Check deduction options pave the way for campaign participation

Observer Staff

1/25/2005 12:00:00 AM

Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan members and employees wishing to participate in the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways' campaigns can now have payments deducted from their payroll or per capita checks.

The Ni-Bami brick and tree campaigns, as well as five levels of memberships to the Ziibiwing Center are now available and have different amounts of minimum deductions. Interested members and employees need to contact Events and Promotions Coordinator Kim Cronkite at (989) 775-4744 to obtain the necessary form.

"The Ziibiwing Center is your link to the Anishinabek community," stated Ziibiwing Cultural Society Director Bonnie Ekdahl. "Together, we will work to advance the knowledge of our people. As a charter member, you will be helping to support one of the Great Lakes most authentic and spectacular cultural centers."

By becoming a charter member, one can join the many individuals and organizations committed to communicating the importance of protecting, preserving and educating others about the culture, history and heritage of the Great Lakes Anishinabek.

As a Ziibiwing Center charter member, the $1,500 contribution for the basic membership package includes:

-Ziibiwing Center multi-use first-year membership card;

-Your name added to the Ziibiwing Center mailing list for newsletters and other important events;

-One annual multi-use pass to the Diba Jimooyung permanent exhibit;

The contribution also includes:

-Ziibiwing Center membership pin;

-Four annual passes to the Diba Jimooyung permanent exhibit;

-Twenty percent discount on classes, workshops and seminars;

-Your name on the center's "Wall of Honor," as well as a special listing in the commemorative booklets;

-Advance invitations to special programs and exhibitions; and

-Invitations to exclusive donor receptions.

The contribution is also a tax deductible donation, as applicable by law.

Cronkite said sign-up for the charter membership is open until December. There will be a minimum per capita or payroll deduction of $75 for the charter membership.

The other four levels of individual membership-which will be accepted on a continual basis are as follows:

-Mayiinggan (Wolf)

Includes all basic benefits, plus one additional guest pass to the Diba Jimooyung permanent exhibit; a 10 percent discount on all workshops; advance invitations to special programs and exhibitions; and recognition in the Ziibiwing Center newsletter. This membership costs $500 and there is a minimum deduction of $25.

-Makwa (Bear)

Includes all basic benefits, plus two additional guest passes to the Diba Jimooyung permanent exhibit; a 15 percent discount on all workshops; advance invitations to special programs and exhibitions; and recognition in the Ziibiwing Center newsletter. This membership costs $1,000 and there is a minimum deduction of $50.

-Migize (Eagle)

Includes all basic benefits, plus three additional guest passes to the Diba Jimooyung permanent exhibit; a 20 percent discount on all workshops; advance invitations to special programs and exhibitions; and recognition in the Ziibiwing Center newsletter. This membership costs $1,500 and there is a minimum deduction of $75.

-Ogima (Leader)

Includes all basic benefits, plus five addtional guest passes to the Diba Jimooyung permanent exhibit; a 25 percent discount on all workshops; advance invitations to special programs and exhibitions; recognition in the Ziibiwing Center newsletter; and an invitation to become part of the Director's Circle. This membership costs $2,500 (or more) and there is a minimum deduction of $125.

The Ni-Bami brick and tree campaigns are also full tax-deductible. The bricks and trees can be purchased for $150 each. A minimum deduction of $10 is required. The 8-inch square bricks are on display at the north side of the Ziibiwing Center, while the trees pepper the 16-acre site. A variety of trees including pine, maple, ash, birch, oak and cedar are among the available selection.

Members and employees can also chose contributing to a Ni-Bami mini-paver for a total payment of $50 or a minimum deduction of $10. The mini-paver is a miniature brick the contributor gets to have as a keepsake.