Rathbun Insurance was honored to support the 42nd Annual Greater Lansing Hispanic Christmas Symposium hosted by Cafecito Caliente — a beloved tradition that brings together community members, faith leaders, and elected officials to celebrate Hispanic culture and rally around students in the MSU College Assistance Migrant Program (MSU CAMP).
Each year, the Symposium raises funds that go directly back into the community. But this year carried a special urgency. After 20 years of consistent federal support, the U.S. Department of Education did not renew the grant that has traditionally funded MSU CAMP — a program that has transformed the lives of countless students with migrant or seasonal farmworker backgrounds.
MSU CAMP provides a unique residential experience for first-year MSU students, offering academic support, financial resources, and a vibrant community to help CAMP Scholars successfully transition into university life. The impact of this program reaches far beyond the classroom — it supports the children of the very families whose labor fuels Michigan’s agricultural economy.
In the Great Lakes region, Latina/o farmers play a critical role in growing the fruits and vegetables that sustain our communities. More than 1,000 farms in Michigan are operated by Hispanic farmers, and over 49,135 migrant and seasonal farmworkers support our state's agricultural production. As Latino farm managers increasingly emerge as farm owners, they are helping shape the future of Michigan agriculture. Yet despite their resilience, farmers continue to face significant challenges — from the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to invasive species and climate-related threats that endanger crop production. Preserving Michigan’s orchards and surrounding forests for future generations will require sustained support, resources, and collaboration.
This is why MSU CAMP’s mission matters — and why the Symposium’s commitment to funding these students is so vital right now. These young scholars represent the next generation of leaders, innovators, and community builders. They deserve every opportunity to succeed.
Rathbun Insurance is grateful to stand alongside partners, neighbors, and advocates who share a commitment to uplifting Michigan’s Hispanic and migrant communities. And of course, we extend a big shoutout to Taqueria El Chaparrito for providing the delicious food that helped make the night even more memorable.
We are proud to support events and programs that strengthen our community — because at Rathbun Insurance, Being There Matters Most.