PARTNERS in community is a publication of Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Contributing writers:
Ashley René Lee, LaSandra Gaddy, Audra Hartges-Stern, Grace L. Swanson and Tammy Danh.
Graphic Design: Michele Keren Design
Photography: Alfield Reeves
Photography, Isabel Media Studios, Ducks Films
Copyediting: Joan Huyser-Honig
Grand Rapids Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. For more than a century, 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.
OF
Dear partners and friends,
The start of a new season is a good time to pause, look back at what we’ve built together and look forward with hope and intention. As I reflect on my two years as president and CEO of Grand Rapids Community Foundation, I’m reminded daily of you, our partners. So much of our strength comes from your belief in what’s possible for West Michigan.
The end of 2025 wasn’t just the end of the year. It also marked the culmination of our Centennial Campaign. Together, philanthropists like you invested more than $30 million. Our donor partners showed again their commitment to creating opportunity, prosperity, and belonging across West Michigan. Thank you for trusting the Community Foundation to steward resources with consistency and care—today and for generations to come.
Guided by our mission and North Star, we are committed to being a trusted partner for our community. As we navigate a season of transition, our values continue to shape how we listen, how we lead, and how we invest in ways that honor both today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities. We are strongest when we work together, not alone. Trust grows when we act consistently and with a willingness to evolve as needed. And there is hope—not the kind that ignores the challenges we face, but the kind rooted in action and courage. As public interest lawyer Bryan Stevenson reminds us, “Hope is our superpower. You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference.”
In this issue, we lift up that spirit of strength, stability and future focus. We celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Black Legacy Fund, honor longtime partners and explore what is shaping our region’s food system. We also share exciting updates about recent grant partnerships and Danielle R. Brown, our new vice president and CFO.
As our team members and trustees complete our strategic framework planning process, we feel more hopeful than ever. So many of you showed up and spoke into the Community Foundation’s future direction. Your wisdom has strengthened this work and helped us respond thoughtfully to what this moment calls for—and how we will invest in what comes next.
Partners together,
LaSandra A. Gaddy President and CEO
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Pictured:
A FULL PLATE FOR ALL Investing in Food Systems
The idea struck John Arnold as he drove beside a refrigerated beverage truck on the expressway. What if we brought food to people, instead of people having to visit indoor food pantries? With support from Grand Rapids Community Foundation, this idea soon changed how food pantries worked. Large, refrigerated trucks were filled with food and driven to central locations where neighbors could shop for free.
This simple but powerful idea launched Feeding America’s Mobile Food Pantry program. Since 1998, it has spread nationwide and become one of the most effective ways to deliver food—especially fresh produce—to communities in need. New ideas like this can reshape how systems work and who they serve.
The Community Foundation is committed to making sure everyone has access to food, now and in the future. That is why we support community members like John, who challenge the way things have always been done and imagine better solutions. John Arnold passed away in 2012, but his ideas and impact live on.
Our food system includes all the people, resources and processes from how our food is grown to how it gets — or doesn’t get— to our plates. We must invest in solutions that address the causes of hunger and eliminate discrimination. That way, more people can find and afford healthy food.
New City Neighbors, a recent grant partner of the Fund for Community Good and the Gordon and Janet Moeller Food Security Fund, offers solutions. Not everyone has the connections, land, money or skills to become an urban farmer. The New City Neighbors Farm Apprentice Program pays new farmers to learn about leadership, environmental care and farming skills. They grow fresh produce that makes its way to kitchen tables all over metro Grand Rapids. New City Neighbors is creating employment opportunities and creating pathways for youth in urban agriculture and helping build a more just, equitable and resilient regional food economy.
We know that our community will continue to create lasting change so everyone in West Michigan has a full and healthy plate.
“I’m already seeing some of my goals come true – and this is only going to be my second [of three] year[s] as an apprentice. The barriers to urban farming, it comes down to land use and land access. Those are the two biggest barriers that prevent people from moving towards a food sovereign place. It’s been a privilege to be a part of this apprenticeship.”
— Abylene Vargas Leon
COLLECTIVE IMPACT
$460,000+
In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, Donor Advised funds made 90 grants totaling more than $460,000 to West Michigan organizations focused on food security.
