
CONTACT: J.J. Lewis, CEO | (517) 618-1874
Pinckney, MI – North Star Reach, a nonprofit camp providing life-changing experiences for children with serious health challenges and their families, is proud to announce a $250,000 matching gift from The Ted and Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation, inviting the community to double their impact in support of the camp’s 2026 programs.
As North Star Reach celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary, the Year of Mooseness, this generous matching opportunity comes at a pivotal time, helping to expand access to camp experiences filled with belonging, joy, and connection.
Through this match, every dollar donated will be doubled, up to $250,000, fueling North Star Reach’s ability to provide free, medically supported programs for children with serious health challenges and their families from across Michigan and the Great Lakes region.
“We are incredibly grateful to Gwen Haggerty-Bearden, Steven Bearden, Casey Haggerty, and The Ted and Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation for their continued belief in our mission and their investment in the children and families we serve,” said Sheri Mark, Board Chair of North Star Reach. “It has been an honor to work alongside them in bringing this opportunity to life. Their generosity not only strengthens our foundation, it inspires our entire community to come together, give generously, and ensure that every child who needs camp can experience its magic.”
The Ted and Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation has been a longstanding champion of North Star Reach, supporting the organization’s growth and impact over the years.
“This matching gift reflects our deep belief in the power of camp and the incredible work happening at North Star Reach,” shared Gwen Haggerty-Bearden and Steven Bearden. “We are proud to partner with the community once again to ensure that even more children and families can experience the joy, connection, and possibility that camp provides.”
“We are incredibly grateful to Gwen, Steven, Casey, and The Ted and Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation for this extraordinary gift,” said J.J. Lewis, CEO of North Star Reach. “This matching gift is more than financial support, it’s an invitation. An invitation for our entire community to come together during the Year of Mooseness and create even more moments of magic, connection, and lifelong memories.”
Funds raised through this campaign will directly support North Star Reach’s 2026 programming, including:
- Residential Summer Camp sessions for children ages 7–15
- Family Camp Weekends serving the entire family
- The relaunch of the OutReach Program, bringing camp experiences into hospitals and communities year-round
“This means so much for everyone at North Star Reach,” said Patrick Smith, Chief Program Officer. “Every gift helps create spaces where kids can just be kids, building confidence, forming friendships, and discovering a sense of belonging that stays with them long after camp ends.”
North Star Reach is inviting individuals, families, businesses, and community partners to take part by:
- Making a donation to have their gift matched dollar-for-dollar
- Sharing the opportunity with their networks to amplify impact
- Engaging with the Year of Mooseness through events, volunteering, and storytelling
Donations can be made online at https://www.northstarreach.org/support/donate/.
