Bryant and Audrey Mitchell - Finding Joy in Giving Serving all of Kent County since 1922 - Grand Rapids ...
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Bryant and Audrey Mitchell
Finding Joy in Giving Serving all of
Kent County
since 1922
Spring 2018
No. 75
Spring 2018 / Volume No. 75
3 One Hundred New Philanthropists: Bryant and Audrey Mitchell
4-5 Great New Grants
5 Metz Legacy Society Profile: Eleanor J. Roberts
6 Our Evolving Role: Engaging More Voices to Benefit Everyone
7, 12 This & That
8 Your Questions Answered: The Benefits of Giving Stock
9 My Community Matters: Love For Our Community
9 African American Heritage Fund Celebrates Past, Present and Future
10-11 Diana R. Sieger Constant Donors
Tel: 616.454.1751, Fax: 616.454.6455 Board of Trustees Senior Leadership Team
Email: grfound@grfoundation.org Christina L. Keller Diana R. Sieger
Website: grfoundation.org (Chair) President
Michael Rosloniec Laurie Craft
Current is a quarterly publication of Grand Rapids (Vice Chair) Vice President,
Community Foundation ©2018 Community Investment
Carlos Sanchez
Contributing writers: Ashley René Lee, Heather Gill Fox (Immediate Past Chair) Ashley René Lee
Graphic Design: James Falk Vice President, Public Relations
Illustration: Yolanda Gonzalez Madiera BooydeGraaf & Marketing
Photography: Heather Gill Fox, Bird + Bird Studio Laurie Finney Beard Kate Luckert Schmid
Copyeditor: Joan Huyser-Honig Kyle D. Caldwell Vice President, Program
Thomas Kyros
Emily Loeks Stan Vander Roest
Ana Ramirez-Saenz Chief Financial Officer
Ric Roane Marilyn W. Zack
Amy Ruis Vice President, Development
Kathleen B. Vogelsang
About the Cover facebook.com/GRCommFound
Bryant and Audrey Mitchell are two of our
One Hundred New Philanthropists. @GRCommFound
@GRCommFound
One Hundred New Philanthropists
Bryant and Audrey Mitchell
“We give to make an impact, no matter how small,
and to better the community around us.”
B
ryant and Audrey Mitchell are givers, in every sense of the home away from home, which was so comforting during those first
word. Bryant owns Sunday Dinner, a realty company where days in the NICU,” Audrey said.
clients can pick a charity that aligns with their personal
passions. On the clients’ behalf, Sunday Dinner donates 10 percent WHY DO YOU GIVE?
of commissions earned on their transactions. Audrey is a clinical “We find joy in the act of giving, whether it be as a tithe to our
social worker at Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Hospital. church, to local nonprofits or someone in need. We believe that
when God provides us the ability and opportunity to give—whether
Bryant and Audrey are proud parents of three-year-old twin boys financially or with our time—we should follow through,” Bryant said.
and a nine-month-old baby girl. They live in Byron Center and love
being outside as a family, whether running around in their backyard, WHY GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION?
riding bikes, enjoying bonfires, camping, hiking or fishing. Bryant was introduced to Grand Rapids Community Foundation
about five years ago, through his involvement with Challenge
Bryant believes it is our responsibility as a community to pour into Scholars. He was partnering with Kay Courtney of Courtney and
children as much as possible, and his giving reflects that. He is Associates, along with the Greater Regional Alliance of REALTORS,
passionate about the work of 3:11 Youth Housing, HQ Runaway & on a book drive for Harrison Park Elementary School. “At that time,
Homeless Youth Drop-In Center, Kids’ Food Basket, Camp Blodgett I had no clue that Challenge Scholars was affiliated with the
and Challenge Scholars. Community Foundation,” he said. “This was my eye opener to the
world of giving and how much impact a person can have upon their
As a social worker, Audrey supports many causes near to her
community. As I continue to learn the vast amount of facets our
heart, including mental health, homelessness, substance abuse,
community has to aid our amazing city, I am developing an even
sex trafficking and Special Olympics.
stronger passion for this amazing organization.”
On a more personal note, she is especially drawn to organizations
When Audrey learned about the Community Foundation’s work,
and initiatives that help babies in neonatal intensive care units and
she was not aware of its community influence either. “The
their families, such as Running for Covers, an organization that
Community Foundation positively impacts our schools, neighborhoods,
raises money to purchase blankets and supplies for babies in a
families and individuals. We feel proud and blessed to be a part of
neonatal intensive care unit. “Our twins were born early and,
it,” she said.
during their NICU stay, each received their own blanket from
Running for Covers. They provided our family with a feeling of A.R.L. B.+B. S.
As Grand Rapids Community Foundation moves toward its 100th
anniversary in 2022, we want to recognize people’s philanthropy.
That’s why we created our One Hundred New Philanthropists campaign. Thanks to Bryant and Audrey for sharing their
This outreach effort asks people to do just four simple things: stories here. If you are interested in becoming
• Make an annual gift to the Community Foundation. a part of One Hundred New Philanthropists,
please contact Jenine Torres at 616.454.1751 or
• Volunteer in the community.
email her at jtorres@grfoundation.org.
