100 Businesses That Care makes fourth donation

100 Businesses That Care makes fourth donation
Beer City Dog Biscuits co-founders Leslie Hooker, far left, and Suzanne Wilcox, far right, and their sons Tanis Hooker, left, and Gavin Wilcox, who inspired the creation of the organization. <strong> Courtesy 100 Businesses That Care </strong>

Beer City Dog Biscuits recently received $50,000 from a consortium of West Michigan companies striving to make a difference.

West Michigan’s 100 Businesses That Care (100BTC) recently made its fourth donation of $50,000 since the group formed in 2020 to Beer City Dog Biscuits, a Grand Rapids nonprofit that provides vocational training and employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A consortium of West Michigan companies founded by BDO, Charter Capital Partners, Hylant, Lambert & Co., Mercantile Bank, Miller Johnson and Strategies Wealth Advisors, 100BTC is a group of volunteers committed to making a difference in their communities. All donations are steered directly to the chosen nonprofits, enabling members to realize the tax benefits of their charitable contribution. Any West Michigan business can join 100BTC.

Beer City Dog Biscuits bills itself as the largest vocational training site in Kent County, serving more than 100 individuals from the Kent County Intermediate School District and over 100 adults from work skills programs, group homes and or individual households. Students are trained in the production of all-natural dog treats made from spent grains sourced from Founders Brewing Company.

“Beer City Dog Biscuits is so thankful and grateful to be honored as the 100 Businesses That Care recipient,” said Suzanne Wilcox, Beer City Dog Biscuits co-founder. “This donation will enable (us) to continue providing vocational training and employment for more than 200 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities every week.”

Beer City Dog Biscuits co-founder Leslie Hooker added, “Because of 100 Businesses That Care, we will now have the resources to increase the number of individuals who come to Beer City Dog Biscuits and continue a meaningful workplace where everyone receives a sense of purpose, dignity and community.”

Mike Brown, partner and managing director at Charter Capital Partners, said this cycle’s nonprofit could not be more deserving of the 100BTC gift.

“Beer City Dog Biscuits provides essential vocational training that enables their students to gain employment and an independent income,” Brown said. “We are delighted that our members have chosen to provide them with a donation that will further their worthy cause.”

Each spring and fall, 100BTC members nominate charities for a $50,000 donation comprised of $500 from each member business. Three finalists present to the group, and the winner is chosen by member vote.

Since its inception, 100BTC members have nominated more than 70 West Michigan nonprofits for the initiative.

Finalists for the fall 2021 giving cycle included Grant Me Hope and the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan (be nice). Winning charities from previous giving cycles include AYA Youth Collective (fall 2021), New City Kids (spring 2021) and Hand2Hand (fall 2020).