WHY I GIVE

Could you please describe your relationship and history with Groves?

I have a personal connection with Groves because my son, Travis, attended Groves from 2007-2013. He needed Groves and I believe Groves saved his life. I was honored to serve on the Board of Trustees from 2010 to 2014, which included a number of years as Board Chair.

It was an easy decision to join the Board because of the impact Groves had on my son. I saw so much potential in Groves and I knew so many students like my son needed the life-changing work of Groves. I wanted to help Groves grow as an organization and expand its reach in the community. My time on the Groves Board was dedicated to creating the systems and infrastructure needed for Groves to expand in the way it has over the past few years. We laid the groundwork for what is the Learning Center and Groves Literacy Partnerships® (GLP) today. It’s really rewarding to see.

On a personal note, as a kid, I was very passionate about sports and I was excited to participate in high school athletics. However, my freshman year, I started having debilitating headaches which made participation in sports impossible for me. I had to switch gears. With time on my hands, I started reading more and fell in love. I channeled my passion for sports to a passion for reading. This love of reading ignited my strong belief that reading and literacy for all is critical. The ability to learn to read has the dual impact of changing the trajectory of someone’s life and also making a positive impact on society. I believe it is critical for all people to learn to read because literacy levels the playing field.

Why do you continue to stay connected with and financially support Groves?

I was pleased to be an early supporter of Groves Literacy Partnerships, investing in the hire of current GLP Director, Katharine Campbell. I continue to support the GLP because I believe in what it's doing. I see the growth of Groves and how it fulfills my goal of teaching more students to read in our community. I continue to invest in Groves because I have seen the data and impact of Groves' work through GLP. I believe this program can continue to grow and grow. I am also excited about the overall growth trajectory of Groves as an organization.

I am at a point in my life where I am considering legacy and where I want to use my resources to make the most impact. I believe Groves can make this impact. I also stay connected because of Travis. He has graduated from college and is now working. I am proud of the man he has become and I am grateful to Groves for the role it played.

Mark Donahoe

Alumni Parent and Board Emeriti Helps Groves Expand Reach

"I’d like to have a wide societal impact on literacy instruction in our country and I believe Groves is the way."

What do you hope your philanthropy will accomplish?

I want my philanthropy to leave a legacy. I have seen my initial investment in Groves turn into something bigger and I want that to continue. I’d like to have a wide societal impact on literacy instruction in our country and I believe Groves is the way.