Storytelling Benefit in Empire Raises Funds and Visibility for Up North Pride

UnPOPular, a storytelling benefit held at Lively Neighbor Food Market in Empire on Saturday November 15 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, combined intimate personal narratives with fundraising for Up North Pride. Five storytellers read selections drawn from high school journals and diaries, presenting a program designed to prompt empathy and conversation while directing proceeds to a local nonprofit cause.

The program brought a literary and civic dimension to a village setting, turning a neighborhood market into a fundraising venue. Organizers listed location details and ticket information on the public event page, and the listing included contact information for those seeking further details or tickets. Proceeds from the evening were designated to benefit Up North Pride, aligning a cultural program with organizational support.

For local residents the event served several functions. It provided a space for community members to hear personal stories reflecting formative years, generating cross generational dialogue and a local conversation about identity and experience. The fundraiser element translated cultural engagement into direct financial support for an organization active in the region, helping sustain programming and outreach that rely on community donations and visibility.

Hosting the event at Lively Neighbor Food Market also highlighted how small local institutions can serve as civic venues. Using existing community spaces for arts and fundraising events can broaden participation by making events more accessible and by integrating civic life into familiar settings. That approach can strengthen civic infrastructure by encouraging residents who might not attend traditional theater or formal fundraisers to engage with community causes.

The storytelling format, rooted in personal writing from high school years, emphasizes individual experience as a pathway to empathy and public understanding. When paired with fundraising, such events can elevate the profile of recipient organizations while offering donors a concrete cultural experience tied to their contribution. For Up North Pride the benefit offered visibility and resources that support continued activities, outreach, or events that rely on community backing.

Residents interested in attending similar events or supporting Up North Pride can find organizer contact and ticket links on the original event page. As local nonprofits and community spaces continue to collaborate, Grand Traverse County can expect more events that blend arts, civic engagement, and fundraising, providing residents with opportunities to participate in public life while supporting organizations that serve local needs.