• Make a provision in your estate plan for the Community Foundation.
• Share your philanthropic story with others. Jenine Torres
Nearly $1.8 Million in
Great New Grants
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AT GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION RECENTLY
APPROVED 13 GRANTS AND ONE PROGRAM RELATED INVESTMENT, TOTALING $1,797,500.
YOUR GIFTS ARE WORKING TO BUILD AND SUSTAIN AN INCLUSIVE ECONOMY AND
THRIVING COMMUNITY.
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre: $2,500 Hispanic Center of West Michigan: Michigan Dental Association Foundation:
This grant supported a low sensory $300,000 $5,000
performance of Seussical: The Musical for Hispanic Center of West Michigan will use This grant will support the Mission of Mercy
individuals on the autism spectrum or those this grant to develop economic opportunity program, which will provide dental care to
with diverse sensory needs and their family pathways for local Latino communities. more than 1,000 West Michigan residents.
members. Why it matters: New and first-generation Why it matters: Many people in our state
Why it matters: Many individuals with immigrant families (youth and adults) often do not have access to dental care due to
neurological or sensory conditions are face specific barriers to economic health. lack of insurance, lack of funds or
unable to attend conventionally-staged live This project offers workforce, career and inadequately funded programs.
theatre performances due to discomfort leadership development to increase
caused by the large audience, close seating, financial stabilization among Latino Nonprofit Technical Assistance Fund:
bright lights, amplified sounds and other communities in West Michigan. $40,000
challenges. This performance brought the The NPTA Fund awards grants to Kent
magic of live theatre to an audience who Kent School Services Network: $500,000 County nonprofits for capacity building and
might not otherwise be able to experience it. This grant supports KSSN’s community technical assistance. These grants help
school coordinators through 2019. Each nonprofits hire consultants for planning,
Ferris Foundation: $150,000 KSSN site has a community school information technology, organizational
This grant supports the Latino Business and coordinator to connect students and their structure, board development, financial
Economic Development Center at Ferris families to onsite health, dental, tutoring, management and more.
State University. LBEDC uses entrepreneurial mentoring and counseling services. This Why it matters: Local existing and
cohort initiatives to address workforce helps ensure that children are healthy, emerging nonprofits are doing powerful
development, economic disparity, civic have their basic needs met and are ready work. The NPTA Fund pays for consulting
engagement and overall leadership to learn. services to help them identify innovative
development in West Michigan’s Latino Why it matters: KSSN is an unprecedented ways to take their causes and work to the
communities. collaboration of major community health next level. This helps them achieve greater
Why it matters: Latino communities in and human service providers to support impact in Kent County.
West Michigan make up a rapidly-growing PreK-12th grade students. KSSN evaluation
segment of the population and are results show promising trends in reducing Northern Economic Initiatives
positioned to profoundly affect our society absenteeism, which is associated with low Corporation: $25,000 and $500,000
and regional economy. However, Latinos are graduation rates, low test scores and more. (Program Related Investment)
underrepresented in business ownership The $25,000 grant is for outreach and
and entrepreneurial training opportunities. Kids’ Food Basket Feeding Our Future building awareness that Northern Initiatives
campaign: $100,000 can provide loans and business services to
Grand Rapids Nehemiah Project: $50,000 This grant will help Kids’ Food Basket move under-resourced and minority populations
This grant will help fund Rising Grinds Cafe, its headquarters to 14 acres of recently- in Grand Rapids. The $500,000 PRI is a
a locally-owned social enterprise that purchased farmland at 1919 Leonard Street repayable investment into the Northern
provides employment and professional N.E. New warehouse, office and volunteer Economic Initiative Corporation. The funds
development for youth and adults living in engagement space will double current will be used for loan capital to help small
Grand Rapids’ Southtown [aka Madison capacity to provide sack suppers to children businesses start and grow in Grand Rapids.
Square] district. living at or near the poverty level. Why it matters: According to the Small
Why it matters: Race and poverty Why it matters: Kids’ Food Basket serves Business Association, the average minority
disproportionately reduce opportunities for 45 schools and has 27 schools on the waiting business operates with substantially less
jobs and career advancement in this area. list. This land will provide space to host capital overall relative to their non-minority
Rising Grinds offers a model of community- more youth and adult volunteers, produce counterparts. The grant and PRI will focus
based, locally-owned enterprise to catalyze fruits and vegetables for sack suppers and especially on loans to African American and
4
sustainable growth. serve up to 15,000 children. There will be Latino businesses and entrepreneurs.
room to teach people how to compost, grow Access to capital and know-how will help
food and preserve farmland. them add jobs and benefit communities.