Pictured (left to right) John Arnold, courtesy of Feeding America West Michigan, Abylene Vargas Leon and other New City Neighbors apprentices
INVESTING IN OUR NEXT
Equity remains both a priority and a constant opportunity for growth for Grand Rapids Community Foundation. By adopting our North Star in 2016, we unapologetically stated our commitment to racial, social and economic justice. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the unfair differences we were already working to address became even more clear. Through these seasons of change, partners have worked with us, taught us and challenged us.
In 2022, we kicked off a new century of service and impact. We also asked our partners to help us invest more deeply in philanthropy that supports opportunity, prosperity and belonging for all. You all responded with a resounding “yes” and helped us exceed our $30 million Centennial Campaign fundraising goal.
Now we are completing our strategic framework process—once again guided by the community. We are proud of the work we have done together and excited about what our future holds. As we stay the course and continue to build on what we know, we’ll be calling on you to participate and cocreate with us. Thank you for your investment in our community. We’re excited to share more soon!
2017
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
STEERED BY OUR NORTH STAR
This work has been ongoing. But the Community Foundation gets explicit about equity by naming a North Star and expanding Community Partnership Funds. Though today’s challenges are different than when this work began, our commitment to justice for all remains strong.
The COVID-19 pandemic makes existing disparities impossible to ignore. The Community Foundation collaborates with area foundations, nonprofits and community leaders to see how the crisis is affecting the community. We start the Kent County COVID-19 Recovery and La Lucha funds and focus our efforts on addressing immediate and longterm recovery efforts.
A CENTURY OF SERVICE AND IMPACT
The Community Foundation celebrates 100 years and 100 New Philanthropists. This new generation of donor partners helps us begin our second century of service and impact. They inspire us to invite more community members as partners and make it easier to join this work.
PARTNERS AFFIRM OUR DIRECTION
Donor partners affirm our direction and show support for an inclusive economy and thriving community. They exceed the Centennial Campaign’s $30 million goal. Established and new partners share their perspectives as we develop our new strategic framework. Their voices and experiences help us build on what we’ve learned.
G.L.S.
Pictured (top to bottom): Youth fund members, 100 New Philanthropists, Donor partner convening
20 YEARS of Black Legacy Fund
Our region has a rich legacy of generosity and philanthropy. Individuals, families, nonprofits, and community leaders have long shared resources, skills, networks, and dollars to create positive change. In 2006, community members came together to start a fund at Grand Rapids Community Foundation that would specifically support nonprofits in Black communities. Donors gave more than their $50,000 goal. This helped them start and endow the African American Heritage Fund at the Community Foundation.
Donor, volunteer, and community partners helped guide the fund. At first, grants focused on helping young people and reducing summer learning loss. Volunteer partners and Community Foundation staff kept listening to community voices. In 2021, they changed the fund name to Black Legacy Fund. Its focus changed to uplifting Black brilliance and improving Black quality of life. To combat inequities, the Community Foundation invested $1 million in unrestricted resources to the fund, which now prioritizes grantmaking, collective giving, and community engagement. In its latest grantmaking cycle, advisory committee members awarded $382,000 to nonprofit organizations.
Partners at the first African American Heritage Fund event 2006.
2006 2021
A 2021 community engagement session
“There are always the first and the pioneers who do the groundwork that you build upon. They helped open the door for you and all the people who came later.”
—Elias
Lumpkins, fund
founder,
in 2024
As we celebrate 20 years of impact, we also honor the vision and commitment of the fund founders: Ellen James and Elias Lumpkins and the late Margaret Sellers Walker Morris, Shirley Daniels, Beverly Drake and Cal Jeter.
To give or learn more about Black Legacy Fund, visit GRFoundation.org/BlackLegacyFund
2024
The Deborah Project, a nonprofit partner
2024
Ellen James, one of the fund founders, at a gala celebrating Black philanthropy
Pictured (top to bottom): African-American Heritage Fund, Community Engagement, Deborah House, and Gala.
HOW WE GIVE: Caring for the Place that Raised you
Generations of donor partners have built Grand Rapids Community Foundation through gifts of many shapes and sizes. In the “How We Give” series, we highlight those carrying this legacy into our second century and helping our community thrive.
