Our Story
Background
The documentary “Michoacán to Michigan” shares the story of how the Fraga family immigrated from Mexico in 1919 and successfully integrated their culture into the fabric of American society.
The Fraga Family website was developed:
- For the use of the Fraga Family members. It is the online repository of the archives that have been collected over many years – the photographs, the videos, the documents and other resources so that all family members can remember and enjoy the long and varied history of our family – starting in Mexico and then continuing on to the United States.
- It is our hope that these visual, audio and written memories provide tangible examples of the stories that are shared among the several generations of our family which include those who have joined our family through marriage/partnership.
- In addition, it is hoped that these archives will inspire family members to utilize these resources to create their own works – art, books, videos/films and to be the hub for all family communications.
Mission
Our mission is to keep our Mexican American heritage and the legacy and story of Martina & Valeriano and their descendants alive for future generations through family bonds and engagement.
COMMUNICATION OBJECTIVES
- To strengthen personal connections within the Fraga Family, across all generations so that family members continue to be interested and involved in the family and our story evolves for future generations.
- Provide a living and ongoing method of communication to keep our family connected as we continue to grow and expand – both in number and geographically.
- To inspire other families to share their own immigration stories, raise funds for organizations that support immigrant communities, and showcase the positive impact that immigrant families have had on American culture.
Note – all funds received over our goal will be used to extend the time before our next fund drive
Each and every donation is vital – whatever the amount that works for you! It’s the collective strength of all of us that makes our family strong. If you can donate, decide the amount that you are comfortably able to give.
We believe we have an incredible, unique family story that should be preserved, continually added to and passed on to future generations! Your past support has shown you believe that, too and your generosity ensured our website’s operating and maintenance expenses were covered for the last two years – into 2024! In addition, we have been able to provide new features to better serve you – our family.
Please consider The Fraga Family Fund in your will/trust to help ensure that this website, other family communications, family events and possible future projects continue and grow.
(We are in the process of researching the necessary steps and legalities to establish the fund and to oversee its operation and management. Please contact us at michoacantomichigan@gmail.com
if you would to discuss or would like to know more.
Your Donations
Where & How They Are Used
The great majority of the work needed to operate and maintain our Fraga Family website, portal and archives has been provided at no charge by the many family members who have given their time and expertise (a continued special thanks to Bill Radjewski “the 3rd”!).
However, there are several areas that do cost out-of-pocket dollars. These are defined and explained in the list of items to the right.
Funds raised above the estimated annual costs will be applied to future years’ needs – for operations/maintenance and growth as well as adding new features and capabilties as determined by surveys of the family.
ANNUAL SOFTWARE FEES/LICENSES
While WordPess is “Free”, sometimes plug ins that are not free are needed to provide a quality user-friendly experience. See Financial Info & Budget section below for specifics.
OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
Fees are paid to experts and consultants. These are usually for new software configuration, installation and support (which includes basic training for us). Occasionally we encounter technical issues that require professional assistance.
Note – except for occasional professional support services, no one else receives any compensation for their time/work on The Fraga Family website.
EXPANSION & GROWTH
Our hope and intentions are to continue to provide new features and services that will serve and support identified needs in the family as determined by family member input, surveys and other means.
These additional features typically range between $100 and $300 with installation/configuration/training costs.
FINANCIAL INFO & BUDGET
BASIC FINANCES
Annual Costs (current and projected) $900 -$1100
The domain name, Hosting Service and additional digital storage ($287/year)
Annual software license fees/renewals (Modula Photo Galleries, Search, PDF Viewer, Divi/Elegant Themes) ($250+/year)
Consultants and Contracted Services (see Operation & Maintenance above) – range from $35 – $60/hour (Approximately $400-$500/year)
Funds raised above the estimated annual costs will be applied to future years’ needs – both operating/maintenance needs and growth.
Giving Options
Give a One-Time Gift
Please consider helping us operate, maintain and grow this fantastic family resource with your generous contribution.
Choose to Sponsor a Specific Page or Section
Is there a particular aspect of our family’s heritage you would like to promote and ensure that it receives special attention? If so, let’s discuss it so we can identify your interest and match it with the most effective way to accomplish that.
Grow the Future
Sponsor/Underwrite a New Feature
We can add many new features to our website to make it even more effective and valuable for our family members – bulletin boards, services like Etsy/Craigslist, comments/posts, etc. You or your company can sponsor this addition which usually entails a one-time start up cost (e.g., cost of best plugin to use and associated costs).
Volunteer or In-Kind Contribution
There are many ways to contribute which do not involve a financial aspect – writing opportunities, organizing, identification/labeling and more. Don’t hesitate to contact Len to discuss the best match for your skills/interests with our needs.
By Check
A personal check from you would be definitely appreciated! If you decide to support us with a check, please make it payable to: M to M LLC and send it to
2700 Michelle Lane
Hartland, MI 48353
With Cash
If for any reason you are not comfortable using online payment or writing a check, cash is definitely accepted! However, due to safety/security concerns you can wait until we see each other in person. Which also gives me the opportunity to thank you personally!
ONLINE
We appreciate your support in any amount that you are comfortable with. Please select GENERAL SUPPORT after you click on DONATE ONLINE
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
We need and want your help and involvement in many ways! Please consider reaching out to us and volunteering. We’ll discuss the opportunities available and match you with the area most suited for you!
¡Muchisimas gracias –
La Familia!
Your very generous support overwhelmingly exceeded our expectations – almost $3,000!! This means we should be able to cover our costs of operating and maintaining our website until almost 2027!
Please visit our Sponsors & Supporters page for a complete detailed list as well as the bottom of every website page who have ensured our website and its resources will be available to our whole family.
*please see below on this page for a more detailed explanation of the costs & fees associated with operating and maintaining our website
And congratulations to the winners of our drawing –
Framed photo from Martina & Valeriano’s 60th Anniversary
Nancy (Fraga) Vetor
Framed Group Shot of all of the Aunts/Uncles
Julie Fraga
Framed Iconic Aerial Photo – Norman Road Farm
Martinique Tiffin
Framed Iconic Aerial Photo – Norman Road Farm
Ralph Valdez
Fraga Family Heritage Collection
Krysta Stone
*We would like to thank and acknowledge the contributions of Daniel W Fraga who has generously provided the photos, framing and shipping costs
