Grand Traverse Pie Company is celebrating its 18th birthday today (July 19), by creating an endowment: Michigan Partners Helping Michigan's Youth. Today through July 26, GT Pie is dedicating a portion of all pie sales to the fund, which provides financial support for individuals in Michigan's foster care program who aspire to continue into higher education.

The goal is to raise $12,000 during this year's celebration, with all money going directly to student needs, including housing, school supplies and other expenses related to their education. In addition to the birthday celebration, GT Pie partners will be matching funds. The endowment will be celebrated each year on the company's birthday. GT Pie Co., founded in 1996 by Mike and Denise Busley, has two locations in Traverse City, and thirteen additional shops around the state and in Indiana.