Annual Fall Fundraiser
A seasonal tradition of giving and gratitude
Each year, our amazing planning committee incorporates special touches to make our fall fundraiser fun, meaningful and memorable. In 2026, we are returning to the Dow Event Center, where we held our “Power of 3” 30th Anniversary Celebration in 2025. (In case you missed it, see event photos here.)
In this spacious venue, you can mix and mingle, get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting a great cause, learn about the latest developments at Mustard Seed and enjoy scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and a buffet dinner prepared by the culinary team at the Dow Event Center. As always, we’ll have great live entertainment throughout the evening.
Event Details
Emcee: Katie O’Mara
Date: November 19, 2026
Time: 5-8:30 p.m. | Dinner served at 6:15 p.m.
Location: Dow Event Center
Entertainment: To be announced
Tickets: $60
Dow Event Center Bag and Cashless Policies
Small clutches, no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ x 2″ (do not have to be clear)
Clear bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ (1 gallon)
Bags for medical or parenting needs (do not have to be clear)
Only credit cards and debit cards will be accepted at all points of purchase (card bar)
There will be both cash and cashless payment options for raffles
2026 Sowing Seeds of hope Committee
Kim Anderson, Amy Bartels Roe, Connie Bockelman. Kathy Bonn, Shonda Booker, Noah Milam, Julie McCloud, Carrie O’Toole, DeLynn Schmoak, Jenn Spence, Cheryl Taylor, Linda Tomandl
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support our mission while promoting your business or honoring a loved one. Sponsorships make a direct impact on the women and children we serve.
- Hope Banquet (1) – $10,000 (prominent signage + 20 tickets)
- The Garden Bar (1) – $7,500 (prominent signage + 16 tickets)
- Harvesting New Life – $5,000 (8 tickets)
- Cultivating Opportunity – $2,500 (4 tickets)
- Growing Purpose – $1,500
- Nurturing Promise – $1,000
- Planting Possibility – $500
- Watering Independence – $250
Raffle Prizes
Donating prizes for our raffle is another great way to help support those we serve while also enhancing visibility of your brand. To donate items and arrange delivery or pickup details, please complete the form here or contact us at ssoh@themustardseedshelter.org
Mustard Seed Shelter is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax deductible to the full extent allowable by law. Tax-exempt number: 11-3661899
Sponsor details
Bringers of hope: volunteer award program
From our earliest days in 1995, volunteers have been at the heart of carrying out Mustard Seed’s mission. We would not be the organization we are today without the countless mission-driven individuals, organizations and community partners who truly care about those we serve – and are an integral part of our work day to day.
Leona Sullivan Cultivating Spirit Award
Radical hospitality is at the core of Mustard Seed Shelter, in large part due to our co-founder Leona Sullivan. This award is given to an individual who models Leona’s spirit of welcome and grace, carrying out our mission in an extraordinary way.
2026 Recipient: to be announced on Nov. 19
2025 Recipient: Kathy Bonn
2024 Recipient: Barb Hall
2023 Recipient: Laurie Shell
2022 Recipient: The Leona Sullivan
Beautiful Bouquet Award
This award is given to a group that has come together to make a difference in the lives of those served through Mustard Seed Shelter in an extraordinary way. Their “beautiful bouquet” of caring hearts and combined efforts has made a significant impact.
2026 Recipient: to be announced on Nov. 19
2025 Recipient: Frankenmuth High School – Be the Change Student Organization
2024 Recipients: Connie Bockelman and Linda Tomandl
2023 Recipients: Tom Anderson, Bob Lange and Dan Porath
2022 Recipients: Bob Hanley, Marvin Kozara and Tom Slivinski
Growing Side-by-Side Award
This award is given to a Great Lakes Bay Region nonprofit partner organization that works alongside Mustard Seed Shelter to cultivate healthy growth in those we serve through education, mental or physical health care services, spiritual growth or other support.
2026 Recipient: to be announced on Nov. 19
2025 Recipient: Women’s Empowerment Tea
2024 Recipient YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region
2023 Recipient: Partnership Center/NEST Program
2022 Recipient: Youth Protection Council
Growth Through Giving Corporate Sponsor Award
This award is given to a business or corporation that demonstrates a shared vision to relieve poverty and distress by providing and/or supporting opportunities for education, upskilling and overall advancement of those served by Mustard Seed Shelter.
2026 Recipient: to be announced on Nov. 19
2025 Recipient: Beech Hollow Golf Course
2025 Recipient: Total Michigan Podcast/Cliff Duvernois
2023 Recipient: Mike’s Wrecker
2022 Recipient: EZ Pro Delivery and Larkin’s Dry Ice
Seedling of the Year
This award is given to a youth (18 years and younger) who has exemplified the nurturing spirit of Mustard Seed Shelter in their selfless service and acts of caring. Seedlings demonstrate that they have embraced volunteering as a way of life.
2026 Recipient: to be announced on Nov. 19
2025 Recipient: Leah Jaime
2025 Recipient: Adelaide Heinrich
2023 Recipient: Victoria Durow
2022 Recipient: Addy Taylor
Thank You
Sowing Seeds of Hope is about a community coming together to make a difference – this season and every season. No matter how you participate, you are investing in a vital, flourishing community.