The Masonic Building of Marquette is proud to be the recipient of a $49,800 Michigan Department of Agriculture Value Added & Regional Food Systems grant to expand equipment offerings for local food entrepreneurs over the next three years. The shared kitchen is part of programming offered by the Masonic Arts, Theatre, and Innovation Company (MÄTI), a growing 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to “provide the community with a creative, collaborative hub to share their vision with the public and promote innovation through all art mediums”.
The Masonic Building will use the funds for “upgrading and expanding our kitchen equipment selection, providing increased cold and lockable dry storage space, and adding freezer carts or trikes that allow members to sell their cold products directly to consumers during summer months. We also plan to add a remote-access entryway and tracking system to our facilities that will allow for member access 24 hours a day 7 days a week.” said Ryan Engle, the Masonic Building Manager and MÄTI President.
Small businesses currently operating out of the kitchen include: Aloha Grill, Borealis Baking Company, Davin’s Chocolate’s, Ugly Pops, & Becky’s Roadside Refreshments, & Das Pretzel Guys.
This is a busy and momentous summer for MÄTI and the Masonic Building. They currently have a $17,500 Patronicity donation campaign running until August 9th at 10:45pm to bring a mobile-drive in movie program to the Central UP, starting in August for the Village of Newberry. The Helen Newberry Joy Hospital and Medical center donated $1000 to the campaign to host a screening fundraiser of Toy Story 4 on August 1st. A link to the Patronicity campaign can be found at www.matimqt.org
They are asking that anyone, regardless of where they reside, help MÄTI reach their goal by donating and sharing the campaign with their community or hosting a fundraiser at their business before August 2nd.
If fully funded, the campaign will be matched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) through their Community Spaces Public Places program, allowing for the purchase of all-weather-ready drive in style screen and projector lenses, trailer and lift system capable of showing movies for other community organizations and townships within a few hours drive of Marquette.
Businesses and community groups who want to be involved in the kitchen program, sponsor a MÄTI Movie Night, or volunteer to spread the word about their efforts can call Ryan Engel at 906-225-1157 or email contact@matimqt.org.
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