Metz Legacy Society Profile
Eleanor J. Roberts
G
rand Rapids will always She carried this style to the theater,
be grateful for Eleanor J. which she attended with great joy
Roberts’ brave spirit and alongside her friend Norma Brink, who
openness to travel. These co-founded the Grand Rapids Civic and
characteristics helped her transition Circle theaters. Eleanor traveled to see
from Detroit to Grand Rapids to Broadway plays in New York and
Shakespeare plays at Stratford Festival
continue what became a 42-year career
in Stratford, Ontario. Her cousin Kent
with Michigan Consolidated Gas. She
Mudie recalls that she was brave enough
moved here in 1960 to head up to ride a donkey to the bottom of the
MichCon’s gas demonstration kitchen. Grand Canyon.
That move, coupled with her heart for
philanthropy, will continue to benefit To be remembered for so many great
this community in perpetuity. things is truly a mark of a wonderful
woman. Eleanor’s legacy will live on
After her passing on June 16, 2017, her through grants made from the Fund for
planned bequest established the Community Good, and she will remain
unrestricted Eleanor J. Roberts Fund at in Grand Rapids’ heart forever.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation.
H.G.F.
Unrestricted funds help support broad,
ever-changing community needs.
Eleanor’s philanthropic interests included the arts,
health and education.
You can become a Metz
Her legacy will also continue through memories of her Legacy Society member by
community involvement. In 1962, Eleanor joined the Quota including the Community
Foundation in your will,
Club, which provides service and funding for people with hearing
estate plan or life income
loss. She formed lasting friendships there and hosted the Quota
gift. To learn more, please
Club’s 2015 Christmas party at her retirement residence. Her contact Marilyn Zack or
Quota Club friends had a deep affection for her and recall her Marilyn Zack Jenine Torres
Jenine Torres at 616.454.1751.
always being elegant and stylish.
Great New Grants (continued)
Opera Grand Rapids: $5,000 Why it matters: This strategic plan will help Urban Roots: $10,000
This grant was used to support I Dream, a our community prioritize and address This grant supports developing a Sharing
rhythm and blues opera about Martin Luther conservation efforts to improve water Garden training program to build
King Jr.’s final 36 hours. It was performed for quality, habitat and our environment. community and support educational
free on MLK Day 2018 at Fountain Street gardens throughout
Church. Start Garden: $100,000 Grand Rapids.
This grant supports the “100 Ideas” initiative
Why it matters: As Michigan’s oldest opera to revitalize entrepreneurship in low- to Why it matters:
company, Opera Grand Rapids is an moderate-income neighborhoods in Grand Well managed and
important part of our artistic and cultural Rapids through access to financial capital used gardens foster true
community. The I Dream performance and entrepreneurial supports. community,
marked the first time Opera Grand Rapids multigenerational
collaborated with other organizations in the Why it matters: Despite an increased interactions and larger
annual MLK Day community celebrations. entrepreneurial spirit in our area, access to harvests. However, many
real opportunity continues to be a struggle— school and community
Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited: particularly for women and minority-owned gardens struggle to set
$10,000 businesses. This initiative will minimize risk up, develop and
This grant will support creating a new Kent for marginalized entrepreneurs who lack promote themselves.
County Inventory and Strategic Plan. It will access to resources and capital for growing This training program
identify which land needs to be purchased their businesses. It will give opportunities to will address these problems and identify
and preserved and which Kent County often neglected communities, especially in real solutions to help them avoid pitfalls and
streams need improvement. the entrepreneurship ecosystem. create sustainable gardens.
OUR EVOLVING ROLE:
Engaging More Voices
to Benefit Everyone
How can a 21st-century community
foundation help build an inclusive
economy and thriving community?
For the past year, Grand Rapids
Community Foundation has been
on a quest to answer this question.
We have engaged in an adaptive
strategic process and adopted a
new North Star to sit alongside our
mission and vision. This led us to a
fresh new direction—something
that challenges us to think
differently about our work and role
in the community.
OUR
NORTH
STAR
Program Director Janean Couch and Challenge Scholars Advisor Ben Oliver.
Community Foundation staff members activists, organizers and direct service
Janean Couch and Ben Oliver have providers, including a mix of well-known
been charged with leading the team to and emerging community leaders
discover how our traditional grantmaker working for grassroots- and systems-
For West Michigan to grow and prosper, role must evolve to better align with our level change. The group participated in
we must make sure that everyone can apply North Star. Janean is our program individual interviews and a follow-up
their talents and creativity to fuel our future. director, and Ben is our Challenge group session, where they shared their
It is only by connecting across perspectives
and overcoming inequities that we can build Scholars advisor. Both have formal unyielding love and passion for the
and sustain an inclusive economy and training in human-centered design, a community.
