Pam
I am a philanthropist because I have a destiny and a purpose to fulfill by helping young girls reach their full potential, to be civic minded and good community servants. So, I am able to be an example as I do my work and be a part of the lives of the girls and young women I serve.
Clifford
I am a philanthropist because I seek to help others out and improve my environment wherever I go. In addition, I live by the Scout motto and law.
Art
I am a philanthropist because I volunteered for 10 years at Ministry with Community.
Thelma
I am a philanthropist because I found the Portage Senior Center serves all kinds of seniors, and I was afraid it might someday be closed if funding was diminished. Some people were talking about starting an endowment fund and I decided to make that first move. What a great feeling to know that those who depend on the PSC so much can depend on it being there for them.
Thelma passed away on April 16, 2012, but her philanthropic legacy will live on forever through the Friends of the Portage Senior Center Endowment Fund.
Acasia
I am a philanthropist because I serve as a proud member in the community as a Kalamazoo Junior Girl.
Adrian
I am a philanthropist because I really care about my community and donate some of my time to help younger kids at basketball camps and other sports activities. I also helped coach my brother’s basketball team. I’m also part of my school’s student council and helped with our canned food drive as well as helped raise money for Sylvia’s Place, a women and children’s abuse center.
Bruce
I am a philanthropist because it was my good fortune to be born into a family that appreciated the value of education and social responsibility. As a result, I derive satisfaction from volunteering with several local organizations that contribute to the quality of life here in Kalamazoo.
Raesheana
I am a philanthropist because I’m a giving person. I help every Tuesday and Thursday at Dr. Hogan’s Kampus Kids program. I help out by being with the kids that are younger than me. I think I am also a philanthropist because I helped plant a garden in second and fourth grade. Those are the reasons I am a philanthropist and always will be!
Amy
I am a philanthropist because I am passionate about ensuring that the most vulnerable members of our community receive the same treatment and resources as everyone else.
Gary
I am a philanthropist because I have donated my time as a volunteer. As president of VVA Chapter 93, I helped organize the first-ever welcome home parade for Vietnam vets here in Kalamazoo. I serve on the board of directors for Building Blocks of Kalamazoo, building social capital in Kalamazoo neighborhoods. I’m also a founding member and Executive Director for the Kalamazoo River Valley Cleanup Coalition.
Jacqueline
I don’t think of myself as a philanthropist. Using my talents, abilities and resources to help others is what I need to do in life to be fulfilled. Organizations such as the Kalamazoo Community Foundation help me achieve my goals.
Adam
I am a philanthropist because I like to make people laugh with the jokes I tell on the my radio show on Public Media Network. I also like to share information about what I learned about animals. I am 6 years old, I started when I was 4.
Denise
I am a philanthropist because I love this community. I am a product of this community and I am who I am today as a result of the education, development, mentorship and guidance I received from this community.
John
We are philanthropists because we were born and raised in Kalamazoo, and raised our family here. We love this community and the Community Foundation provides the vehicle to give back to the community in areas of our particular interest, such as Milham Park and Ministry with Community.
Carol
We are philanthropists because we were born and raised in Kalamazoo, and raised our family here. We love this community and the Community Foundation provides the vehicle to give back to the community in areas of our particular interest, such as Milham Park and Ministry with Community.
Kristine
I am a philanthropist because eating disorders are an illness, not a choice. Anorexia Nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. We as a community need to raise awareness of these illnesses and improve the treatments available in our community. I am one of the founders of the Southwest Michigan Eating Disorders Association.
Ashton
I am a philanthropist because I ran 39 laps so my school could have P.E. equipment, art supplies and Spanish class.
Jessica
I am a philanthropist because I volunteer with organizations—like Girls on the Run and Kalamazoo Junior Girls—that are making a difference and improving the lives of people who live here in Kalamazoo.
Ed
I am a philanthropist because I care about our community and take pride in Kalamazoo. I support causes that are dear to me: ROI, Girls on the Run, Hospice and the Girl Scouts.
Jeanne
I am a philanthropist because our children need me to be. Our nonprofit, education, culture and community service organization—Ujima Enterprises—is dedicated to youth and early education development. I want to help create a nurturing environment in which children can grow to contribute their unique gifts to the world. I want to do good and promote good in this world. That is my calling; that is my passion.
Dee
I am a philanthropist because I believe it is our responsibility to give back to our community. It does make a difference.
Grace
I am a philanthropist because I care about others and I fight for what I believe in. I also believe in kindness and that we should treat others with respect. That is why I am a philanthropist.
John
I am a philanthropist because I feel it is important to give back to and invest in your community. I’m involved in a medical equipment lending program that has served 5,900 clients and saved those clients almost $2 million in six years—thanks to the initial investment of the Community Foundation.
Karen
I am a philanthropist because I believe a good quality of life is possible for everyone and that it’s important for everyone to have a good quality of life.
Addison
I am a philanthropist because I raised money to help people in need, because I love and care about all people.
Sharon
I am a philanthropist because I believe in the adage “To whom much is given, much is required.” It is important to give something back to the community, out of respect to all those who made things possible for me.
Linda
I am a philanthropist because my family cares deeply about the welfare of creatures of this earth, and as a memorial to my mother who taught her children to care for all creatures and the environment.
Don
I am a philanthropist because I want to make the world better for others. I want to make something good out of life’s difficult and sometimes very tragic moments or events. That’s why I make an annual contribution to the Brad Hoorn Memorial Endowment Fund—a fund that was established in memory of someone lost on Sept. 11, 2001, but that is making good things happen in our community today.
Sava
I am a philanthropist because I care about everyone around me and I help out by walking around my neighborhood and picking up trash.
Eric
I am a philanthropist because I recognize the importance of having love for humanity. It makes our world a better place.
Deborah
Much of who I have become as an activist/educator I owe to the community of Kalamazoo having spent many of my formative years here being mentored by several people. As the Executive Director of the Media Arts Academy, I get a chance to give back as a mentor, equipping youths with skills that help them find and express their voices.
Suprotik
I am a philanthropist because I am continually inspired by our community’s extraordinary legacy of philanthropy. People and organizations here find ways, often innovative and groundbreaking, to create meaning by improving another’s life. I feel fortunate to be a part of and contribute to our unique cultural legacy.
Anthony
I am a philanthropist because I want to make a difference in the homeless community. There are people struggling to survive for a lot of reasons. Since I've been there, I think it is important for me to give back. And with support and prayer, someone else might be able to find their way out of the grip!
Rebecca
I am a philanthropist because I believed I could help make the world a better place. That led me to a 32-year career as a teacher, and from there I evolved to become an entrepreneur. Our cookie business fuels the Cookie Jar Fund, which provides grants to classrooms. I still believe!
Wes
My wife, Annmarie, and I are philanthropists because we believe it is our civil and moral obligation to support our community in as many ways as we possibly can.
Stephanie
I am a philanthropist because I love people!