Our mission statement — Life, Liberty, Beaches & Pie — is packed full of meaning, but perhaps the most meaningful value we strive to live out is that of Pie, which represents generosity and is at the heart of all we do at Cherry Republic.
This spirit of giving has motivated us, in collaboration with our dedicated customers, to bestow grants amounting to a remarkable $3 million over the course of the last three decades. These funds have been allocated to promote clean energy initiatives, conserve precious farmland, enhance outdoor recreational spaces, and foster the sustainability of our communities.
A Slice For Farmers
When someone comes into one of our stores we charge them a refundable 1% tariff on their purchase. This tariff was enacted by the Cherry Republic legislature in 2002. The typical tariff amount on each purchase is 25 cents. This money is set aside and donated to agricultural programs in northern Michigan. Our primary focus is on preserving our farmland forever and strengthening the new small farm economy in Northern Michigan.
1% Donation To Michigan
Nearly 20 years ago, after spending a weekend with Patagonia co-founder Yvon Choinard, Bob committed Cherry Republic to giving 1% of all sales to environmental and community groups. An average sale is $65, which raises just 65 cents. Yet over the years, this program has become our biggest revenue generator, allowing Cherry Republic to give more than $2 million dollars to worthy groups protecting our land, air and water in Michigan. Setting aside ‘1% off the top’ for worthy organizations is the most meaningful activity we do as a company and binds our employees together. It is our goal over the next decade to inspire other companies to follow this same model for the betterment of our communities and environment.
31 Days Of Giving
Our oldest charitable giving initiative is our annual 31 Days of Giving campaign. Throughout December, we announce grants to non-profit organizations throughout Michigan. Over the years, the gifts have benefited everyone from children and families (Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint and Traverse City’s Boots For Kids) to our beloved national lakeshore (Leelanau Conservancy and the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail). But over the past few years, the imminent threat of climate change has caused us to laser-focus on those groups that promoted clean and renewable energy. Whether supporting local farmers who are building solar- and wind-powered solutions or political action groups like the League of Conservation Voters, we are committed to addressing the largest environmental threat our world has ever faced.
