The Stowe Family
Investing in the future of Boyne City

Is it possible to do what you love all the time? The Stowes think it is.

After spending so many weekends in the area skiing, boating, and having fun, Mike and his wife Judy ("Ralph") decided to consolidate work and fun and make the move north. Mike relocated his business from southeast Michigan to Boyne City, bought a house, and he and Ralph settled in. That was more than 20 years ago -- and his life has been good ever since.

The business took off, Mike's mom Lee moved up, the Stowes became avid winter and summer sports enthusiasts, and eager supporters of almost any Boyne City civic, economic, educational, or enrichment project. When the family wanted to share their success with the town they love, the community foundation was a natural choice.

"Giving through the community foundation is more effective than what our family could do on our own," Mike explains. "We could never afford the time and energy it takes to do the accounting required of a private family foundation. But by setting up our fund in the local community foundation, we can achieve the same results."

The Stowe Family Fund is set up as a field of interest fund that's targeted to benefit Boyne City. Mike, Ralph, and Lee -- all involved in community activities -- stay on top of local needs and make good use of their fund's grantmaking assets. What's more, they've involved upcoming generations of the family in charitable giving too, entrusting a portion of their charitable capital to their children and grandchildren.