in community
The Legacy Issue
G R A N D
R AP I D S
SP EC I AL
COMMUNI TY
C E N TE N N I A L
FOUNDATION
COL L ECTION
ST
TA E NV ANDER RO
S
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
WHY IS LEGACY IMPORTANT? “Legacy is important because it allows one to focus on the big picture. It forces us to think about our life and how we can impact future generations. It redirects our thinking from inward to outward. Our legacy is impacted by the actions we take each and every day.” Stan Vander Roest Community Foundation chief financial officer
Diana R. Sieger President Ashley René Lee Vice President, Strategic Communications Kate Luckert Schmid Vice President, Program
RE M NEÉ WILLIA
S
Stan Vander Roest Chief Financial Officer Marilyn W. Zack Vice President, Development
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR PHILANTHROPIC LEGACY TO BE? “As we make investments in our community, we have to ensure that financial opportunities are available to all. I was prompted in my heart to want to leave a legacy personally. There are many things that I’ve experienced, and I want to make sure those opportunities are available to others.” Reneé Williams Community Foundation trustee
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Kyle D. Caldwell (Chair) Reneé Williams (Vice Chair) Noah Chun Ken Fawcett, M.D. Thomas Kyros Emily Loeks Brandy Lovelady Mitchell, Ed. D. Ana Ramirez-Saenz Richard Roane Kathleen B. Vogelsang Daniel Williams, Ed. D.
Tel: 616.454.1751 Fax: 616.454.6455 Email: Info@GRFoundation.org Website: GRFoundation.org
PARTNERS in community is a
RIC
ROANE
Grand Rapids Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. Over the last 100 years, people who care about the future of Kent County have built the Community Foundation through their time, financial resources and thought partnership. Our partners - donors, nonprofits, leaders, doers and more - consistently trust us to help bring key issues to the forefront to build community will, investment and collaboration needed to inspire change.
quarterly publication of Grand Rapids Community Foundation Contributing writers: Ashley René Lee, Heather Gill Fox, Audra Hartges-Stern, Diana R. Sieger, Joan Huyser-Honig Graphic Design: Michele Keren Design
@GRCommFound
TO HEAR MORE PERSPECTIVES ON LEGACY, FLIP TO PAGE 9.
Ric Roane Community Foundation trustee
3
PARTNERS IN LEGACY
4
CREATING LASTING LEGACIES THROUGH PHILANTHROPY
5
VISUALIZING LEGACY
6
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON LEGACY
7
PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
8
ENDURING LOCAL PHILANTHROPIC PARTNERSHIPS
9
EXPLORING PHILANTHROPIC LEGACY
10
METZ LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS
12
THIS & THAT
Photography: Alfield Reeves Photography, Bird + Bird Studio, Isabel Media Studios Copyediting: Joan Huyser-Honig
PARTNERS in community
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR PHILANTHROPIC LEGACY TO BE? “Years ago, when I was new to Grand Rapids and just beginning my professional career, Chuck Royce told me to start small and support organizations and programs for which I have a passion. ‘Do that,’ he said, ‘and your ability and commitment will grow and grow.’ Chuck’s wise advice has been a good compass. I would like my philanthropic legacy to result in continued support of musical and fine arts programs, justice for the poor and underserved and support for LGBTQ programs and initiatives in our community.”
SUMMER 2022 | Issue 92
PARTNERS in Legacy I’ve always valued relationships, but the pandemic made me see their importance even more. I know many people share that appreciation. What influence have our family, friends and colleagues had on our lives? Grand Rapids Community Foundation is built on the legacy of caring for others, and this will continue in the next 100 years.
convictions forward. A wonderful place in my heart was and still is with Sam Kravitz. I can hear Sam say, “Kid, don’t let up. Keep going. You are going to make a difference.” I was never offended when he called me “kid” because he said it in love with a tinge of humor and a twinkle in his eye. My mentors’ legacies constantly prompt me to ask, “What does success look like?”
Sue Blandford, Shirley Perkins Daniels, Pat Edison, Margaret Sellers Walker and Beverly Drake are women who greatly influenced my life. And they were my role models for decades. To me, legacy means leaving gifts of understanding, strength and hope. These women and many others certainly provided that to me.
Our donor partners are committed to leaving legacies of hope through their financial gifts. Our nonprofit partners are committed to leaving enduring messages of needed change and opportunity. Our volunteer partners, including more than 300 students who have participated in our Youth Grant Committee since it was formed in the early 1990s, are committed to addressing many issues facing our community. Their gifts of time and devotion will continue to be felt now and well into the future.