MEET DR. RALPH E. MATHIS. When he talks about this community, it’s easy to hear the fondness and responsibility Dr. Ralph Mathis feels. In his career as an obstetrician-gynecologist he cared for multiple generations of Grand Rapids families. As a philanthropist, with his late wife Yvonne, Ralph sees a responsibility to encourage the next generation. A gift from Ralph and Yvonne helped establish the African American Heritage Fund in 2006. Alongside support for education, opportunity and dignity, the Mathis family’s giving has focused on the wellbeing of children and underserved communities. Ralph recently shared more about his motivations and approach to giving in our community with LaSandra Gaddy, president and CEO.
LASANDRA: Why is giving back to our community a priority?
RALPH: When my father brought us here from Mississippi, our family did not have much. When it was time for me to go to college, I received an undergraduate scholarship to Aquinas College and later support while attending medical school at the University of Michigan. Without that help, I honestly would not have been able to afford higher education. Those experiences stayed with me.
My father always taught me, “Whatever success we have is not ours alone. It is built on the support of others.”
LASANDRA: Describe how you make giving decisions. Why has the Black Legacy Fund been part of your philanthropy?
RALPH: For me giving isn’t complicated. I try to support efforts that come from within the community and are meant to last, not just fix something for the moment. We have a responsibility to help strengthen the institutions that are working to make a difference for marginalized communities. For my wife and me, the Black Legacy Fund felt like a meaningful way for the community to invest in itself and in future generations.
One of the most lasting things we have been able to do is help establish the Dr. Ralph E. ’60 and Mrs. Yvonne L. Mathis ’79 Endowed Scholarship Fund at Aquinas College. Because it is an endowment, it continues year after year, creating opportunities for African American students long after we are gone.
“My wife Yvonne and I always felt that if a community helps raise you, it is only right to give back to it. So we stayed involved where we could.”
-Dr. Ralph E. Mathis
LASANDRA: Can you share your memories of when the African American Heritage Fund (now known as the Black Legacy Fund) was established?
RALPH: I remember when it was first being discussed. Jonse [Young, a former Community Foundation staff member] reached out to me and several others about being part of that early support. There was a real sense that a better way to engage and partner with the African American community was needed. It was key for the community to invest in its own future. The idea was to encourage a more structured, community-led approach, something that could grow and make a difference over time. I respected what it represented. Yvonne and I were already donors at the Community Foundation, and it was a natural fit for us.
LASANDRA: What is your hope for how future generations engage in philanthropy?
RALPH: I have always hoped the next generation would see giving back as something that is a normal part of life, not something you wait to do. One of the things I appreciate most now is seeing the next generation, our kids and their spouses, carry those same values forward in their own way. Every generation has a responsibility to help make sure someone else gets a chance too. My hope is that we have shown that blessings and opportunity mean more when you use them to open the door for someone else.
LASANDRA: Why do you choose to partner with Grand Rapids Community Foundation?
RALPH: The Community Foundation is made up of people who know this community and care about it for the long haul. For me, it has been a way to make sure what we give continues to do good even after we are gone. It really comes down to trust, and they have shown that they are dedicated to moving our community forward.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation is honored to support donor partners in discussing, establishing or adapting their philanthropic plans. To start a conversation, contact the development team at 616.454.1751.
Pictured (above): Dr. Ralph E. Mathis
PARTNERS in Progress
Grand Rapids Community Foundation recently awarded grants from our Fund for Community Good (unrestricted fund) and Field of Interest funds. Donor partners who contribute to these funds trust the Community Foundation to address our community’s most urgent needs. Nonprofits may apply for grants from Fund for Community Good at any time on our website. Learn more about funding priorities, additional resources, and recent grant partners at GRFoundation.org/Grants.
Aim to Inspire, $10,000
To support workforce development activities that expand access to skills training and employment opportunities, advancing pathways to economic stability and prosperity. This grant was made possible by the George M. and Lucinda Ann Edison Memorial Trust Fund.
City of Grand Rapids, $10,000
To support the City of Grand Rapids’ Micro-Local Business Enterprise (MLBE) program by removing financial barriers to certification. This investment helps cover required CPA net-worth statements, enabling more small and minority-owned businesses to access contracting opportunities and compete for public bids.
