Donor Spotlight: Dan Busch

Hands that Serve A Heart to Love

Rev. Dan Busch’s service and leadership aren’t just an expression of his ministry—they are an extension of his existence. Rev. Dan is a man dedicated to being a voice for humanity—his work, his words and his actions speak for many who may not have the courage or the opportunity to be heard.

Dan served on the Board of Directors of United Church Homes for 11 years. This volunteerism led him to support UCH with his donations in innumerable ways. He helped purchase an organ, supported chapel renovations and contributed to UCH’s Music & Memory program (a pioneering program transforming the treatment of people with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline by bringing them the healing power of personalized playlists). In 2019, his sponsorship piloted the initial year of University Circle at The Parkvue Community, an innovative experience that promotes lifelong learning using videoconferencing technology, community outreach programming and field trips. When COVID-19 emerged, Dan generously offered UCH critical relief assistance. When you ask him, why, he simply responds,

“BECAUSE IT’S IMPORTANT.”

In 2020, United Church Homes recognized Dan with the esteemed Ben M. Herbster Award. This honor is presented to individuals who best exemplify the philosophy, leadership, philanthropic spirit and achievements of the late Rev. Dr. Ben M. Herbster, the first president of the United Church of Christ and former board member of United Church Homes. His love for people translated into support for growing benevolent organizations. Dan humbly accepted this award with the caveat that “he does what he does not for the recognition” but

“BECAUSE IT’S IMPORTANT.”

Recently, Dan was concerned about bringing worship services and other engagement to the residents via technology since so many group activities were cancelled due to the pandemic. He was committed to helping them feel connected to family and friends and nurturing their spirit. Therefore, Dan is sponsoring a new experience that UCH is launching to serve independent living residents. With Touchtown, residents can enjoy enrichment activities that are meaningful to the person and support physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs and they can choose how they access this information through in-room TV, mobile apps and websites.

“I have personally witnessed the generosity of Rev. Busch’s support of UCH. We have presented several needs to Dan over the years and he always faithfully supported those needs.”

— Dan Miller, senior executive director of The Parkvue Community and the northern region

As an ordained minister for the United Church of Christ for 50 years, Dan is dedicated to serving others. For 17 years he served as the Northwest Ohio Association Minister for The United Church of Christ. For several years Dan has volunteered in El Salvadore through the NWOA’s partnership with the El Sinodo Luterano Salvadoreño (Lutheran Synod of El Salvador) supporting its missions, schools and providing medical supplies for both the Synod and the country. Dan also serves on the board of Grace Community Center in Toledo, an impoverished neighborhood in Toledo, OH. Dan participates in all this work because of his devotion to Christ and supporting those who need help

“BECAUSE IT’S IMPORTANT.”

Gloria Hurwitz, vice president of advancement for United Church Homes, says “Dan understands that service to others is key to living a life of happiness—he knows that benefiting humanity and making a difference is of utmost importance. We are all so grateful for Dan’s generosity.”

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

— Desmond Tutu