Now, more than ever, we are aware of the importance of public service and volunteerism. At Shepler’s, we have long known about these benefits and now we are stepping up our efforts and we encourage our guests to do the same. If we all give just a little of our time, we can make a big difference!

Give a little of your time & Get a free ride to Mackinac Island.
This year we have decided to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan to encourage volunteerism. Donate a little of your time and volunteer at one of their facilities and you will receive a free ticket to Mackinac Island from Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, while supplies last. Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan serves more than 26,000 youth based on the long-standing principles of character and leadership development; education and career development; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation and; health and life skills.

To receive your free ticket to Mackinac Island you just need to:

-Donate a day at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan and then you will receive a volunteer voucher after your day of service.

-Be at least 16 years of age.

-Register by calling the B&GCSM at 248-473-1400 and reference “Shepler’s Volunteer Program”.

-Your Free Ticket voucher may be redeemed at our ticket offices any time during the 2010 season. The vouchers expire on October 31, 2010. You must present a photo ID at the ticket window when you redeem your volunteer voucher. Limit one free ticket per person (maximum 4 tickets per family).

-Visit their website at http://www.bgcsm.org/ for more information about the programs at one of their 13 centers in Southeastern Michigan.

Shepler’s Adopts a Highway

The Shepler’s crew has adopted a section of I-75 and we are dedicated to doing our part to help keep our beautiful part of Northern Michigan clean. Look for our section of road along I-75 between Hebron Road and Mackinaw City, MI.

*We are also initiating a recycling program on our docks to reduce waste.

Rewarding Volunteers Around Michigan

It “pays” to volunteer—Shepler’s donated tickets this Spring to four exceptional programs in our
state to reward some of their dedicated volunteers. There are so many wonderful organizations serving our Michigan communities and we want to say thank you to all those who give their time and talents to help others. We salute you and all you do! Thank you for inspiring others to serve.

Preserving our Historic Straits Area Lights

Just as we did when the first Shepler’s Lighthouse Cruise set out in 1998, we continue to donate a portion of the proceeds of every Shepler’s Lighthouse Cruise to the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association and lighthouse preservation. In recent years, this has amounted to an average of $19,000 per year given to GLLKA for its lighthouse preservation and restoration efforts.

Save our Sites

As a member of the National Tour Association (NTA), last summer we helped to raise money for the Save Our Sites program run by Tourism Cares, the official philanthropy of NTA. SOS helps to preserve some of our historic landmarks and buildings for future generations of visitors to enjoy.