Philanthropy is often misunderstood as something reserved for large donors or major gifts—but in Sanilac County, recent community-led events are proving that giving is truly for everyone.
The Sanilac County Community Foundation is proud to highlight the philanthropic leadership of Taylor Hutchinson, owner of Thumb Health & Fitness (commonly referred to as TH Fitness), whose commitment to community impact has helped redefine what everyday philanthropy looks like.
Through two inclusive, low-cost fitness events—the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K and the Christmas “Cardio for a Cause” Workout—Taylor created opportunities for anyone to participate in charitable giving. With entry fees ranging from just $10 to $30, participants collectively raised more than $5,000 for three Community Foundation funds: the new Sanilac County Patriotic Endowment Fund, the Albrecht Field Endowment Fund, and the Sanilac County Backpack Fund.
The Turkey Trot 5K generated $2,325 each for the Patriotic Endowment and the Albrecht Field Endowment, while the Cardio for a Cause Workout raised $400 for the Backpack Fund. While the individual contributions were intentionally modest, the collective impact was significant—demonstrating how accessible giving can create permanent, community-wide benefit.
“This is exactly what community philanthropy should look like,” said Joshua Robinson, Executive Director of the Sanilac County Community Foundation. “It is really inspiring to see local leaders rise to the challenge—growing our endowed, generational wealth for Sanilac County while making giving truly accessible to everyone. Taylor has taken something he genuinely cares about—health and fitness—and transformed it into a meaningful way for people to give back. That kind of leadership strengthens our community today and for generations to come.”
In both cases, the events were hosted entirely by TH Fitness, from planning and promotion to participant engagement. The Sanilac County Community Foundation served solely as the charitable and philanthropic partner—providing the structure, stewardship, and fund administration needed to ensure the dollars raised would create lasting impact. This partnership streamlined the giving process for Taylor and participants alike, allowing TH Fitness to focus on what it does best: building community through health and fitness.
“This partnership highlights how local businesses and community foundations can work together to build endowed wealth for Sanilac County,” said Taylor Hutchinson, Owner of Thumb Health & Fitness. “This was my first time working with Josh in depth and learning about the multitude of funds that exist at our local community foundation.”
Philanthropy That Welcomes Everyone
These events reflect a core belief of the Community Foundation: philanthropy is not about how much you give, but about participation, purpose, and partnership. When giving opportunities are approachable and rooted in everyday life, more people are empowered to take part.
Taylor Hutchinson’s leadership embodies this philosophy. By intentionally keeping costs low and focusing on inclusion, he removed common barriers to charitable participation and invited community members to be part of something lasting. His approach shows that philanthropy can be integrated into daily activities—and that strong community leadership often begins with creating opportunities for others to give.
“At Thumb Health & Fitness, our mission is to create a healthier and happier community,” said Taylor Hutchinson. “Our events use health and fitness as a way of bringing people together to support local organizations and individuals in need. When health, connection, and purpose align, the impact goes far beyond fitness—and that’s the kind of community we’re committed to building.”
Lasting Impact Through Endowed Funds
All three funds supported through these events are fully endowed, meaning donations are invested for long-term growth. Each year, a portion of the earnings is distributed through grants to support the fund’s mission, while the principal remains intact. As a result, even small, one-time gifts generate annual impact—forever.
The Sanilac County Patriotic Endowment Fund provides ongoing support to preserve and maintain the county’s veteran-honoring landmarks, including the historic World War I monument, the 2019 Veterans Monument incorporating the original WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War memorials, the newly dedicated 2025 Wall of Honor Monument at the courthouse, and projects such as the Flags of Remembrance. The TH Fitness contribution represents one of the fund’s inaugural community-driven donations.
The Albrecht Field Endowment Fund provides long-term support for the upkeep of the Albrecht Field complex serving Sandusky baseball and softball programs. The endowment helps ensure the facility remains safe, high-quality, and accessible for generations while easing the ongoing financial burden on the school district.
The Sanilac County Backpack Fund is an endowed cause dedicated to addressing food insecurity among local children. Through partnerships with schools and nonprofit organizations, the fund provides annual support to ensure children have meals during weekends and extended school breaks.
Additional Community Giving Beyond the Community Foundation
In addition to his partnership with the Community Foundation, Taylor Hutchinson and Thumb Health & Fitness supported other local causes throughout the year through independently organized philanthropic events.
Earlier this year, TH Fitness raised and donated $500 to Sanilac County Veteran Affairs through the annual Memorial Day Murph Event, honoring veterans while supporting local services for those who have served. Later in the year, during the Thumb Festival Event, TH Fitness raised $1,500 for Eva’s Place, providing critical support for survivors of domestic violence in the region. Combining these with Taylor’s contributions to the Community Foundation brings Thumb Health & Fitness’s impact on the community to over $7,000 in 2025!
An Open Invitation to Give
Anyone can donate to any Community Foundation fund at any time—whether online, by check, or through planned giving options. These fitness-driven events serve as a reminder that philanthropy does not require wealth or formality. It requires leadership, community connection, and a willingness to act.
As these events demonstrate, when local individuals lead with purpose and partner with a permanent charitable organization, philanthropy becomes accessible to everyone—and the impact lasts for generations.
About the Sanilac County Community Foundation
The Sanilac County Community Foundation is a permanent charitable organization dedicated to strengthening the community through philanthropy, stewardship, and leadership. By managing endowed funds and supporting local causes, the Community Foundation ensures that generosity today creates impact forever.
For more information about our funds, establishing a fund, or the work of the Sanilac County Community Foundation, please visit www.SanilacFoundation.org or call 810-648-3634.
