Our Inspiration
Michael Brennan passed in February of 2023. Being a part of the Michigan City community for over five decades, he always found ways to get involved and give back. A community leader, Mickey was a past board of directors member of the Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce, St. Anthony’s Hospital, and the LaPorte County Revolving Loan Fund. He was a co-founder and president of the LaPorte County Bar Association. He also served as a Junior Achievement Applied Economics Consultant, co-chairman of the Industrial Division for the United Way campaign, and authored the initial Michigan City Human Rights Ordinance.
Recently, Mickey was celebrated for his role as a founding trustee and co-chairman of the Unity Foundation of LaPorte County for over 30 years of strategic and inclusive leadership. Since its inception, the Unity Foundation has grown immensely and continues to make grants and scholarships to benefit LaPorte County.
Mickey’s Motto
A message from Molly, Charles, and Katie Ward:
Our grandfather, Michael Brennan, Mickey, was the oldest of seven kids which meant sharing and making the most out of everything they had. As we grew up, Mickey would always encourage us to “get out there” and play the sports we loved. No matter the game, friends, family, and even strangers would always join in to play and we have made some of our best memories through it.
We've been incredibly fortunate to have access to the necessary equipment and supplies for our beloved sports. Mickey always encouraged everyone around him to get involved. Now, we want to share Mickey's Motto and give others the opportunity to try something they've always wanted to play.
We will be collecting “gently used” or new sporting equipment for The Unity Foundation of La Porte County and The Boys and Girls Club of La Porte County in Indiana.
In demand items this year include: volleyballs, footballs, basketballs, cones, hula hoops, jump ropes, dodgeballs and any other outdoor toys.
If your family has grown out of its equipment or if you are cleaning out your garage this spring please consider donating to Mickey’s Motto and the Boys and Girls Club of La Porte County.
We will be collecting items beginning June 5th through June 30th.
You can drop your items and leave your equipment outside the Ward Family Household at:
4012 Lawn Ave
Western Springs, IL 60558
With the collection of all this equipment, we are hoping to spread Mickey’s Motto “anyone can play” and give others the opportunity to try something new or play a sport they love.
Thank you so much.