thriving community. problem-solving framework rooted in
empathy. Human-centered design focuses To facilitate this process, we engaged
on developing a deeper understanding Public Agency, a social enterprise of
Throughout this process, we’ve been of people and questioning assumptions. West Michigan Center for Arts +
reminded that the community is the Technology. Public Agency works with
constant and the expert. As the “The vision is bigger than just the schools, businesses and nonprofits to
community’s foundation, it is up to us to Community Foundation. When we’re help foster cultures of collaboration,
tap into and channel that potential. The looking at creating an inclusive economy innovation and action. The goal was to
Community Foundation has a strong and thriving community, we’re just one engage participants to detect blind
network of donors who want to make player in that. It’s not about us. It’s not spots, new perspectives and patterns to
greater impact. West Michigan also has what we think should happen. It’s asking, identify opportunities for redesigning
a diverse community of emerging ‘How do we bring people together to how we serve as a community resource.
nonprofits doing powerful work at every collectively decide what we think we The process was not about evaluating
level; however, many remain unknown should do? What can we co-create?’” the Community Foundation’s work or
because they have been unable to get Ben said. creating issue- specific initiatives. It was
their foot in the door. Our role is to be about bringing community together to
the connection, help shine light on what We gathered a small sample size of 30 co-create a better process for
our community of donors and nonprofits people actively engaged in community responding to emerging needs, while
are trying to do, and identify innovative work to help us answer these questions. systemically eliminating the injustices
6
ways to help them take their causes and Some were already connected with the that fuel them.
work to the next level. Community Foundation, some not.
Participants were philanthropists,
“The actual interview We can lead the way for our
process was just an example philanthropic community by
of how brilliant people are in demonstrating that how we
this community,” Janean said. Housing make grants can look
“It was completely humbling different,” Janean said.
to hear how creatively
they’re solving problems in And, while the details of how
their communities, serving we will lean into our role
their own communities or
cation have yet to be determined,
using their passions as fuel Edu we are confident we are
for change. To hear the headed in the right
passion, engagement and direction. By inviting the
very real desire to see community into this process,
Access to we know we will gain the
tangible equity was Resources greatest insight into how we
incredible.” for POC can best support their
While this phase of the Silos efforts to build an inclusive
process was never intended economy and thriving
to result in a clear next step community in
or action plan, it has helped West Michigan.
clarify our role. We are so Cultural
much more than just a Competency “The community is broad,
grantmaker. We are a bridge, and while we have a lot of
an intermediary, a facilitator, exciting growth happening
a convener, an ally and a in Grand Rapids, we also
champion for everyone who have a lot of disparity and
Hot air balloons participants filled in with underlying forces
calls West Michigan home. pushing forward and holding back progress in our community.
opportunity gaps,” Ben said.
The individual and group “So, when we say this has
conversations surfaced issues building trusting relationships with the potential to really help our
impacting the community. They dug in communities experiencing inequities. community come together, I think what
to identify underlying forces, exploring Ideas will be prototyped and tested. we’re really saying is that we’re
what pushes forward and holds back This journey is ongoing. We hope that focusing on marginalized communities,
progress. future conversations will strengthen communities that aren’t benefiting
our community relationships and build from current growth. The value that
Insights gathered from these on a foundation of trust. they bring to this community is
conversations and our staff will be untapped. They’ve got the talent.
reviewed by a team led by Janean and “We have an opportunity to do But, will you invest in them? Will you
Ben to identify the best solutions for something that sets a standard for how see the value that’s here?”
community foundations work in
relationship with their own communities. A.R.L. H.G.F.
This & That
Scholarship Deadline Sign Up for Summer Camp Congrats, Janean Couch
Approaching Summer will be here The Community
Attending college or trade school increases before you know it. Did Foundation is excited to
opportunities and opens doors to careers, you know how many announce the promotion
so let us help you get there! Each year local summer camp of Janean Couch to
Grand Rapids Community Foundation options there are for program director. In her
awards more than $1 million to hundreds of kids? Campfires, new position, Janean will
students pursuing post-secondary education. swimming, academics, take on a leadership role
Janean Couch
We have scholarships available for students the arts—no matter in proactive grantmaking
with a wide variety of backgrounds, GPAs, what kids are and Fund for Community Good activities.
areas of study and levels interested in, there is She will also play a key role in initiating new
of education. Visit likely a camp for them. prototypes for our resource allocation
grfoundation.org to learn The Community Foundation, through the activities in alignment with our North Star.
more and apply. Mary I. and David D. Hunting Family Fund,
maintains westmisummercamps.org, a Congratulations, Janean!
Applications are due
April 1, 2018. resource for those looking to attend camp
in West Michigan.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED:
THE BENEFITS OF GIVING STOCK
With new tax laws and a fluctuating stock market, we have Tell us about the process to set up the fund. Was it easy?
received many questions about how to take advantage of Difficult?
favorable tax benefits associated with donating appreciated
assets. We are happy to share how easy it can be to set up a DAVID CASSARD: The process was very simple and easy.
Donor Advised Fund using these assets to receive tax-related We met with the Community Foundation staff and signed an
advantages. You may also appreciate hearing what two agreement setting up the DAF and documenting terms. The
Grand Rapids Community Foundation fund holders say Community Foundation provided transfer instructions, and we
about their Donor Advised Funds. simply provided those instructions to the institution that held
our securities. That institution completed the transfer, and we
received confirmation from the Community Foundation that
A Donor Advised Fund is a fund type that allows the transfer had been made. This only took about one hour
donors to gradually award distributions to of our time.
nonprofits of their choice.
