For the Good of the Community
“For the good of the community” is how A. Harold Frauenthal wished his substantial bequest to be used by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. When the wrecking ball was ready to swing at the boarded up Michigan Theater in 1976, we set a bold course and used his gift to purchase the entire block of […]
Through His Philanthropy
Through his philanthropy, Charles Hackley influenced the city of Muskegon in unparalleled ways. With gifts that include a hospital, art museum, school, library, and park, he helped shape the character of our community. Yet retired SPX executive Peter Turner realized there was no public likeness of Charles Hackley honoring his extraordinary contributions. Through his philanthropy, Peter established a fund […]
Modest Living for a Permanent Legacy
Throughout her 40-year career as a secretary for Continental Motors, lifelong Muskegon resident Edith Anderson made a modest living. But she invested her earnings wisely and upon her death left her entire estate to the Community Foundation for Muskegon County to create a fund to support Hospice of Muskegon-Oceana. The gift was established for use […]
Investing in the Future
When Jamall Johnson received the Moses J. Jones Scholarship in 1991, it did more than lead him to graduate with honors from his beloved Grambling State University. It planted the seed of an idea to help other young African Americans pursuing a college education at Grambling State. Once his career took off as a senior […]
Caring for Their Community
In nearly 48 years of marriage, Dick and Betty Cawein had 28 different addresses but they found their way back to the place they really loved – their hometown of Muskegon. After a career in the Navy, Dick was a shop teacher at Mona Shores. Betty was involved with St. Jean’s Church and the Muskegon Garden […]
Read Early. Read Often.
It’s a countywide effort to get everyone to read to infants and toddlers…every day, everything, everywhere! People from all areas across the community gather regularly to put their minds and resources together to find creative ways to make an impact. From yard signs, to stickers on grocery bags and peanut butter jars, to book give-aways, the […]
Sharing from the Heart
Whether it’s building the Muskegon Heritage Museum and its endowment, boosting the White Lake Community Fund, or supporting civic events, Anne and Allan Dake have been rolling up their sleeves in the community for years. Now they’ve shown up in a new way by creating a Donor Advised Fund using an inheritance from Dolly Morton, […]
Working Together
What do White Lake Township, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, six foundations, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, and hundreds of community members have in common? An extraordinary passion to preserve the White River Barrier Dunes Sanctuary, a scenic treasure of over 1,300 feet of pristine shoreline on Lake Michigan. And after nearly 30 […]
Investing in Wellness
Healthy kids learn better. But access to health services in the rural school district of Oakridge was very limited. That’s when community organizations, generous individuals, and our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) came together to support the creation of a school-based health clinic. Opened in December 2015, the Oakridge Teen Health Center brings together medical, dental, […]
The Perfect Birthday Gift
As her father’s 80th birthday approached, Shirley Bloomfield wondered, “What can I get a man who has everything he needs?” Shirley continued, “So instead of another golf shirt, I started thinking about the things that were important to him and that was his passion for volunteering and giving back.” “Given Dad’s love of the community, imagine my […]