Stories

  • Posted on July 05, 2016 – Posted by: Roberta King

    Metz Legacy Society: Kathy Humphrey

    If you searched for one word to describe Kathy Humphrey it might be passionate. But, it also could be prevention. Advocate and compassion come to mind too. “I grew up with parents who taught me [...]

  • Posted on March 24, 2016 – Posted by: Roberta King

    100 NEW PHILANTHROPIST: Megan Sall

    She’s a native West Michigander who grew up in Grand Rapids. Megan Sall left the community to serve, explore and work before growing roots in the East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids. “Prior to my current [...]

  • Posted on March 24, 2016 – Posted by: Roberta King

    100 NEW PHILANTHROPIST: Jason Franklin

    New to Grand Rapids, Jason Franklin, PhD, is exuberant about philanthropy, his new house in Eastown and community philanthropy. In less than a year, the first W.K. Kellogg Community Philanthropy Chair at the Johnson Center [...]

  • Posted on December 14, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

    100 NEW PHILANTHROPISTS: Emily and Ben VerWys

    Ben and Emily VerWys, an investment advisor at Action Point Financial and realtor at Keller Williams respectively, are strategic thinkers and connected community members. “When we heard about how the Community Foundation could help us [...]

  • Posted on November 17, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

    From Our Annual Report: Bev Drake, Ruth Lumpkins and Betty Burton Groce

    Whether for economic, educational or healthcare justice, these three friends have strong feelings about removing barriers, providing access and creating opportunities for people in our community. Coming from diverse career backgrounds—job training, education and business—Bev [...]

  • Posted on November 17, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

    From Our Annual Report: Rick Gillett

    Rick Gillett is long time philanthropist and advocate for the children of Grand Rapids and is passionate about their growth and development. “We feel so strongly for the Grand Rapids community and its children and [...]

  • Posted on November 17, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

    From Our Annual Report: Ken and Judy Betz

    Understanding all of the factors that influence success in education, Ken and Judy Betz were early major donors to Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Challenge Scholars program. “It’s not just about the scholarship,” Judy said. The [...]

  • Posted on November 17, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

    From Our Annual Report: Christina and Andy Keller

    For Christina and Andy Keller, their work values and philanthropy values are braided. “I think about giving as I do business—through the lens of the triple bottom line—which means maximizing value along three areas: people [...]

  • Posted on September 15, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

    100 NEW PHILANTHROPISTS: Linsey Gleason

    As an estate planning attorney with Varnum Law, Linsey Gleason is a passionate philanthropist who wants to create solutions. Her understanding of the challenges older adults face motivates her charitable contributions to Senior Neighbors, Inc [...]

  • Posted on September 08, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

    100 NEW PHILANTHROPISTS: Mark Breon

    For Mark Breon, giving back is at the core of who he is and what he believes in. “For as long as I can remember, my parents have given back and empowered others to do [...]