Meet our donors!
Read about the good that comes from your support for older adults.
Meet Our Donors: Cal and Barb Verduin
Cal Verduin is a believer in “giving while you’re living,” something he learned while working for Peter Cook at Mazda Great Lakes. “Peter believed in sharing,” says Cal of the person he describes as “the second most influential man in my life.” Cal also reflects the values of LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, where he has been a member since 1960.
A Porter Hills Foundation Board member for four years, Cal and his first wife, Pat, moved to Porter Hills Village in 2010. “Pat had a disease that included dementia,” says Cal. “We knew it was going to get worse, and I wanted to be sure we would have a continuum of care, especially if something happened to me. We looked at every not-for-profit care organization in the area. When we got to Porter Hills Village, Pat said, ‘I could live here.’”
Pat, who passed away in 2017, and Cal, supported Porter Hills through their generosity, a tradition he continues today with his new wife, Barb, whom he met at church. This includes a five-year gift to the west-side Team Member Support Services Fund.
“I spent my life in business,” says Cal. “Business is really people. I’m convinced that personal relationships are like a chain, and we have to pay attention to those vulnerable links. By helping that person in some way, you truly build loyalty and solidify that relationship. It’s so important for those who do the most vital work to feel valued.”
Cal and Barb enjoy living in a townhome at Porter Hills Village, where they participate in the balance and core strength classes. His advice to new residents is, “Dive in! There are people here of all backgrounds, not just one ethnicity or church denomination. People greet each other at dinner. If you can’t find something to do here, you’re not looking.”
Meet Our Donors: Herb and Dori Vander Mey
Doris “Dori” and Herbert Vander Mey left a legacy of generosity, faith, and civic-mindedness that reflects their passion and commitment to West Michigan during their lifetimes. Their thoughtful estate gifts to the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation will continue to support older adults through wellness programming and Benevolent Care at Porter Hills Village, Dori’s home for more than 20 years.
Dori was born in Cleveland, but spent much of her young life in Canada, near Toronto. At nineteen, she moved to Grand Rapids to live with her aunt and met Herbert on a blind date. Standing 6’7”, “Big Herb”, as he was known, was a natural athlete. Dori recalled, “I thought he was too tall at first, but Aunt Marge liked him. He was wonderful to me.” The couple married in 1951.
Herbert joined Michigan Wheel in 1943 and his career spanned 43 years, rising to CEO with his business talents and leading the company from a regional supplier during wartime to become a world class supplier of boat propulsion systems.
When Dori was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis as a young woman, Herbert founded the West Michigan M.S. Society. Lifelong members of LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, the couple’s faith guided their values and passion for service to others. This included the Porter Hills Foundation Board which Herbert served for four years.
Herbert passed away in 2004 and Dori in 2022. In her later years, Dori shared why they decided to include the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation in their estate plan: “I like the people and everything about Porter Hills Village. It’s a lovely retirement home, and there is something for everyone. They have been so good to me, and I’ve enjoyed it so much here.”
Meet Our Donors: Will Epps IV
Will Epps IV experienced what it means to have unstable housing as a child growing up in Flint. Today, affordable housing is a passion he pursues in his work in real estate as an operations executive at McKinley and as founder of The Beetle Project, a real estate holding company dedicated to sustainable housing and philanthropy in Washtenaw County. Will also volunteers at his church and other local nonprofits, including service as secretary on the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Board of Directors.
“Affordable housing is directly tied to stable housing,” says Will. “Stable housing is directly tied to a child’s ability to get a decent education, which allows them to support themselves and to contribute to their society. It helps break that generational cycle of poverty.”
For older adults, Will says affordable housing is essential. “Affordable housing becomes even more critical for low-income older adults who are such a vulnerable part of our population. My connection with the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation takes the passion I have always had and has helped enlighten me on the impact of affordable housing for older adults.”
Will notes, “In the next ten years, the number of people 65 years or older will increase by 50%. That’s got to be a wake-up call, a siren for us to get seriously into action.” He says it has been “eye-opening” to learn what Brio Living Services is doing to serve “our most economically vulnerable older adults,” including Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and affordable living, even Benevolent Care for older adults who outlive their savings. “They are on an equal footing and deserve the same attention and care,” says Will.
He adds, “I am thrilled to be an ambassador for the Foundation and Brio Living Services and to advocate for affordable living opportunities for older adults through my contacts with local leaders and state representatives. I serve on the Foundation Board because it lines up with my core purpose: to serve others for the glory of God. This role allows me to do just that and learn a lot along the way.”
Ready to Become a Member?
To learn more about supporting the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, or becoming a member of the UMRC-Porter Hills Legacy Society, call 734.433.1000 ext. 7502 (east) or 616.577.2297 (west).
To Make a Gift Now: Click here to make a secure online gift via credit card to the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation.