Strong and vibrant communities share an important characteristic: active, committed partnerships between businesses and nonprofits.
At Groundwork, our Corporate Sponsor program is one of our most important initiatives, and every day we see the benefits of tapping into the ideas, skills, and forward momentum that our nearly 50 corporate sponsors bring. Today, as part of our monthly Corporate Sponsor series, we share a brief interview with Cheryl Hutchinson, proprietor of Hendryx House, and someone who is especially near and dear to us because she also serves as Groundwork’s Board Chair. Enjoy!—Stephanie Prall, Development Specialist, Corporate Sponsorships.
What’s your Groundwork story?
The story of Groundwork gets better every time I tell it. But instead of sharing how I got involved, the obvious nature of this work tends to keep me laser-focused on the future of Groundwork—like improvements to our current activities and where I see Groundwork heading in the short and near term, while of course reflecting on what motivates me to contribute and expand my involvement.
The current programs and focus are in sync with my passions about clean water and enabling environmentally sustainable practices, fresh sustainably farmed local food, and intelligent planned growth in communities, housing, and transportation. All of this with a focus on equitable access.
Groundwork has a successful advocacy and implementation record with a thoughtful, talented team, building programs and communicating issues to the community in order to keep us engaged and informed. The output goal is always building community and respecting our natural resources.
How does Groundwork align with what is important in your work?
Hendryx House is a wellness retreat that has been created to give visitors access to explore the spirit of Northwest Michigan’s abundant, clean fresh water, pristine air filtered by our endless forests, access to fresh green/clean food harvested locally, and pathways to wander through nature—whether that be hiking or biking through conservancy lands, local, state or national parks, or perhaps a shoreline walk. Groundwork’s stewardship and advocacy ensures resources and access to this for all of us.
You have been a supporter of Groundwork in several ways over the years. What compels you to serve as the Board Chair?
Groundwork has a powerful collection of smart and mindful people on staff, board of directors, and advisory council with amazing supporters in the community and beyond. I admire the collective approach to solving small and large community needs.
Line 5 Activism, 10 Cents a Meal, Building Resilient Communities, Keep Reading — Groundwork is accomplishing this and so much more year over year. I support all of it with my time, talents, and treasures. I welcome all to join me in whatever way you can. If you’re a company or organization, please consider joining Groundwork’s Corporate Sponsorship program to get involved in something that is truly impacting the local community and ecosystem.
What is something you are currently excited about in your work and something on the horizon?
Hendryx House will be hosting wellness retreats this summer, showcasing the talents of a local chef, well-being coach, and massage therapist. These experts are providing guidance in seasonal activities and healthy dining experiences tailored to participants specific needs and, of course, indulgences. We are creating a get-away-from-it-all retreat to relax, replenish, and rejuvenate your body and state of mind. It’s very exciting to integrate sustainable food from neighboring farms and share stories and bounty that showcase regional food and beverages.
Hendryx House will be expanding our activity options beyond summer offerings, like yoga, mediation, SUP, kayak, volleyball, biking and hiking, and including year-round adventures/experiences. Think cold plunges, sauna, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
To flow with the clean and sustainable design of our programs, Hendryx House joined a solar collective purchase coordinated by Groundwork. We installed a large solar array to support a majority of our energy needs. Unless on a bike, SUP, or paddleboard, transportation is all EV (electric vehicle). We are committed to contributing to healthy and sustainable well-being for all.
What’s something that you love about your local and sustainable community?
The community energy and collaborative nature is positive, hopeful, and motivating. If one succeeds, we all do. Shared Abundance is a wonderful component of our community.
What does community mean to you?
Collaborating on your passions and principles with neighbors and friends to build spheres of influence that improve health and wellness in each others’ lives and the environment. 
Stephanie Prall, Development Specialist, Corporate Sponsorships
stephanie.prall@groundworkcenter.org
