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
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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.