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rOOTED IN COMMUNITY - THE C3F FOUNDERS

Seated: John Frey, Joyce Herbert, Mike Stowe, Vel Kammermann
L-R: Steve Weber, Scott Beatty, John Dixon, Gen Varnum, Bill Lorne, Lou Hollow, Cal Diller

In 1992, a group of eager volunteers led the charge to start a community foundation in Charlevoix County. Preliminary work began thanks to generous support from the Frey Foundation, the Council of Michigan Foundations, the Malpass Foundation, East Jordan Iron Works (EJ), and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. The Charlevoix County Community Foundation officially opened for business on August 12, 1992.

“In the beginning it was slow going because the concept of a community foundation was new to most people,” remembers Bill Lorne, a founding trustee. “People connecting with other folks in their communities was what helped keep us moving forward. Early trustees helped local business-owners and other decision-makers understand what a community foundation could mean for our community.”

Burnette Foods, East Jordan Plastics, Industrial Magnetics, Lexalite and others also helped the young organization: “We had office space provided for no cost in a building in downtown East Jordan,” remembers Laura Hansen, the Community Foundation’s first employee. “We often walked through fitness classes in order to reach it, which is pretty funny to look back on.”

Today, C3F is still about helping local people make a difference close to home. The vision of a vibrant community where friends and neighbors can thrive remains the focus. We work to connect people who care to needs and opportunities in Charlevoix County. With years of strong leadership from the Board of Trustees and dedicated staff, C3F has developed from a big idea to a credible, trusted, and people-focused organization serving our community’s present and future.