MARGARET IDEMA: Very easy. My advisors and Community
Why did you choose to create a Donor Advised Fund at Foundation staff handle it all. Previously, when I donated stock
Grand Rapids Community Foundation? to other organizations, it was difficult and there were several
steps. The Community Foundation works with my
DAVID CASSARD: We had several objectives that were all professional advisors to reduce the steps and work required
satisfied by establishing our DAF. We received a current tax to give stocks.
deduction for all donations made to the DAF. We are building a
fund balance that earns returns from which specific gifts to the
charities of our choice are being made. We also named our IMPACT OF DONOR ADVISED FUNDS
children as successor advisors for when we are gone. We are ANNUAL GRANTS AWARDED FROM OUR DAFS PER CALENDAR YEAR
involving them in the process of making specific gifts during
$6.06M
our lifetimes, so they fully understand our goals and how the $5.94M
$4.74M
process works before we are gone. Finally, the Grand Rapids
$3.42M $3.62M
Community Foundation staff provides us with expert guidance
on exactly where the biggest needs are in the community
and helps us make fully informed decisions as we make
specific grants.
MARGARET IDEMA: Before establishing the fund, I was 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
donating “onesie twosie” grants here and there. Establishing my
DAF at the Community Foundation helped me develop my
priority areas to make a bigger impact on the areas that I care
about most: environment, arts and women. Having my DAF
makes it easy to give one gift and decide what organizations to
support. I also appreciate the administrative support and how
they track gifts and grant distributions.
GRANT AREAS MOST SUPPORTED BY DAFS INCLUDE:
Why did donating specifically through stocks make sense EDUCATION; HEALTHCARE; ARTS, CULTURE AND HUMANITIES;
for you? What were the benefits? HUMAN SERVICES; RELIGIOUS-RELATED.
DAVID CASSARD: Donating appreciated securities provides
tax advantages beyond those associated with giving cash. If you’d like to learn more about the flexibility and benefits of
The donor receives a deduction for the full value of the stock at using appreciated assets to set up or fund a Donor Advised Fund,
the date of the gift—without recognizing any gain that might contact us! Shaun works with donors establishing new funds.
have occurred during the period the donor owned the stock. Jonse and Liz offer personalized service to donors once the funds
are established. The team can be reached at 616.454.1751.
MARGARET IDEMA: Every November, my professional advisors
and I meet to discuss my financial and tax situation for the
coming year. They recommended that I donate the stock I
inherited from my parents to avoid capital gains and the
associated tax.
8
Shaun Shira Jonse Young Liz Warners
H.G.F.
M Y C O M M U N I T Y M AT T E R S
Love For Our Community
I
love our community! Our team philanthropists, direct service
initiated a social media effort in providers and a mix of emerging and
early February that simply stated, well-known leaders working for
“During #LoveMonth, tell us grassroots- and system-level change.
what you love about Grand Rapids. We are envisioning what our
What makes you excited to live, work, community could become—for all—
learn and play here? Use
in five, 10 and even 20 years.
#ShareTheLove4GR to let us know!”
Take a moment to think about why
We did it not just to feel good but to
you love Grand Rapids. How might
highlight what we can continue to
you love it even more if everyone is
build upon and encourage in our area.
enjoying the prosperity? As we
One of our 100 New Philanthropists,
believe, “It is only by connecting
Erica Curry VanEe, noted that she
across perspectives and overcoming
loves the people of Grand Rapids: What do we do
inequities that we can build and
“Each of us carries a different story, with our love for our
sustain an inclusive economy and
comprised of our life experiences, community? All of us need to
thriving community.” I truly love our
culture, traditions and dreams for the make certain that everyone has a voice
community!
future. Together we make up a and access to good paying jobs and
powerful mosaic of perspectives and schools, affordable housing and safe
talents that can change the world.” neighborhoods.
Others said they love Grand Rapids’ I believe that the circle of influence
festivals, restaurants, entertainment needs to be broadened. That’s why we
scene, family pride and its many people recently convened 30 people actively
dedicated to the greater good. engaged in community work, including
Our African American Heritage Fund Celebrates Past, Present and Future
O
ur African American Heritage Fund, a fund of Grand Rapids
Community Foundation, was founded in 2007 to focus on empowering
and educating African American youth through opportunities and
experiences. On February 22, over 70 community members came together to
learn about the future of the fund and ways to engage as volunteers.
African American youth and summer learning loss continue to be the focus for
the fund’s grantmaking. Participants affirmed this direction and celebrated the
tremendous growth the fund has seen. To date, Our African American Heritage
Fund has awarded over $35,500 in grants and its total assets are over $225,000.
