PHILANTHROPY AND COMMUNITY GIVING IN LAKE LEELANAU, MI

Being a part of the Simpson Family Estates family of wineries means caring for and giving back to the community is a priority for Aurora Cellars. We have several ways in which we help the Leelanau Peninsula including supporting early childhood education, advocating for Michigan agriculture, and building awareness and partnerships with other local businesses.

Early Childhood Education

As part of Simpson Family Estates, Aurora Cellars is focused on creating a thriving Leelanau Peninsula community that is family focused and fosters a world class educational system for children.  We believe the foundation of any healthy community is built on the well-being of its families and children and that equal access to early childhood education is a crucial part of this. 

The grandparents of Sam and Taylor Simpson, John and Millie Simpson, helped found the Leelanau Children’s Center, which serves preschoolers, ages 30 months to 5 years, with an emphasis on early relationships, early experiences, and child-initiated play-based learning. John and Millie then created The Simpson Family Endowment to help cover tuition gaps for families who can’t afford to send their children to the Leelanau Children’s Center.

Today, Aurora Cellars sponsors fundraising events and contributes to the endowment to make sure every child in the community has the opportunity to attend a high-quality education program. Our continued commitment to the Simpson Family endowment at the Leelanau Children’s Center is crucial to providing equal access for all community members to this world-class organization.

Collage of kids from Aurora Cellars early childhood education

Made in Michigan,
Local Matters

Small businesses like ours provide jobs for the Leelanau community and are the backbone of our local economy. Whether it’s truffles from Grocer’s Daughter, Cheese Lady delights, artisanal olives, or hosting the Rhett & John musical duo, Aurora Cellars highlights locally produced food products and musicians within its tasting room as well. We pair local gourmet food with our award-winning wine in our tasting flights. We also love to support local vendors for our weddings and have recommendations for our engaged couples as they select their photographers, caterers, and musicians. Help us support Michigan small businesses!