When I started at the Community Foundation in 1987, my challenge was to be heard and be taken seriously as a young, female leader. These women’s gifts were to be tenacious, firm in conviction and never silent. These leaders influenced me long before I was honored to be named the head of this Community Foundation. These women did not budge when it came time to influence, get the point across, intensify or encourage me when I wanted to let down.
I know that the legacy of compassion and caring for all is our path forward. I firmly believe that our true legacy is the difference we can make in people’s lives.
Jack Chaille, Sam Kravitz, Jim Carpenter, David LaClaire— yes, I have wonderful memories of these men who nudged me constantly while providing me the path to move ideas and
Throughout our centennial year, we will be gathering stories and aspirations to understand our community’s collective vision for the future of Kent County. This will inform our work in our next century of service and impact. Please visit GRFoundation.org/Centennial and follow us on social media @GRCommFound to learn more.
Creating Lasting Legacies
had the opportunity to make the city better by what other people were doing. We got on board and helped them,” he said. John and Gwen invest in others but are not bystanders to the work. Each has an extensive list of community volunteerism—spanning causes from the founding boards of Grand Rapids Opera and Planned Parenthood to the West Michigan Environmental Action Council and education initiatives. They have served on boards, petitioned for policy changes and made sure to pass these ideals on to their children.
T hrough Philanthropy
Over the course of a century, our partners have taught Grand Rapids Community Foundation a great deal about legacy: individual legacy, institutional legacy, legacy that spans generations and permeates throughout communities. Each individual and family approaches legacy differently. Some are proud to see their names attached to specific projects— education, arts experiences, building developments and more. Others pass down stories and morals aligned with our community’s rich history of giving. At the heart of all our legacy conversations runs a common thread: a deep desire for future generations to experience a thriving place to live, laugh, love and learn.
MIKE AND CARRIE KOLEHOUSE: Investing in a More Equitable Future
As part of the 100 New Philanthropists cohort, Mike and Carrie have dedicated their time, talent, treasure and testimony to a new century of service. They believe that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed in life and are committed to supporting organizations that activate equity. Mike and Carrie are committed to giving back and being active community members. They are proud to support organizations that not only help people individually, but also address root causes of inequity. “We’re both very passionate about having a significant impact and creating systemic change,” Carrie said. Mike and Carrie are determined to use their resources to make real change where it is needed most. Together, they will work toward building a stronger community for future generations.
PROCTOR FAMILY: Generational Commitment to Community
The Proctor family has a long history of service and philanthropy, dating back many generations. The late Gene Proctor was a pillar of community involvement, a tradition that was modeled from his mother before him. He shared his talents broadly. He served on the boards of nearly 40 organizations, co-founded the Black Men Building Resources Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation with nine other visionaries, performed in various community theater productions and served as the executive director of Baxter Community Center. Gene shared this passion for community with his wife, Virginia, who devoted her time to community organizations with the same enthusiasm.
DR. SANDRA LAST: Thoughtful Planning For Students
PARTNERS in community | 4
Above all else, the late Dr. Sandra Last believed in the power of education. Born in 1934 to working class immigrants in St. Louis, she said her parents always supported her education. She recognized their sacrifice and was committed to being a hardworking and focused student. Sandra accepted a position in the radiology department of Blodgett Hospital in 1975. She worked at the hospital until 1994. Over the years, Sandra generously gave to several organizations in Grand Rapids. “A new dress doesn’t mean anything to me. I remember a quote from a movie that went ‘life is a feast, and most people are starving,’” she said. “I’ve volunteered for local organizations, and I’ve seen people in need. I want to know that I did the most I could to help while I was able. For me, it’s now or never.” Her spirit to do what is right and good for society, paired with her value of education, caused Sandra to start the Dr. Sandra Last Challenge Scholarship. Through this fund, which benefits Challenge Scholars, students with academic potential and financial need have access to college readiness support and guidance throughout their educational journey. These gifts were realized after her death in 2021 and will continue to impact generations of hardworking students like herself.
JOHN AND GWEN HIBBARD: Unwavering Consistency and Forethought
For John and Gwen Hibbard, legacy and loyalty are closely bound together. And it shows in their relationship with the Community Foundation. John and Gwen are among some of our longest consecutive annual donor partners. They have been giving every year for 34 years and counting! They value their role as amplifiers for this community. When considering what personal legacy they wanted to leave, John noted that they have leveraged their resources to support the important work already happening here. “We
The tradition did not stop with Gene. Virginia and the progressive generations of the Proctor family continue to demonstrate their commitment to community. Grandson Jamal Chilton was a Youth Grant Committee volunteer in 2000, and daughter Victoria Gibbs is a community activist and active scholarship volunteer with the Community Foundation. Victoria reflected on the family legacy of giving and mentioned she feels the importance of teaching her grandchildren the same lesson: you must give back. With younger generations continuing the work of giving back, the Proctor family descendants will remain a guiding force in our community for creating a better tomorrow.
