Pearl Giving:

Pearl Soror Betty Jones recognized as 'Outstanding Philanthropist'

lthough Dr. Betty Jones and S. Preston of Midland have never thought of hemselves as philanthropists, for more than 50 years they have edicated their time and resources towards organizations that benefit heir community and others. And the couple was recognized locally with n "Outstanding Philanthropist" award on National Philanthropy Day on Nov 15th, nominated by Delta College rowing up in Florida and South Carolina, respectively, Preston and etty’s churches encouraged them to use their gifts to better the ommunity Betty explained that a common belief in Black communities is “lifting as we climb ”

“I have a lot to be grateful for,” Betty said. “I also feel that once you have gotten (something), you really owe a lot back You need to put some more into the pot so other people can have similar opportunities to reach their dreams “I came to see what we give is really an investment in other people,” Betty added.

This mentality has guided them to thoughtfully contribute resources to support certain causes Betty explained that when they see issues or values that need aid, they direct their attention to supporting those areas. For example, when one of their sons began working for a nature conservancy, the Joneses’ attention expanded to the environment. “Some of these things we’ve just adopted,” Betty said

In addition to the environment, initiatives that are near and dear to Betty are education and social justice. The Joneses have endowed scholarships at Delta College, Hampton University in Virginia and Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina In addition, as contributors to the University of Michigan, the U-M School of Social Services and the Kellogg Eye Center, they are members of the U-M Legacy Society.

Betty serves on the advisory council of the Midland County Historical Society She donated copies of her book, “Pass it On: African Americans in Midland, Michigan 1860-2020,” to the historical society as the beneficiary of all sales. Local libraries, high schools, colleges, universities and several church libraries received complimentary copies of the book.

In her continued pursuit to support education, Betty Jones is a charter member of Mu Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, where she chaired early programs of development for Black youth in Midland and Saginaw. She locally endowed a scholarship in honor of Mu Alpha Omega in 2009

What is philanthropy

For Preston, the idea of philanthropy is much more than financial donations “When I looked up the definition (of philanthropy), I found one that says, ‘People who give of their time, talent and treasure,’ that made the definition one that I can deal with,” Preston said.

There are many types of philanthropy, including offering volunteer hours, putting talents to use, even simple acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. Anyone can be a philanthropist. “We all ought to be philanthropists in the sense of being able to give to sustain a good life for all of us,” Betty said

Pearl Soror Betty Brown Jones, PhD became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on March 28, 2023. She was initiated in Gamma Theta Chapter at Hampton (Institute) University in 1954

Gwendolyn L. Kirtley Endowed Scholarship

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Educational Advancement Foundation