The room tax dollars collected in Door County continue to impact your community. Destination Door County announced on Friday that it was awarding $400,000 to six northern Door-centric projects through its Community Investment Fund. Two of the projects are on Washington Island, with $100,000 going to the Bradley Jordan Foundation to help construct the first-ever gym at Washington Island School and $50,000 to ensure that its recreation center swimming pool can continue operating. Two Sister Bay projects made the cut as well, with $50,000 going to the Sister Bay Historical Society to enhance the infrastructure and accessibility at its Corner of the Past Museum site and another $50,000 for improvements at the Teresa K. Hilander Community Ice Rink. The awards given out by Destination Door County also included $100,000 to the Village of Ephraim to help restore the Anderson Dock Historic Site and $50,000 to construct all-season restrooms at The Ridges Sanctuary. After fifty-plus funded projects, Destination Door County Chief Communications Officer Jon Jarosh says its Community Investment Fund is working exactly as they thought it would, providing a public benefit to visitors and residents alike.

Jarosh points out that the replica gas station at the Valmy Thresheree grounds and the open-air pavilion at the Door County Fair are two of its funded projects that you can enjoy this weekend. Since May 2023, the Community Investment Fund has contributed more than $2.8 million to 53 projects across the county. The next grant application deadline is September 22nd.