H.G.F.
VISUALIZING Legacy
Grand Rapids Community Foundation is proud to be Michigan’s oldest community foundation. During our 100-year journey alongside partners, our mission has been to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people. Our organizational legacy is only made possible by the collective giving of people from across Kent County. Together, individual, familial and organizational legacies combine to positively impact change and dismantle barriers to equity for generations beyond today.
EXPRESSING LEGACY Art and stories shape communities. Through poetry, murals, theater, photography and stories at family reunions, legacy lives on through our creative expression.
Traditions of community care are passed down through family values as elders model ways of being and younger generations join the movement.
Legacies are built through volunteerism and partnership with activists, nonprofits and community organizations.
PROVIDING FUTURE RESOURCES
327 100+
Metz Legacy Society Members have made a planned gift to the Community Foundation. These legacy gifts will help the Community Foundation respond to this community’s future needs.
New Philanthropists are making their mark through sharing their time, talent, treasure and testimony. See the list of this group on page 10.
Donor Advised Fund holders are creating their legacy today by giving to the causes they are most passionate about. And, after two generations of advisors, many of those gifts ultimately support the unrestricted needs of Kent County through our Fund for Community Good.
COLLECTIVE LEGACY MADE POSSIBLE Through the power of endowment, gifts of all shapes and sizes come together to leverage the greatest collective potential possible.
%
ENDOWMENT IN ACTION
$10,000 TODAY BECOMES NEARLY
$80,000 IN 50 YEARS
After 50 years, that endowment would generate over $39K in grant awards to community, while the rest would be invested for future community needs.
After 20 years, an initial gift of $75,000, could nearly triple the sum of the endowment balance and total grants awarded from the investment. NOTE: These projections are based on historical average market performance and are for demonstration purposes. Results are subject to change based on market conditions.
It’s never too early or too late to start your legacy planning process and leave your mark in the community. Our volunteer, nonprofit and donor partners legacies will create a more equitable future for everyone in our community. To discuss how you might align your philanthropic interests with your legacy goals, reach out to a member of our development team at 616.454.1751.
PARTNERS in community | 5
87
Of the Community Foundation’s assets are endowed. This important tool complements our ability to mobilize immediate resources.
The Community Foundation’s financial structure and investment practices encourage perpetuity, to prepare for tomorrow’s unknown needs.
Historical Perspectives on Legacy
From its earliest days, Grand Rapids Community Foundation partners knew that getting involved meant they were joining a collective—and continually growing—legacy. Generations of partners have made gifts to build our community’s endowment, fueling grantmaking that addresses needs in Kent County.
Many significant gifts have come through planned gifts, where the Community Foundation is designated in a community member’s will or estate plan. Making a planned gift demonstrates care
for our region and its future. These types of gifts are attractive because they allow donors to preserve their assets for today while knowing that something truly generous and meaningful is planned for the community they love. Partnering with the Community Foundation builds our region’s philanthropic legacy. Establishing a planned gift with the Community Foundation ensures that a legacy lasts in perpetuity.
1929 An estate gift of more than $100,000 adds significant strength to the Community Foundation’s endowment. The gift from Mary Metz allowed for annual community support. She and her late husband, George Metz, had built successful tannery and real estate businesses. Pictured: George and Mary Metz
1983 Motivated to build awareness of the Community Foundation and increase assets, partners form the Friends of Grand Rapids Foundation giving group. Friends endorse the growing Community Foundation and declare their intent to support with financial gifts. Over two decades, Friends make over $47 million in collective gifts to the Community Foundation. Pictured: Jim Carpenter, a leader of the Friends of Grand Rapids Foundation group.
1994 We have long benefitted from close relationships with professional advisors—lawyers, attorneys and tax professionals—who play an important role in their clients’ charitable giving. The Professional Advisory Committee, whose members serve as consultants to help direct the Community Foundation’s strategies, is formally established. Pictured: Professional Advisor partners at an event.
PARTNERS in community | 6
2022 Our 100 New Philanthropists goal is surpassed! As we celebrate being 100 years old, we recognize over 100 community-minded people who have a clear vision for the Kent County of tomorrow and commit to leveraging their philanthropy to bring it to light. Pictured: 100 New Philanthropists Celebration
1958 A significant bequest from Curtis Wylie transforms the Community Foundation. The $6.2 million gift allows greater diversification in supported projects. Pictured: Curtis Wylie
1990 Donor Advised funds offer donor partners the opportunity to build their legacy by recommending grants to nonprofit organizations. The first Donor Advised fund at the Community Foundation is established in 1990 by Tom and Mickie Fox, who later say “…now that we’re at a point in our lives where we can give back, doing it through the Community Foundation just makes sense to us.” Pictured: Tom and Mickie Fox
1999 The Metz Legacy Society is formally established to recognize donor partners who include the Community Foundation in their will or estate plans or have created a life income gift. Pictured: Metz members at a 2018 luncheon event
A.H.S.