Looking to the future, Jonse Young, director of philanthropic services, eagerly
announced that gifts made to the fund this spring will be matched up to $15,000
from a local donor. You have the opportunity to support this work and double
your impact by participating in this matching campaign! Interested in learning
more, getting involved, or donating? Contact Jonse Young, director of
philanthropic services at jyoung@grfoundation.org, or Janean Couch, program
director, at jcouch@grfoundation.org. Visit givegr.org/aahf to give online.
See more pictures from this event on our Facebook page!
facebook.com/AfricanAmericanHeritageFund H.G.F.
Diana R. Sieger Constant Donors
Commitment and dedication sum up Grand Rapids Community Foundation President Diana R. Sieger, who has provided 30 years
(and counting) of service. We are grateful for her and all our donors who have a long history of giving. Here, we recognize our
Diana R. Sieger Constant Donor Level members. Each has given annually for the last five consecutive years or more.
Rick and Loy Adamy Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Mary Clark Keith and Lisa Gohlke
Dr. Marc and Mrs. Darcy Afman Jim and Pat Clay Robert E. Goodrich
Jay Cooper and Eva Aguirre Cooper Toni Clay Mike and Rachel Goorhouse
Gasper J. Amodeo Ms. Susan M. Cleland and Ms. Jane M. Gietzen Ron and Melissa Gorman
Amway Dotti Clune and Jill Henemyer Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
Mark and Wendy Anderson Gerry and Kay Colby Ken Grashuis and Lori Lockyear
Anonymous (10) Robert and Diane Collier Daniel and Holly Grzywacz
Mary M. Appelt, M.D. Ms. Barbara E. Cone Rená and Gary Guttrich
Paul and Marti Arnold Dan and Linda Conway Scott and Gail Haebich
Joanne Ash Steve and Sue Conway Lew and Sheryl Haeck
Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Ayars Peter C. and Emajean Cook Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf Hanka
Joanne Ayotte Ann M. and Robert P. Cooper Dick Hansen
John and Janet Baab Huey G. and Mary Copeland Mr. and Mrs. William H. Hardy Jr.
Carl and Claudia Bajema Ed and Linda Cox Kevin and Laura Harmelink
Rita D. Balczak Laurie and Crawford Craft Jackie Haveman and Nathan Dwiri
Corey Balkon Tom and Jan Czerney Janet A. Haynes
Dr. Dennis and Dr. Donna Banks Tom and Gale Czerwinski Paul B. Henry Foundation
Glenn & Kathi Barkan Bill and Margie Darooge John and Gwen Hibbard
Maurice A. and Connie Barnes Mr. and Mrs. Craig S. Datema David Hill and Elizabeth Kidd
Betsy and Jim Barton Ms. Julie Davis Barbara J. Hoag*
Laurie Finney Beard Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Dawkins Mark and Wendy Holtvluwer
Connie Bellows and Darlene Zwart Bob and Lois De Boer Jane Hondelink
Ms. Shelly L. Belstra Daryl and Connie Delabbio Steven and Joan Huyser-Honig
Rosemary Bennett (Posie) Dorothy DeMaagd John Hornbach and Darva Boot
Darlene Berghorst Harvey DeMaagd, M.D. Richard and Anne Horvitz
Judy* and Ken Betz and Family Barbara DeMoor and Clive Morris Robert and Eleanore Howieson
Dr. and Mrs.* William H. Beute Douglas and Maria DeVos Foundation Integrity Business Solutions, LLC
Ruth E. Bishop Martha and Nick Dewey Win and Kyle Irwin
Lynne Black Gail O. DeYoung and F. Jay Schoettley Sue Ann Jabin
Thomas N. Blandford Mary DeYoung Cherry and Phil Jacobus
Glen and Betsy Borre Nancy L. Douglas Ms. Janet C. Jensen
John and Sharon Bouma Peggy L. Douthitt Larry and Janine Jewell
Gina M. Bovee Paul and Celeste Doyle Patricia Jones
Janet and John Boyles Shavon Doyle-Holton and Jason Holton Dr. Julian and Judith Joseph
Doug and Dawn Brackmann Douglas and Kristine Dozeman Joseph and Elizabeth Junewick
Jonathan and Grace Bradford David G. Dvorak, M.D. Ray and Mamie Kalliel
John and Virginia Braley Penny and John Edison Carol J. Karr and Kevin J. Briggs
Mr. and Mrs. Karl E. Braunschneider Patricia H. Edison Mary Karrip
Mr. and Mrs. James Breay Mark and Jennifer Ellis Corrine E. Kass
James and Sharon Breuker Ben and Susan Emdin Ms. Cynthia Kay Afendoulis
Fredrick “Fritz” Briscoe Bill Essling Paul and Suzanne Keep
Wayman and Dinah Britt Hank and Marcia Fairchild Nancy Kehoe Nielsen
Andrew and Janay Brower Bill and Kay Farr The Keller Foundation
Robert D. and Katherine M. Brower Barbara and Ronald Feenstra Andy and Christina Keller
The Brown Group of the GR Federation of the U of M Alumnae Marilyn and David Fernstrum Mr. Fred P. Keller
John and Suzette Buchan Gene and Nyla Fonger The W. K. Kellogg Foundation
Gary and Bonnie Bultsma Mary and Bill Ford Ruth Kemp