Immigrant Assistance Center of West Michigan, $10,000
Immigrant Assistance Center provides equal access to affordable legal services in Kent County. This grant was made possible by the Consumers Energy Fund.
Midwest Tech Project, $10,000
To expand awareness of tech career opportunities and strengthen West Michigan’s pathways for tech startups, tech talent, and young people exploring future-of-work careers. This investment will support community-based programming that connects youth and emerging talent to hands-on learning, mentorship, and clear routes to credentials and local employment.
West Michigan Asian American Association, $10,000
Supporting West Michigan Asian American Association’s work to build a collaborative, active, and committed Asian American community in West Michigan with a focus on healthcare, education, and civic engagement. This grant was made possible by the Consumers Energy Fund.
African Resource Center of West Michigan, $262,500
The African Resource Center supports immigrants and refugees across West Michigan through trauma-informed health education, healing groups, and culturally grounded navigation support. This grant helps ARC expand multilingual outreach, strengthen partnerships, and improve how local systems coordinate care for immigrant and refugee families.
Cancer Research Consortium of West Michigan, $200,000
Cancer Research Consortium of West Michigan is a nationally recognized leader in innovative cancer care and clinical trials. Their programs deliver cutting-edge research and holistic treatment across diverse populations—from infants to centenarians. This partnership was made possible by the William S. Folz Fund for Cancer Research.
Girls Choral Academy, $10,000
Supporting Girls Choral Academy’s choral education and youth empowerment programs that inspire confidence and creativity among girls across Grand Rapids. This grant is made possible by the Robert D. Mieras Fund for Dance and Music.
New City Neighbors, $500,000
New City Neighbors is transforming local food systems by expanding land access and providing critical support to socially disadvantaged farmers, empowering communities historically excluded from agricultural opportunity. They’re cultivating leadership, environmental stewardship, and exposure to food sovereignty among local youth through their youth employment program. Their commitment to growing and distributing fresh produce across the Greater Grand Rapids area is rooted in trustbased partnerships, advancing a more just, equitable, and resilient regional food economy. This partnership was made possible by the Gordon and Janet Moeller, Food Security Fund.
Nonprofit Technical Assistance Fund, $200,000
This grant to the Nonprofit Technical Assistance Fund invests in a collaborative program of local grantmakers to address the needs for consulting services and technical and organizational capacity needs in Kent County.
Women’s Resource Center, $50,000
Sustaining Women’s Resource Center’s critical workforce development programs for women across West Michigan. This investment provides immediate stability as the organization works to bridge a temporary funding gap and continue serving more than 600 women annually. The grant supports ongoing efforts to advance economic mobility and opportunity for women in our community.
CONGRATULATIONS, Danielle
Danielle R. Brown, CPA, is now vice president and chief financial officer at Grand Rapids Community Foundation. During her four years here, she served as director of finance, then as interim vice president and chief financial officer.
“I am honored and excited to serve the Community Foundation and our whole community,” said Danielle. “The responsibility of stewarding our communities’ resources is personal to me. I am committed to continuing the work of growing our assets so that we can address the needs of West Michigan, not just today, but for generations to come.”
As vice president and CFO, Danielle serves on the Community Foundation’s senior leadership team. She leads financial strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting and analysis. She also manages accounting procedures, investments, human resources, information systems and facilities.
“Danielle has been an exceptional steward of our financial resources and a trusted strategic leader,” said LaSandra Gaddy, president and CEO. “She is deeply respected by our team, board and community partners for her integrity, professionalism and commitment. We are confident her leadership will strengthen our impact in the years ahead.”
Danielle began her career in public accounting at Plante Moran before holding positions with Pilgrim Manor, Family Christian Stores and Rhoades McKee. She serves our community at Messiah Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, through the Grand Rapids chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and as a board member of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids.
Pictured (left, above): African Resource Center, Danielle Brown
DIANA R. SIEGER Constant Donor Level Partners
Philanthropy Leadership Levels are one way we recognize and thank donor partners. Diana R. Sieger Constant Donor Level donors demonstrate steady support. Those listed below have made a gift to a Donor Advised, Field of Interest, scholarship, special project or unrestricted fund for at least five consecutive fiscal years, as of June 30, 2025. We are grateful for their consistent partnership!