Partners in Progress
In April 2022, Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees approved four grant partnerships totaling $959,610 from the unrestricted Fund for Community Good. These grant partnerships were achievable through the collective generosity of our donor partners, who over the last century have contributed to unrestricted resources. These grants would not have been possible without the strength of the nonprofit community as it works to combat systemic racial, social and economic injustice and realize a more equitable future during Kent County’s next century. AFRICAN RESOURCE CENTER OF WEST MICHIGAN, $228,360 African Resource Center of West Michigan is a resource and service center for African immigrants in West Michigan. It informs, connects and equips its participants with specific people and resources to foster a flourishing community and increase prosperity within its clients’ cultural contexts. This grant award supports their work to provide resources for mental wellness and trauma informed care. GRAND RAPIDS PRIDE CENTER, $300,000 For 34 years, Grand Rapids Pride Center has been a community resource offering support groups, education and training opportunities. To dismantle historic inequities and adapt its services to align more closely with community needs, GRPC is implementing listening sessions, developing ways to receive feedback and implementing new strategies. This grant supports those community-wide engagements and strategic planning, their Therapy Assistance Fund and operational support for increasing staff capacity. PROJECT GREEN, $100,000 Project GREEN (Grassroots Economic Empowerment Network) helps Kent County families pursue their financial goals. This grant award invests in their efforts to support advocacy, education and convening partners around fair lending and economic empowerment for households with low- to moderate-income. RENDE PROGRESS CAPITAL, $331,250 Rende Progress Capital is a community development financial institution and the only equity-focused loan fund nationally. RPC provides loans, investments and support services to excluded entrepreneurs of color facing financing barriers due to racial bias and inequity. This grant partnership specifically supports their work to continue relief lending efforts for excluded entrepreneurs of color negatively impacted by COVID-19.
In the days and weeks after Patrick Lyoya’s death, $30,000 in immediate financial support was sent to a few community organizations from the Fund for Community Good. These partnerships included A Glimpse of Africa for community organizing and providing support to African refugee and immigrant communities, including the local Congolese community; Mental Health Clinicians of Color for partnering with the Black Impact Collaborative to offer healing circles in our community; West Michigan Congolese Community, to organize Congolese community activities; and the African Collaboration Network to support the Lyoya family. The Community Foundation will continue to adapt its response and continue to activate resources as our community seeks healing and systemic change.
More grant partnerships Field of Interest Funds offer another way for the Community Foundation to leverage its resources in partnership with community volunteers. Established through the estate of Mary Ives Hunting and the Youth Enrichment Fund, Access Camps is designed to improve access for youth of color and youth with disabilities to benefit from academic, social and recreational opportunities. This year $381,000 was awarded to camps for transportation and financial assistance to campers. In May, Black Legacy Fund (formerly African American Heritage Fund) awarded grant awards totaling $100,000 to 20 Black-led organizations. They made a separate $5,000 grant to Awake Incorporated (Renaissance Church of God in Christ) in support of Patrick Lyoya’s funeral costs. Learn more at GRFoundation.org/BlackLegacyFund.
The Youth Grant Committee recommended $100,000 from the Youth Fund to organizations whose proposals addressed equity and racial justice; youth access to mental health services and resources; and college and career preparation. You can learn more about YGC at GRFoundation.org/YGC.
PARTNERS in community | 7
Shortly after being established this spring, Somos Comunidad Fund made introductory grants totaling $21,000 to 21 organizations primarily serving Latinx communities in West Michigan. Learn more about their work at GRFoundation.org/ SomosComunidad.
Enduring Local Philanthropic Partnerships Since it began in 1922, Grand Rapids Community Foundation has always done its work in partnership. Donor partners pool funds so the Community Foundation can make grants to organizations that meet local needs. In 1929, the Community Foundation received its first major donation—from the estate of Mary Metz. Thanks to the Metz gift, the Community Foundation made its first grants the next year—to Grand Rapids Welfare Union (a predecessor of United Way), Family Service Association (from which Family Outreach Center emerged), Salvation Army and Volunteers of America.
