c h ristoph er terkos
“I had a difficult upbringing regarding
While Terkos supports the Community
my sexual orientation,” says Christopher
Foundation’s LGBT Equality Fund
Terkos. “There was zero support and
— one of only a few charitable funds
I knew being out would mean
in the State of Michigan dedicated
being disowned by my family.”
solely to promoting equality for LGBTQ
This is just one reason why Terkos, a branch manager for PNC Bank who serves on the board of OutFront
people — he’s also a champion for the Community Foundation’s unrestricted Love Where You Live Fund.
its 2015 Giving Tuesday event at Bell’s.” Now, Terkos says, because he and KZCF share the same goal for the community — that it will be one where every person can reach full potential — he’s set up an automatic monthly gift. “I know my dollars are supporting the community’s greatest needs now and going for long-
Kalamazoo, likes how the Community
He finds it appealing that the Love
term good,” he says. “I encourage other
Foundation is supporting lesbian,
Where You Live Fund brings people
people to do it so their gifts can do the
gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and
together, pooling resources to make
most good too.
questioning youth.
giving accessible and maximize impact.
“I grew up in a rural community,
“The Community Foundation was more
KZCF’s work and partnerships with
without resources, so I know how
accessible than I first realized,” he says.
donors and nonprofits. It sets us apart
valuable those resources are,” he says.
“In fact, I ended up giving my first gift to
from other communities,” he adds.
“They can be lifesaving.”
the Love Where You Live Fund by text at
“Love where you live says it all.”
7
“The whole community benefits from