Andrew and Sonja Acosta . Emily Ambs and Mikey Winslow . Mark A. Anderson . Mr. and Mrs. Loren M. Andrulis . David and Mary Annis . Joanne Ash . Paul J Asselin and Jack H Sytsma . Deborah Autman . Lisa Ayotte . Joel Bair . Claudia Bajema . Mary Kay and Mark Baker . Lori J. Baker . Brian and Deanna Bakker . Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Balk . Ken Bandstra and Ken Terpstra . Maurice A. and Connie U. Barnes . Mercedes Barragan and William Jackson . William J. Barrett . Rob and Shelly Batterbee . Laurie Finney Beard . Rosemary R. Bennett . Vickie and Tom Bergers . Jesse M. Bernal and Sam Moore . Louis and Linda Berra . Ken Betz* and Pat Brewer . Dr. William H. Beute . Lynne Black . Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Boerman . Eric Bouwens and Yenching Hsu . Janet and John Boyles . Jonathan and Grace Bradford . Brenda Brame . Tracy Breihof . Andrew and Janay Brower . Robert D. and Katherine M. Brower . Jim and Susan Brown . Katie Burns . Thomas and Sandra Burr . Troy and Jennifer Butler . Anna Moore Butzner . Debra and John Byl . Kyle and Juliann Caldwell . Dr. Neil Carlson . Darlene Ceremello and Jessea Greenman . Veneese V. Chandler . Rick and Willow Chapla . Iain and Michaele Charnley . Tom and Natalie Chase . Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Chovanec . Dotti Clune and Jill Henemyer . Rob and Diane Collier . Ty Cook .
Huey G. and Mary Copeland . Janean and Michael Couch . Ed and Linda Cox . Mike and Mary Ann Crete . Tom and Gale Czerwinski . Thomas C. Dandridge . John and Rene Darling . Bill and Margie Darooge . Gwendolyn D. Dawkins . Bob and Lois De Boer . Allen and Vivian De Jonge . David and Bridget De Vos . Jennifer and David Deamud . Roger and Marcia DeKock . Harvey DeMaagd . Barbara DeMoor and Clive Morris . Ron and Jeanne DeWaard . Mrs. Gail O. DeYoung and Mr. F. Jay Schoettley . Mary DeYoung . Daniel and Catherine Diedrich . Marilyn Dooge . Beth and Ross Dornan . Nancy L. Douglas . Maureen Fahey Dreher . Mr. Carl W. Dufendach . Bob Dunlap* . Lucy Dyer
Joswick and Scott Joswick . John H. Edlund . Jay and Kim Egan . Cheryl Elenbaas . Sky and Ashley Emaus . Ben Emdin . Giuliana and Aaron Estrada . Barbara Bradley and Ronald Feenstra . Jack Finn . Eric and Kelly Fischer . Greg and Sarah Flick . Mary and Bill Ford . Barb Forseman . Jeffrey and Sheila
Frank . Jason Franklin and David Gries . Paula and
Michael Freed . Don and Laurie Gardner . The Honorable Patricia D. Gardner and Mr. Kim DeStigter . Joan M. Garety . Heather and Sam Fox . Linsey Gleason . Mike and Rachel Goorhouse . Ken Grashuis and Lori Lockyear . Phillip and Vanessa Greene . Dr. Thomas Gribbin . Daniel Grzywacz and Holly Westhouse . Scott and Gail Haebich . Maureen P. Hale . Dick Hansen . Audra HartgesStern and Jeffrey Stern . Haveman-Dwiri Fund . Heart of West Michigan United Way . Jan Heerspink . Mr. Kenneth W. Heffner and Dr. Gail Gunst Heffner . Ann C. Hess . David Hibschman . James V. Higgins and Kathleen Delp Higgins . Jeff Hill . Randy and Carol Hoekstra . Dirk and June Hoffius . Harland Holman and Kira Sieplinga . Pat Holmes . Jane Hondelink . Preston and Sylvia Hopson . Richard A. Horvitz* . John and Janyce Huff . Katherine Humphrey . John Hunting . Steven and Joan Huyser-Honig . Margaret P. Idema . Win and Kyle Irwin . Robert and Paulette Israels . Jenifer Jackson . Kenneth and Tamasha James . Ellen M. James . Lois Jandernoa* . Matthew and Keri Jaynes . Laura Jeltema . Frey Foundation . Patricia L. Jones . Joe and Jessie Jones . Margy Jones . Judith Joseph . Joseph and Elizabeth Junewick . Bryan and Kelly Kading . Mamie Kalliel . Carol Karr and Kevin Briggs . Mary and Dan Karrip . Nancy Kehoe Nielsen . Andy and Christina Keller . Mr. Fred Keller and Mrs. Katharine Conover-Keller . Paul and Beth Kelly . John Kershek and John Potter . Kurt and Randy Kimball . Vicki and Tom Kimball . Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Kimmel . Doug and Pat Klein . Stephen J. Klotz . Jim Knack . Chris and Amy Knape . S A “Skip” and Debbie Knapp . Marilyn Knol . Douglas and Louann Kohlbeck . Jan Koopman . John and Melinda Kopec . David and Phyllis Koslow . John E. Kotwick . Anna and Jason Kraai . Jerry and Wendy Kregel . Janet M. Krueger and Bruce Goodman . Blake and Mary Krueger . Dr. David and Mary Kutsche . Ruth Kutsche . Cris and Tom Kutzli . Nakia Kyler . Tom and Sally Kyros . Rob and Linda Lalley . Marilyn Lankfer and Jeff Schad . Mr. and Mrs. William J. Lawrence III . Michael Layton . Paul and Nora LeBlanc . Ashley and Ryann Lee . Marcie and Mark Lewis . Ray B. Loeschner . Mr. Marc Mitchell and Dr. Brandy Lovelady Mitchell . Don and Nancy Lubbers . Marty and Cheri Luchtefeld . Peter and Joan Lundeen . Janis Lunquist and Michael May
. Tracy Lunquist . Bob and Courtney Maloof . Jon and Mary Ann March . Barbara P. Marcus . Ronald Marsteiner . Sam and Jean Martin . Dr. Ralph E. Mathis . Jill May . Dennis and Julie McCrary . Richard A McGarrity and Noel L McGarrity . Brenda L. McKean . Joe and Tina Meckley . Connie Medema . David Meier . Angel Mendiola-Riggs and Lance Riggs . Tom Merchant . Aaron and Cheryl Molhoek . Traci Montgomery . David W. Morgenstern . Mr. and Mrs. Gene Morrison . Terri A. Mulligan and Lawrence Mulligan . Hon. David M. Murkowski and Ms. Diane E. Goller . Peggy Murphy . Judge Bill and Paula Murphy . Matt and Stephanie Muscat . Sharon Y. Naughton . Bob and Margaret Nault . Khan and Liza Nedd . Gary and Pat Nederveld . Nate and Lisa Nelson . Bob and Ellen Nelson . Dr. Tony and Linda Nemec Foster . Mark and Janet Nisbett . Thomas and Marcia Nobel . Gary and Peg Novosad . Robin Nunn . Ward Oliver and Catharine Grad . Timothy J. and Debra D. O’Rourke . Douglas and Nancy Padnos . Hannah Padnos . Molly and Steve Parker . Jennifer A. Pascua . Linda B. Patterson . Jeffrey Patterson . Julie Petrie . Larry and Jean Pinckney . Bob and Marcia Pinder . Rhett and Jeralyn Pinsky . Charles Pletcher II and Sarah Granger . Claudia and Joe Pohlen . Jim and Marie Preston . John and Ann Puckett . Dave and Laura Radle . Amy Ransler .
