FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2025

Crooked Tree Arts Center - Petoskey Receives Grant from Charlevoix County Community Foundation to Upgrade Community Kitchen Classroom

PETOSKEY, Mich. — Crooked Tree Arts Center - Petoskey (CTAC) is pleased to announce it has received a $3,000 grant from Charlevoix County Community Foundation to make essential upgrades to its kitchen facilities, supporting the growing demand for inclusive, community-based culinary programming.

Thanks to this generous support, the organization will install a ceiling-mounted tilting demonstration mirror later this summer and purchase updated kitchen tools such as pots, pans, and utensils. These improvements will dramatically enhance visibility during instruction, increase teaching effectiveness, and create a more accessible and engaging learning environment for participants of all ages and abilities ahead of the next season of culinary classes this fall.

“Our kitchen has seen a remarkable increase in use over the past few years, especially among youth and teen participants,” said Kimberly McCarthy, Development and Events Coordinator at Crooked Tree Arts Center. “These upgrades will help us deliver high-quality culinary education while better serving the needs of our evolving community.”

The kitchen, which has remained largely unchanged for more than a decade, has become a popular hub for hands-on learning and intergenerational connection. From global cuisine and nutrition-focused adult classes to creative youth workshops, CTAC’s culinary programming builds life skills, encourages cultural exchange, and offers meaningful opportunities for community connection.

In addition to hosting CTAC’s own programs, the kitchen is regularly used by local partners such as Northmen Den Youth Pantries, which prepares snacks and meals there weekly for food-insecure students across Emmet and Charlevoix counties.

This project supports CTAC’s 5-year Strategic Plan goal of improving classroom environments to be comfortable and accommodating for diverse users and directly aligns with Charlevoix County Community Foundation’s commitment to strengthening local nonprofit infrastructure and expanding educational access.

Image 1: The Crooked Tree Arts Center kitchen will soon be home to a ceiling-mounted tilting demonstration mirror as well as kitchen tools such as pots, pans, and utensils thanks to a grant from the Charlevoix County Community Foundation.

Image 2: Chef Kulin Froelich leading a culinary class in the Crooked Tree Arts Center kitchen.

About Crooked Tree Arts Center
Crooked Tree Arts Center’s mission is to create ways for people to connect, learn, and grow through the arts. With campuses in Petoskey and Traverse City, CTAC offers exhibitions, concerts, classes, lectures, and special events for all ages.

Media Contact:
Keely Bomee Platte, Marketing & Communications Manager
Crooked Tree Arts Center
231-550-6868 | keely@crookedtree.org

Crooked Tree Arts Center
461 E. Mitchell St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
231-347-4337
www.crookedtree.org