Celebrating the Heartbeat of Philanthropy

<October 11, 2016> More than 130 area citizens whose collective efforts help sustain the heartbeat of local philanthropy celebrated recent achievements of the Community Foundation for Oceana County’s (CFOC) annual dinner meeting on October 10 at the Pentwater Yacht Club.

“We had a fantastic turnout,” said CFOC Executive Director Tammy Carey, “a good mix of those who’ve established some of the 123 charitable funds under our CFOC umbrella, trustees, contributors, people who’ve named our foundation in their wills, representatives of area nonprofits receiving support from our funds, and area high school students from our Youth Advisory Council.”

Family Financial Credit Union, Shelby State Bank and West Shore Bank jointly hosted a social hour during which attendees mingled and exchanged thoughts about the Foundation’s past and future work.

CFOC Board Chair Nancy Sterk reviewed foundation highlights, and called out the 15 new funds established by individuals, couples, families, business and organizations during 2015-16.  A complete list of the Foundation’s funds is found here.

The program speakers included Chris VanAntwerp interpreting the new Hart Main Street mural, Senator Goeff Hansen praising the collective state/local efforts towards reconstructing the William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail and Janet Zahn reflecting on the life of her father, Malcolm “Pete” Wood, and the projects the family has supported in his name, namely the new bandshell at Golden Township Park at Silver Lake Sand Dunes. The evening was capped when John Grant awarded the Foundation’s “Greater Good Award” to Dave and Kim Beckman of Shelby for making a real difference in their community, especially the creation of the new Ladder Community Center in Shelby.

Grant read a message from Shelby Village President and past Foundation chair Paul Inglis:  “Our community applauds Dave and Kim for moving forward tirelessly and diligently to fulfill a vision of establishing a safe and comfortable gathering place that will meet the unfulfilled and underserved socialization needs of youth, seniors and many other members of the community.  They are bright and shining stars.”