Chizzy. It’s not an average, ordinary name, but most probably wouldn’t label him’clad in tie-dye with a wild, curly mane that suits his unreserved personality’as an average, ordinary guy.
And while he’s done and seen a thing or two in his 42 years, Chizzy’who’s real name is Mike Chisholm’plans to accomplish something special in Orion Township this weekend during the first annual Artunes on the Mountain.
The event takes place at Bald Mountain State Recreation Area and features more than 80 artists, along with bands, vendors, raffles and more.
It’s all for a good cause: to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities and SandCastles Grief Support for Children and Families, a division of Henry Ford Health System-Hospice.
Each artist who attends to sell his or her wares, Chisholm explained, will donate at least 25 percent of proceeds to the event’s beneficiaries.
Chisholm, who founded Chizzy’s Charities Artist Network, said his partners Jeanette Locher and Keith Perkins work just as hard as he does.
And they do it all for one simple reason, he said.
They want to make a difference.
‘I was out on my own so young,? Chisholm said, noting he left the home of his adoptive parents when he was just 14. ‘I want to help other kids so they don’t have to go through what I went through.?
But, he said, although he found himself down and out more than once, his early experiences taught him about life, the way he wanted to live, and the way he wanted to treat others.
‘My whole life people have come to help and been good to me,? he said. ‘There are certain rules I live by. One is if you give, you always will have.?
And give he has.
Over the years, Chisholm has had the opportunity to work as a volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Charities, where he organized the Deck the Walls program.
He’s also volunteered at a summer camp facilitated by SandCastles Grief Support for Children and Families, where his wife works as a counselor.
‘I’ve seen kids who were curled up in a corner or feeling suicidal start running around with other kids, laughing and playing,? he said. ‘Just because they had a chance to talk to other kids who knew what they were going through, because someone was there to help.?
This weekend, he’s hoping lots of people show up to listen to live music, check out some art, and have a good time. In the meantime, he noted, they’ll be helping a good cause. ?
A lot of people don’t have anything togive right now,? he said. ‘But when people hear about a charity they think its an opportunity to help someone else. For more information, check out www.WE-R-CCAN.org or email WeR.CCAN@yahoo.com.
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Artunes on the Mountain
Hosted by Chizzy’s Charities Artist Network
Saturday, Oct. 10
Bald Mountain State Recreation Area
Noon-8 p.m.
The event is free, but vehicles must have state
park permit or purchase $6 daily pass.