COLORADO — The Colorado Yoopers announce a grant of $2,000 to Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly. The grant is being matched by another $2,000 from the Portage Health Foundation.

Founded in 1998, the Colorado Yoopers is an informal group of former U.P. residents who gather for an annual picnic that raises money for Upper Peninsula nonprofits. Application forms for 2020 grants are available at www.ColoradoYoopers.com.

Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly is a volunteer-based nonprofit dedicated to relieving isolation and loneliness among the elderly in Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, Ontanogon and Marquette counties.

Past grants have been made by Colorado Yoopers to Schoolcraft County Summer Day Camp, Crystal Falls Contemporary Center, Keweenaw Family Resource Center, Room at the Inn (Marquette), Heat and Soles 906 (Iron Mountain), VFW Post 4573 (Ishpeming), and Amasa 125th (Amasa).

The 2019 picnic was attended by Yoopers from across the entire U.P. Those attending met friends, had a luncheon, accepted donations for pasties, held a silent action and played games. To reach the Colorado Yoopers, visit www.ColoradoYoopers.com, or call the office at 303-987-3626 and ask for Susan, from Manistique; Carl, from Escanaba; or Ron, from Rock. The Yoopers’ next event may be a winter gathering, hockey game, movie or play — or maybe even an axe throwing party.