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Traverse City

Hero Story

Julie Burton, “The Engerizer Bunny” who never quits.
She has led a capitol campaign and raised over $300,000 to remodel the community room at Northern Lakes Community Church for the purpose of a much needed childcare center in the Grand Traverse Community. This Mission Project came about because of a dire need for parents to get quality child care. The parents in our region needed affordable, quality, childcare. Even our local hospital who offer childcare has a waiting list of over 500,
Our church started a much needed mission project to bring another facility that would offer the parents in our region another option for a great start in life for their children. Under the guidance of Sue Fink, Rev. Dr. Sam Jun and Pat Thompson in 2021 the church decided to take on this important mission instead of sending money overseas for mission work, we would help parents in our region.
It was slow going until we brought Julie Burton on board to lead the way. She has spent over two years working tirelessly on this project leading the church to spearhead this campaign.
She has written grants, searched out revenue sources, fought the good fight trying to go through all the requirements of the State of Michigan licensing. With the help of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her initiatives to help open doors for funding for childcare in Michigan we were able to get our project off the ground and up and running in 2 years.
Julie retired 2 1/2 years ago as a packaging engineer from MSU. As soon as she retired she hit the ground running spearheading this campaign. She never seems to run out of energy or smiles. That is why we have nicked named her the Energizer Bunny.
She even finds time to serve on the Board of Safe Harbor, helping the homeless in our neighborhood. Our preschool is up and running and Julie still works 7 days a week, securing the best teachers, equipment, helping teach and still continues to fundraise for additional needs.
Needless to say many parents are able to secure a great first start for their children in our area because of Julie’s hard work and service. We would still be fundraising if it were not for Julie’s help.
Julie inspires all and truly gives her all for God and her community. She believes in prayer and with our prayers we truly would still be at the starting gate. She truly walks the talk and is a wonderful role model for all of us. Our community is blessed to have her. She never thinks of herself and we would like to honor and recognize her and the good work she does in our community. She certain helped us meet a critical need for child care. She has really impacted our community by bringing childcare front and center.

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Traverse City

Hero Story

Julie Burton, “The Engerizer Bunny” who never quits.
She has led a capitol campaign and raised over $300,000 to remodel the community room at Northern Lakes Community Church for the purpose of a much needed childcare center in the Grand Traverse Community. This Mission Project came about because of a dire need for parents to get quality child care. The parents in our region needed affordable, quality, childcare. Even our local hospital who offer childcare has a waiting list of over 500,
Our church started a much needed mission project to bring another facility that would offer the parents in our region another option for a great start in life for their children. Under the guidance of Sue Fink, Rev. Dr. Sam Jun and Pat Thompson in 2021 the church decided to take on this important mission instead of sending money overseas for mission work, we would help parents in our region.
It was slow going until we brought Julie Burton on board to lead the way. She has spent over two years working tirelessly on this project leading the church to spearhead this campaign.
She has written grants, searched out revenue sources, fought the good fight trying to go through all the requirements of the State of Michigan licensing. With the help of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her initiatives to help open doors for funding for childcare in Michigan we were able to get our project off the ground and up and running in 2 years.
Julie retired 2 1/2 years ago as a packaging engineer from MSU. As soon as she retired she hit the ground running spearheading this campaign. She never seems to run out of energy or smiles. That is why we have nicked named her the Energizer Bunny.
She even finds time to serve on the Board of Safe Harbor, helping the homeless in our neighborhood. Our preschool is up and running and Julie still works 7 days a week, securing the best teachers, equipment, helping teach and still continues to fundraise for additional needs.
Needless to say many parents are able to secure a great first start for their children in our area because of Julie’s hard work and service. We would still be fundraising if it were not for Julie’s help.
Julie inspires all and truly gives her all for God and her community. She believes in prayer and with our prayers we truly would still be at the starting gate. She truly walks the talk and is a wonderful role model for all of us. Our community is blessed to have her. She never thinks of herself and we would like to honor and recognize her and the good work she does in our community. She certain helped us meet a critical need for child care. She has really impacted our community by bringing childcare front and center.

Photo Upload