Daniel and Judy Rau . Nancy Reahm . Carole C. Redwine . Benjamin Reisterer . Mary Zoe Remien . Dale and Sherri Remmelts . Randy and Kris Renker . Laci Resendiz . Angela Reyna Perez . Michael Rios . Richard A. Roane and Leandro Robles . Sally and Larry Robson . Marjorie and Bud Roegge . Milt and Barbara Rohwer . Bob and Marcy Roth . Alwyn and Chris Rougier-Chapman . Brian and June Rudy . Curtis and Colleen Ruppal . Megan and Noel Rydecki . Rebecca and Dale Rynbrandt . Mary Ann Sabo and Jeff Ott . Emil and Nancy Sabolish . Carlos Sanchez and Lynne Pope . David Sarnacki and Bridget Flynn . Eric L. Schellenberger . Harry Schmidt . Jerri Schroeder . Melissa A. Seguin . James and Marsha Shade . Lee Shedleski-Holmden and David Holmden . Mark F. Sherwood and Saralyn Coupe . Shaun and Ruth Shira . Thomas P. Sibley . Diana R. Sieger . Theodore and Jacqueline Simpkins . Brent and Diane Slay . Eric and Amy Smith . Rob and Connie Smith . J. Patrick and Kathleen M. Smith . Warren and Nancy Smith . Hon Sara Smolenski and Linda Burpee . Steven A. Starnes . Terrence M. Start . Craig and Cheri Stein . Rick and Sue Steketee . Deb and Fred Steketee . Sue and Art Stern . James M. Stewart . Wendy L. Stock . Susan A. Stoddard . Stacy Stout and Daniel Vallie . Philip and Dawnielle Streng . Bill Stroh . Judy Subar . Frank Suskey . Lon and Sandy
Swartzentruber . Jim and Pat Talen . Aaron Terpstra and Berniz Constanza Terpstra . Pat and Dan Esch . The Brown Group of the GR Federation of the U of M Alumnae . The Trust of the GR Federation of University of MI Alumnae . The W. K. Kellogg Foundation . Sandra Thieda . Nick Thole and Amy Turner-Thole . Amanda and Scott Thomas . Doug and Alix Thompson . Jill and Art Tiefenbach . Martin and Louise Timkovich . Claude and Sharyl Titche . Jenine and Jose Torres . Philip and Diane Tower . Patti Trepkowski . Rick D. Treur . Lita Trevino . Verlee and Mary Trice . George and Kerstin Trowbridge . Selma Tucker . Molly and Colin Chelovich Family . Peter M. Turner* . Dr. Gary Stark and Dr. Kathleen Underwood . Rudy and Nancy Van Donk . Karl Van Harn and Joanna Bailey . Frank and Sharon Van Haven . Jaye Van Lenten and Janette Tazzia . Don and Ruth Van Stee . Selene Van Vleck . Douglas and Kathy Vance . Don VandenBos Jr.* . Stan and Jackie Vander Roest . Lorrie and Dave Vander Ark . Lou VanderHave . Erika VanDyke . Andy and Tracy Van Solkema . Amy and Matthew VanZetten . Mr. and Mrs. Larry A. Ver Merris . Carl and Sandra VerBeek . Phil and Kathy Vogelsang . Gary and Bobbie Vruggink . Susan M. Waddell . Rob and Chris Wait . Gary Walker . Lynn A. Warshaw and Vicki A. Esch . Elizabeth Welch and Brian Schwartz . Barbara Wepman . Mary White . Ellen J. Wicks . Nancy Wierenga . Robert C. Williams . Reneé Williams . Jeff and Janet Williams . Joy Whitten and Jeff Williams . Janice Williford . Joan Wilson . Charles S. Winslow and Judy K. Sopeland . Elan Winterberger . Susan Wittenbach . Dr. Richard Woltersom . John and Kathleen Woudstra . Gib and Barbara Wynn . Chelsie Wyse . Sarah and Greg Yoder . Kurt and Sally Yost . Joseph and Kelley Young . Laura Young . Cameron Young . Bruce Young . Jonse and Allen Young . Milinda Ysasi and Rafael Castanon . Marilyn and Garrett Zack . John V. Zadvinskis . George and Gretchen Zuiderveen . Mr. and Mrs. M. Jay Zylstra . Betty Zylstra and David Baak . Robert J. Zylstra
*Remembered
This recognition group is named after Diana Sieger, who served as the Community Foundation’s president for more than 35 years. To see all Philanthropy Leadership Levels, visit GRFoundation.org/LeadershipLevels.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
FAREWELL, CLAUDIA
We extend a grateful farewell to Claudia Pohlen who has wrapped up her time as the Community Foundation’s campaign coordinator. During her four years with us, Claudia played a major role in completing our $30 million Centennial Campaign, helping us reach an incredible milestone that will benefit our community for years to come.
FIND MORE ON OUR WEBSITE
Our Board of Trustees recently welcomed four new members, and there is a new addition to our staff! Read more about them, their experiences and their passions for our community on our website at GRFoundation.org/News.