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Burkhart Barb and Mike Forseman John Kershek and John Potter
The Honorable George and Nancy Buth Henry A. (Happy) Fox Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Kristopher Kimball
Anna Moore Butzner Thomas S. and Maxine J. Fox and Family Kurt and Randy Kimball
Katharine Cangelosi Paula and Michael Freed Tom and Vicki Kimball
Allan and Claudia Carlson Frey Foundation Roberta F. King and Mike J. Miesch
The Honorable Nanaruth and Mr. Steven Carpenter Mr. and Mrs. David G. Frey Jim and Jane Knack
Michael Cary and Marjorie Loughrin Margaret Gage Garry and Barb Knott
Margot, Todd, and Jane Cavalier The Honorable Patricia D. Gardner and Mr. Kim DeStigter Mr. Kevin Kobiela
CDV5 Foundation GE Foundation - Matching Gifts Program Douglas and Louann Kohlbeck
Iain and Michaele Charnley Pat and Patty Geary Janet L. Koopman
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Tom and Natalie Chase Cheryl Gillett Ron and Bonnie Kopp
Timothy Chester and Henry Matthews Gene and Tubie Gilmore Jack Korff*David A. and Phyllis E. Koslow Ms. Shirley A. Plaska Claude and Sharyl Titche John and Marnie Kotwick Ms. Charlene Pletcher Ms. Marilyn Titche Daniel and Mary Kozera Charles Forrest Pletcher II, Sarah Granger, and Julia Pletcher Wayne Titche Jerry and Wendy Kregel Charles F. Pletcher Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Tomsik Jr. Diane Kroll PNC Ms. Patti Trepkowski Blake and Mary Krueger Kathleen Stewart Ponitz Triangle Associates Mr. and Mrs. Rex Kuhn Martha J. Porter Cheryl and John Tully Dr. David and Mary Kutsche Scott Pruski Colin Chelovich and Molly Tupper Chelovich Stuart* and Ruth Kutsche John and Ann Puckett Universal Forest Products, Inc. Cris and Tom Kutzli Andrew Maternowski and Monica Randles Rudy and Nancy Van Donk Tom and Sally Kyros Daniel and Judy Rau Michael and Kathryn Van Haren Rob and Linda Lalley Hilda H. Reed Geraldine M. Van Herp Jeff Schad and Marilyn Lankfer Mary Zoe Remien Randall and Laurie Van Houten B. Kenneth Larm Dale and Sherri Remmelts Andy and Tracy Van Solkema Ms. Anne Lasker Dale and Jane Rhoades Don and Ruth Van Stee Leedy Holdings, Inc. Richard V. and Maria Del Pilar Rice Mr. and Mrs. Rodney J. Van Tol Gary and Janeen Lemke Robert K. Richards and Ethel Z. Stears Selene Van Vleck Mr. Richard K. Lilga Susan and Phillip Rios Don VandenBos Jr. Ms. Emily Loeks Jacob and Delores* Robinson Dave and Lorrie Vander Ark Ray Loeschner Sally and Larry Robson Mrs. Dori Vander Mey Marcia and Chuck Logie Marjorie and Bud Roegge John and Diane VanderVeen Arend and Nancy Lubbers Milt and Barbara Rohwer Mike and Gayle VanGessel Dr. Jack Lukens* Michael and Christina Rosloniec Family Mr. and Mrs. Matthew VanZetten Mr. and Mrs. Elias Lumpkins Richard and Esther Ross Marvin and Donna* Veneklasen Peter and Barbara Lundeen Abraham G. and Anne L. Rossi Phil and Kathleen Vogelsang Barbara P. Marcus Bob and Marcy Roth Bobbie and Gary Vruggink Dr. Ralph E. Mathis Mr. and Mrs. A. Rougier-Chapman Ms. Susan M. Waddell Brenda L. McKean Brian and June Rudy Gary and Janice* Walker Meijer, Inc. Curtis and Colleen Ruppal Anita Wallgren Lena Meijer Mr. and Mrs.* David M. Russell Mary Warner Lea P. Menko Joan Sargeant Mr. and Mrs. Mitch Watt Merrill Lynch David Sarnacki and Bridget Flynn Andrew and Katherine Weatherbee Karen Lee Carpenter Millar and Dan P. Millar Robert and Rose Schenck Wege Foundation Bonnie K. Miller Matt and Kate Schmid Elizabeth Welch and Brian Schwartz Daniel Miller and Susan Wright-Miller Harold and Carol Schmidt Barbara Wepman Ronald and Karen Modreski David and Jerri Schroeder Robert and Deborah White Gordie and Jan Moeller Rana and Joseph N. Schwartz Mary White Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Sebastian Foundation Walter F. Whitman Margaret Sellers Walker Morris Mr. and Mrs. James M. Shade Richard and Ellen Wicks Ms. Dawn M. Mumford Shaun and Ruth Shira Ryan and Stacey Wieland Hon. David M. Murkowski and Ms. Diane E. Goller Mr. Thomas P. Sibley John* and Dorothy Wiest Judge William B. Murphy and Paula Murphy James and Sheryl Siegel Larry and Betsy Willey Jon and Carol Muth Diana R. Sieger Jeffrey S. and Janet K. Williams Patricia J. Muth Mr. and Mrs. Brent Slay Greg and Meg Willit Bruce Myers Eric and Amy Smith Joan Wilson Bob and Margaret Nault Mary Lou Smith Mr. and Mrs. Henry I. Witte Dr. Anthony Foster and Mrs. Linda Nemec Foster Ms. Peggy Smith Susan Wittenbach Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Nobel Jr. Deborah N. Snow Kurt and Sally Yost Gary and Peg Novosad Jarv and Mary Spreng