This spring we connected with Michelle Van Dyke, CEO of Heart of West Michigan United Way to discuss what has endured or changed in our organizations’ century-long partnership. NAME CHANGES AND FILLING GAPS “Looking back into HWMUW archives, I can see that we’ve changed names 11 times since we began in 1917. And I know we’ve worked in close partnership with each other for decades, but our records are best since 1959,” said Michelle, who came to the nonprofit world from a career in banking. Some of HWMUW’s past names include Federation of Social Agencies, Grand Rapids Welfare Union, Community Chest, Community War Chest, Kent County Community Chest Red Feather Service, United Drive, United Community Fund and United Way of Kent County. In 1993, HWMUW changed to its current name.
PARTNERS in community | 8
In the 1910s, several U.S. cities started annual Community Chest fundraising campaigns. Just like the Community Chest squares in a Monopoly game, the Community Chest collected money to distribute to people in need. During World Wars 1 and 2, many annual campaigns were renamed Community War Chests, because some of the money went to families whose wage-earners were away at war. A red feather—whether on a button, window sticker or flag—was the Community Chest symbol. By the early 1960s, most Community Chest fundraisers had become known as United Way. Michelle recounted extra gifts from the Community Foundation that helped United Way “get our annual fundraising campaign over the finish line. In 1959, it increased its gift from $5,000 to $25,000. In 1970, it pledged $60,000, then came up with $50,000 more to close the gap. And, in 1986, the Community Foundation put up a $175,000 match grant for new United Way gifts from
organizations, businesses and individuals—which helped us get new donors into the fold and increase overall community support.” EVOLVING TOWARDS EQUITY Over the course of this 100-year relationship, some aspects of the partnership between HWMUW and the Community Foundation have remained consistent while others have evolved and adapted to meet current community needs. Despite different models, the two organizations have been able to complement each other’s efforts in making systemic changes. Michelle compared United Way to the community’s checkbook and the Community Foundation to the community’s savings account. “Even though [the Community Foundation] was built on endowments, and workplace annual fundraising is big for us, our different fundraising methods have worked together on community initiatives.” For example, in 1991 the two entities co-sponsored a youth initiative conference to help them address teen pregnancy and parenting, homelessness, substance abuse, teen suicide, racism and more. When the Community Foundation started the Youth Grant Committee, there was not staff capacity to operate the program. For a few years HWMUW hosted the program while the Community Foundation held the endowment and ramped up its programmatic capabilities. During the pandemic, the Community Foundation made a recovery grant and helped its Donor Advised fund partners direct money to HWMUW’s COVID-19 emergency rental assistance. BEYOND GRANTMAKING The relationship between HWMUW and the Community Foundation extends beyond grantmaking and collaborative community initiatives. Michelle said, “It’s neat for me to know that Diana Sieger started her career at United Way.” She described serving on the Community Foundation Board of Trustees; getting to know Diana personally and professionally; being able to share information about who’s doing what and who’s making which grants; and being invited to nonprofit and foundation discussions convened by the Community Foundation. “It’s been so important to be at the table with the Community Foundation and other funders to share different thoughts and perspectives. We’ve been watching your work in equity and equity-based grants and, quite honestly, your equity work has become a model for us in how we’re doing our work in community as well,” she added. This legacy of relationship between Heart of West Michigan United way and Grand Rapids Community Foundation is a testament to the importance of collaboration, learning from mistakes and evolving toward equity together. This partnership is more than a transaction of dollars. It has been a thought partnership and collaboration that benefits our community. J.H.H.
Historical photos courtesy of HWMUW
What Our Partners Are Saying: Exploring Philanthropic Legacy ANTHONY TUTTLE
During our centennial year, the Community Foundation will be including a variety of voices and perspectives from partners in each special issue of PARTNERS in community. For this summer issue, we are exploring the theme of philanthropic legacy. We asked partners to share what philanthropic legacy means to them and how they build it in Kent County through their gifts of time, talent, treasure and testimony.
Technology Advisory Committee volunteer
Whose legacy of giving inspires your generosity? “There’s a misconception I internalized that you need to ‘make it’ before you give back. I don’t think that’s true anymore. I’ve learned we’re all capable of giving back at any time. As people and as a society, we’re constantly changing, evolving and redefining what success means and what’s important to us. Giving looks different at different times in your life, so whatever or however you give, you have the most impact when your gift helps address the root causes of structural inequities.”
JULIUS H. AMBERG
ALEKA C. THRASH Black Legacy Fund volunteer
What do you want your philanthropic legacy to be? “I want my philanthropic legacy to disturb the status quo. As a Black Legacy Fund committee member, I get to internally use my skills, talents, and money to further current programs that create access to Black communities. Especially Blackled organizations that usually go unsupported. I hope that my legacy will go far beyond my current commitment so that generations after me can go further, focus on doing the work and not worry about how programs will be funded..”
