Courtesy photo Bill Leisenring, founder and CEO of U.P. Authentic presents Will Carne, Sr., co-chair of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula with a check for the new U.P. Authentic Scholarship Fund

ESCANABA — Bill Leisenring, founder and CEO of U.P. Authentic, recently presented Will Carne Sr., co-chair of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula with a check for a new U.P. Authentic Scholarship Fund. The presentation was held at the community foundation.

“As I reflect on my career, I firmly believe that the traits of being a Yooper were very instrumental in my success.” He continued, “I knew that I wanted to give back to the Upper Peninsula and after talking with the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula, it was clear that they’d be the perfect partnership for my vision,” said Mr. Leisenring. “U.P. Authentic’s mission is to support local artisans and donate 50% of profits to U.P. charities. The Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula has been a great partner for us to get this effort launched with the creation of the U.P. Authentic Scholarship Fund which will award $906 scholarships to graduating students from the Upper Peninsula. We look forward to further collaboration with the community foundation to support other charities across the Upper Peninsula as U.P. Authentic grows.”

Carne thanked Leisenring for entrusting the foundation and stated, “The vision and expectations for U.P. Authentic is a unique, very generous and all around win for Yoopers. People receive high quality, original Yooper products and in return are helping U. P. artisans and businesses, and then 50% of U.P. Authentic profits will be going back into the Upper Peninsula.”

Leisenring said the first U.P. Authentic Scholarship will be awarded to a 2021 graduate from one of the Upper Peninsula high schools. Future graduates can obtain an U.P. Authentic Scholarship application and its requirements at their schools Guidance Office after January 2021.

During the week of Sept. 6 U.P. Authentic will be celebrating 906 “Yooper” Day all week with discounts on many items and remember that purchases will support U.P. charities.

If you are interested in finding our more about U.P. Authentic, contact info@upauthentic.com or the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula at office@cfup.org