David and Kathleen Young Mr. John V. O’Connor and Ms. E. Gabriel Works Amanda and Ryan St. Pierre Marilyn and Garrett Zack Judge W. Baldwin and Judy Ogden Terrence M. Start John V. Zadvinskis Dan and Ann O’Keefe Steelcase Foundation Chuck* and Anne Zimmerman Old National Bank Deb and Fred Steketee Ruth and Jack Zimmerman Fred Olert Jr. Rick and Sue Steketee William F. Zoellmer III Ward Oliver and Catharine Grad Stan and Norma Sterk George and Gretchen Zuiderveen Terry and Maureen O’Rourke James M. Stewart Rev. David Baak and Betty Zylstra Timothy J. and Debra D. O’Rourke Wendy Stock Robert J. Zylstra Matt and Beth Osterhaven Susan A. Stoddard Mr. Armen G. Oumedian James L. and Karen H. Stokes *Deceased Martin and Enid Packard Judy Subar Louis Padnos Iron & Metal Company Frank and Ruth Suskey Names listed are based on our records as of Terry McGovern and Carol Paine-McGovern Eddie T.L. Tadlock June 30, 2017. Ms. Linda B. Patterson Michael and Susan Taylor Ken and Jill Peirce Pat and Dan Esch If you would prefer your recognition name to be listed Peter and Carroll Perez Jill and Art Tiefenbach differently, please contact us at 616.454.1751. Mr. John H. Pimm Sr. Sue Tiggleman Larry and Jean Pinckney Vicki and Brian Tingley
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
185 Oakes Street S.W. Nonprofit Organization
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 U.S. Postage
P A I D
Grand Rapids, MI
If you would prefer your name to be listed differently for Permit No. 360
mailing purposes, please contact us at 616.454.1751.
This & That
Welcome, Meet Our New
Heather Gill Fox Trustees
We are pleased to introduce you to The Community Foundation
Heather Gill Fox, our public relations recently elected two new
and marketing specialist. She will work trustees: Kyle Caldwell,
with the team to develop and executive director for
implement communication strategies Heather Gill Fox Dorothy A. Johnson Center Kyle Caldwell Kathleen Vogelsang
and tactics to connect and engage the for Philanthropy, and Kathleen
Community Foundation’s various audiences. Heather was Vogelsang, director-chief investment officer for Van Andel Institute.
previously the general manager of The Rental Company in Kyle has an extensive background in public and philanthropic sectors,
Holland, Mich. She has been involved in community work including Michigan Community Service Commission, Michigan
through various volunteer opportunities, including her Nonprofit Association and Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. Kathleen’s
current role as president of the Holland/Zeeland Young previous involvement with the Community Foundation includes her
Professionals Board of Directors. service on our Investment Review Committee. Kyle and Kathleen are
eligible to serve two four-year terms.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to serve Grand Rapids Community
Bon Voyage, Jill Tiefenbach Foundation in a larger capacity as a trustee,” Kathleen said. “I have seen
This February, after 18 years of service, the positive impact that the Community Foundation has made in our
we bid farewell and happy retirement community, thanks to the dedicated staff and supportive donors. As the
to Jill Tiefenbach, our former need in our community continues to grow, I look forward to working
administrative assistant for education with fellow trustees and staff to increase the impact that the Community
and leadership initiatives. Her work Foundation makes in providing a stronger and thriving community.”
positively affected thousands of
scholarship recipients, volunteers, Jill Tiefenbach “The residents of the Grand Rapids area are shining examples of how
teachers, Youth Grant Committee members and more. “Jill, people from all walks of life can come together to give and make a
we want to thank you on behalf of the community. You are difference,” Kyle said. “This giving spirit is reflected in the great work of
one of the people who constantly had a connection between the Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s staff, board members,
donors, nonprofits and volunteers. I am honored and humbled to be
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what we are trying to do and the young people it’s affecting.
You should be very proud of the work you’ve done,” said asked to serve as a Trustee and really look forward to rolling up my
Kate Luckert Schmid, vice president of program. Jill, we will sleeves and getting to work!”
miss you and wish you all the best in your future adventures!You can also read