*Deceased, quote from 1939 news article when he was a trustee
“If we are to serve the future adequately, we must realize that conditions change. Needs of today will be met. Needs of tomorrow are beyond our wildest guesses. Because of this, it is wise to leave to our children’s children gifts which will be flexible enough to meet their needs.”
LYNNE POPE (WITH CARLOS SANCHEZ) 100 New Philanthropist
“In 100 years we won’t be here, but what we can do is leave a legacy. We can contribute to a collective cause through the Community Foundation and are happy to know that we had some participation in the solution. We trust it will be spread out equitably and will address what our community is experiencing.”
Whose legacy of giving inspires your generosity? “My parents, especially my mother, inspired me through their generosity. In a family with seven children, we didn’t have a lot. But giving doesn’t have to be in dollars and cents. The way my mother gave of herself is a legacy I continue by volunteering, which has always been a part of my life and is something I enjoy.”
In the next issue of PARTNERS in Community, we will be exploring the theme of collaboration. Are you interested in submitting a perspective on the topic? Send an email with your thoughts to Communications@GRFoundation.org.
PARTNERS in community | 9
How do you think about creating a legacy in Kent County?
RENÁ GUTTRICH Community Foundation executive assistant
Metz Legacy Society Members
Metz Legacy Society members embrace the Community Foundation in their legacy through their will or estate plans or by creating a life income gift. We are proud these donor partners have placed their trust in the Community Foundation to carry out their wishes. Here, we recognize and thank the members of our Metz Legacy Society, as of May 18, 2022.
PARTNERS in community | 10
If you have already included the Community Foundation in your estate plans, please let us know to ensure we understand your charitable intentions. Mr. William E. Alt Mark and Wendy* Anderson Anonymous (5) Mr. Willem Antonides Mr. and Mrs. Noyes Avery Rev. Katherine L. Baker Brian Bakker Corey and Rebecca Balkon Ken Bandstra and Ken Terpstra Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Bassett John H.* and Nancy Batts Roger and Willa Bauer Laurie Finney Beard Lois Eberhard Beckering Connie Bellows and Darlene Zwart Tanya and Tom Berg Jesse M. Bernal John R. Bertsch Pat Brewer and Ken Betz Kristine L. Bishop John and Claire Bissell Lynne Black Ms. Bonnie L. Blandford Anonymous George and Jill Bosnjak Janet and John Boyles Tom Braciak Genny Bratschie Tracy and Tom* Breihof The Honorable Hugh W. Brenneman, Jr. Mark Breon Robert D. and Katherine M. Brower Renwick Brutus Robert and Sandy Burnham Jan Burns Anna Moore Butzner Linda Byington Dr. and Mrs. Mark Campbell Ms. Esther A. Carew Anonymous David M. and Cara V. Cassard Mandy and Christian Chardoul Iain and Michaele Charnley Molly and Colin Chelovich Roger and Sally Ciapara Tracie and Chad Coffman Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Cornetet Gina M. Covert-Ostergren Bill and Marilyn Crawford Elizabeth Crosby Mary Abbott Cumming Randall L. Currey and Bryan Ribbens Bob and Julie Currier Erica Curry VanEe and Brian VanEe Tom Czerney
Tom and Gale Czerwinski Thomas C. and M. Lynn Dandridge John and Edy Davies Gilbert R. and Patricia K. Davis Jennifer and David Deamud Joy DeBoer Roger and Marcia DeKock Pete* and Tuti DeMaagd Barb DeMoor Bill and Carolyn DeNeut David R. and Helene M. Despres Rick and Sue DeVries Danielle DeWitt Gail DeYoung and F. Jay Schoettley Elizabeth Tinney Donley Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Dooge, Jr. John* and Marilyn Dooge Beth Dornan Jason and Stephanie Doublestein Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Ducharme Bob Dunlap Ms. Patricia S. Duthler David G. Dvorak, M.D. Lucy Dyer Joswick and Scott Joswick Mr. and Mrs. Kenton H. Eavey Mr. and Mrs. Jay Egan Ben Emdin Ms. Elaine E. Emmons Bill Essling Hank and Marcia Fairchild Bill and Kay Farr Jane and Gerald Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Finazzi Michael Finton Ph.D. Eric and Kelly Fischer Mary and Bill Ford Joy Foster Thomas S. and Maxine J. Fox and Family Jeffrey and Sheila Frank Jason Franklin Ellie Frey Zagel and Chad Zagel Anonymous Mr. Henry G. Fuhs Michael and Elyce Fuller Iris-Naomi Garcia Brent and Ronda Geers Ms. Anita M. Gilleo Gene and Tubie Gilmore Linsey Gleason Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Gleason Beth Goebel Anonymous Jane and Phillip* W. Goodspeed Anonymous
