Owners of Bentley's B-n-L Cafe are presented with a certificate naming the St. Ignace restaurant the Business Neighbor of the Month Tuesday, January 6. The award was presented by representatives from the United Way Volunteer Center of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Pictured are (from left) Brad Hunter of Americorps VISTA, Jade Seelye from the United Way Volunteer Center, Brenda Spencley and Leeanne Trudo, co-owners of Bentley's, Connie Litzner, operations administrator with Area Hope, and Kristina Beamish, United Way Volunteer Center director. Brenda Spencley and Leeanne Trudo, coowners of Bentley's B-n-L Cafe, were recognized for their contributions to the community by providing a free soup lunch twice each week to volunteers working at the Hope Chest. By the end of each month, they have served more than 60 meals.

The St. Ignace restaurant was named Business Neighbor of the Month for December by the United Way Volunteer Center of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. The two women received the unexpected recognition when Kristina Beamish, director at the United Way Volunteer Center of Sault Ste. Marie, made the announcement during a busy lunch day at the restaurant Tuesday, January 6. Diners applauded the two women, who were presented a certificate by Ms. Beamish.

Holidays and inclement weather delayed the presentation until January.

Hope Chest, the nonprofit resale shop that raises funds to assist those in need, is operated by volunteers, who work in the store sorting through donations and stocking shelves with newly arriving items.

"They do for the community and we want to give back to the community," said Ms. Spencley.

A single mother, Ms. Spencley says she understands the needs are great for some community members, especially those with children, and the assistance Area Hope provides is invaluable.

"This is a community where you work in the summer and struggle to survive in the winter," she said.

Her business partner, Ms. Trudo, agreed.

The community gives to the Hope Chest by providing items for sale and volunteering time, she said, and the soup is their way of giving to the community.

The business was nominated for the recognition by Connie Litzner, operations administrator with Area Hope, the charity organization that includes the resale shop.

The soup contribution is appreciated by volunteers at the Hope Chest, she said.

"It makes it a warmer environment to work in and it draws volunteers," said Mrs. Litzner.

The United Way seeks to recognize businesses that are helping to change communities through volunteerism, said Ms. Beamish.

"We are always on the lookout for incredible volunteers that are making a difference," she said.