Ms. Derether Greer Mr. and Mrs. Steve Groenink Dan Grzywacz and Holly Westhouse Rená and Gary Guttrich William and Claudia Hardy Graci Harkema Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hathaway Jacqueline E. Haveman Jan Heerspink Beverly and William* Heyne John and Gwen Hibbard Bert Pettis and Gary Hill Jeff and Laura Hill Jean and David Hitchcock Dirk and June Hoffius Michael Hoffman Jane Hondelink Robert L. Hooker Gregg and Kim Hughes S. Katherine Humphrey John Hunting Jenifer Jackson Cherry and Phil Jacobus Kenneth and Tamasha James Chuck and Carol Jennings Shirley Jeter Lynne Jarman-Johnson and Robert J. Johnson Tom* and Margy Jones Michael and Sarah Julien Karen A. Kania and Margaret H. McClure Carol Karr Mary and Dan Karrip Nancy Kehoe Nielsen Andy and Christina Keller Mr. Fred P. Keller Paul and Beth Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kenny Roberta F. King Birgit Klohs James* and Marilyn Klyn Galer Chris and Amy Knape Raymond E. Knape Marilyn Knol Anonymous Carrie and Mike Kolehouse Michael E. Kooistra Anonymous Mrs. June Kosten Cris and Tom Kutzli Nakia Kyler Tom and Sally Kyros Mrs. Paula La Claire Marilyn Lankfer and Jeff Schad B. Kenneth Larm Claire and Debbie Larson
Margaret Ryan Megan Rydecki Rebecca and Dale Rynbrandt Carlos Sanchez and Lynne Pope Jerry Schaefer and Polly Hewitt Robert Schellenberg Mary Jane Schopf Ms. Greta Schuil Ms. Corliss E. Scott John Scott Jim and Susie Sebastian Mark A. Sellers Mrs. Elaine Shay Marilyn and Budge Sherwood Shaun Shira Diana R. Sieger Ms. Maureen Quinn Slade Ryan Slusarzyk Mr. and Mrs. Gary R. Snyder Lisa Sostecke DDS Robert A. Sprotte Amanda and Ryan St. Pierre Terrence M. Start Ron Steensma and Sandi Frost Steensma Barbara D. Steil Steve Steketee Stan and Norma Sterk Julie and John Stivers Wendy Stock Brian and Robin Stoner Ms. Patty A. Story Ms. Ann Stuart Burroughs Lawson and Suzanne Sutherland Elliot Talen Anonymous Mary and Steele* Taylor Michael and Susan Taylor Aaron Terpstra and Berniz Constanza Terpstra Nick Thole and Amy Turner-Thole Dave Thompson KG Thompson Aleka Thrash Jill and Art Tiefenbach Vicki and Brian* Tingley Ella M. Topp Jenine and Jose Torres Caitlin and Paul Townsend Lamb Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Trapp Rick Treur George and Kerstin Trowbridge Selma Tucker Donald and Mary Tuttle Ms. Rebecca L. Tyke Elizabeth A. Tyson Dr. and Mrs. Ghayas Uddin Scott Urbanowski Mr. David A. Van Dyke Frank and Sharon Van Haven Selene Van Vleck Don VandenBos Jr. Lorrie and Dave Vander Ark Mrs. Dori Vander Mey Lou VanderHave
Mr. and Mrs. Rick A. VanHorn Ms. Robin E. Velte Carl and Sandra VerBeek Ben and Emily VerWys John P. and Lynn Vinkemulder Phil and Kathy Vogelsang David and Kay Wagner Gary Walker Anita Wallgren Ms. Sandra Ward Russel* and Mary Warner Dr. and Mrs. James K. Watkins Elizabeth M. Welch Ms. Connie Wenger John Wert Mary White Dave and Stephanie Whitford Dorothy Wiest Anonymous Reneé Williams Rita Williams and John Gill Jim and Connie Winter-Troutwine Mr. Thomas D. Wisnom Mike and Colleen Wolfe Kate Pew Wolters Dr. Richard J. Woltersom Bob* and Aleicia Woodrick Gabriel Works and John O’Connor* John S. and Kathleen B. Woudstra Chelsie Wyse Dick and Barbara Young Marilyn and Garrett Zack Mr. and Mrs. John H. Zwarensteyn Betty Zylstra and David Baak Bob J. Zylstra
*Deceased We go to great lengths to list each donor according to their personal preference. If you wish to have your recognition name listed differently or spotted a typo in your name, please accept our apologies and let us know by calling 616.454.1751 with any changes.
We have exceeded our goal to bring 100 New Philanthropists onboard by our centennial year! These partners have committed to financial support, community engagement and future giving. Their names are bolded in the Metz Legacy Society list. We will celebrate our 100 New Philanthropists throughout the year, including as the recipients of our 2022 Jack Chaille Community Philanthropy Award. Read more at GRFoundation.org/News and in future issues of PARTNERS in community.
PARTNERS in community | 11
R. Lawrence and Marilyn Leigh Norm and Marilyn Leven Mike Lloyd Michael Loughman Arend and Nancy Lubbers Jan Lunquist and Michael May Mr. Eugene G. Lyons John* and Suzie Mackeigan Barbara P. Marcus Anonymous Ron Marsteiner Max Matteson and Bud Baty Kate and John McGarry Michelle McHale-Adams and George Adams John and Betsy McIntyre Jason and Kate Meyer Bonnie K. Miller Daniel Miller and Susan Wright-Miller Mr. Marc Mitchell and Dr. Brandy Lovelady Mitchell Bryant and Audrey Mitchell Kim S. Mitchell Ronald and Karen Modreski Gordie and Jan Moeller Mr. David W. Morgenstern John and Gretchen Mousel Terri A. Mulligan Ms. Dorothy Munson The Honorable William B. and Paula Murphy Matthew and Stephanie Muscat Jon* and Carol Muth Anonymous Ardith V. Neath Adams Mr. and Mrs. Bradley D. Nelson Dr. Anthony J. Foster and Linda Nemec Foster Mr. Richard Norton Smith Peggy Novosad Mr. Gerald Olson Dr. Theresa Osmer and Dr. Eric Graf Mr. Scott Paquin Molly and Steve Parker Mr. and Mrs. James B. Payne John L. Peterson Cynthia Pimm Ms. Cecilia Pius Kathleen Stewart Ponitz Martha J. Porter Jim and Marie Preston Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Price Scott Pruski Marcia L. Rapp Rochelle Reagan Richard A. Roane and Leandro Robles Marjorie and Bud Roegge Milt and Barbara Rohwer Dr. Jack and Lija Romence Lisa M. Rose Mary C. Roth Bob and Marcy Roth Dr. Owen and Bonnie Rottschafer Alan Rumbaugh Ms. Kathleen M. Russell Edward W. Ryan
Grand Rapids Community Foundation 185 Oakes Street SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage P A I D Grand Rapids, MI Permit No. 360
If you would like to receive PARTNERS in community and other Community Foundation news in your email inbox, sign up at GiveGR.org/Partners.
HAPPY RETIREMENT, RENÁ! After 23 years of service as executive assistant, Rená Guttrich is joyfully retiring. Since joining Grand Rapids Community Foundation in 1999, Rená has provided support for the president, Board of Trustees and multiple departments. She also managed reports at the local, state and national levels. In her retirement, Rená is looking forward to volunteer work—including continued training with her dog Gus through West Michigan Therapy Dogs—and time with her family. Read reflections and more about her career on our website, GRFoundation.org/News. CONGRATULATIONS, ASHLEY! Ashley René Lee, vice president of strategic communications, was recently honored with the 2022 Brilliant Connector Award at the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards. The Brilliance Awards recognize the dynamic talent, spirit and intellect of those who tackle issues facing professional women. The Brilliance Connector Award is given to a woman who “elevates others by selflessly making meaningful connections with the sole intent of seeing people succeed.” WELCOME, DESHAWN Help us welcome DeShawn Madison, who recently joined the Community Foundation as strategic communications assistant. She will provide administrative support,
editorial assistance and act as a thought partner and brand ambassador for the Community Foundation. DeShawn brings a wealth of experience from working with many local nonprofit organizations, most recently with Kids Food Basket and ICCF Community Homes. DeShawn earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Western Michigan University and her master’s degree in public administration, with a concentration in nonprofit leadership and management, from Grand Valley State University. WELCOME, TARA We are excited to announce that Tara Takken recently joined the Community Foundation as executive assistant. Tara will serve as an administrative liaison to the Board of Trustees and provide high-level support to the executive department. She came to the Community Foundation after seven years with the Fremont Area Community Foundation, where she most recently served as the director of administrative services. Join us in welcoming Tara! YOUR VISION, YOUR VOICE Share your voice and your vision for the future of our community. What does it take to ensure a thriving community for the future? What do you hope your grandchildren will experience here? We hope to collect 100 voices to celebrate 100 years—diverse voices with diverse experiences—to help inform Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s next century of service and impact. Share your vision at GRFoundation.org/Vision.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION PRESENTING SPONSOR: