Meet our donors!
Read about the good that comes from your support for older adults.
Meet Our Donors: Rev. Dr. Brent and Marlene McCumons
Retired United Methodist clergy and elementary school/Reading Recovery teacher, Brent and Marlene McCumons, residents of Chelsea Retirement Community’s Prairie Cottages, have made a lifetime of giving of themselves to make life better for others. It’s not surprising, then, that they continue to give in retirement to serve older adults.
“Philanthropy is important because it always has been,” says Brent. “Both our families taught us the importance of giving.”
Brent has served the Foundation and Brio boards and is currently a member of the Campaign Cabinet for the Live Life with Brio comprehensive campaign. In these ways, Brent says he has gained important insights into the organization. “I see how fiscally responsible the organization is. It’s why we live here.”
“We see the effects of Brio and the Foundation and how much they care for the people, team members, and residents,” says Marlene. “The quality of life here is life-giving.”
Brent and Marlene have long been donors to the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation. Their love for the mission has also led them to become members of the Foundation’s Legacy Society through their estate plan. “We want to provide continued support after we’re gone for the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation and Brio Living Services,” Brent shares. “There will always be needs and ways of helping people. We feel confident that the organization will accomplish its mission and outreach.”
Brent adds, “I would really encourage others to consider leaving a legacy. We are inspired by those who stepped up to the plate. We want our legacy to be that we helped people in whatever ways we could.”
Meet Our Donors: Reezie DeVet
Catherine “Reezie” DeVet had worked in healthcare for much of her career when she joined the Porter Hills corporate board in the 1990s. Still, the concept of a continuing care retirement community, or CCRC, where older adults could receive the level of care they need—all on one campus—was new to her. “I was supportive and thrilled to know people who had the foresight to want to make life better for older adults. As a faith-based organization which welcomed everyone, I was impressed that we were really living out our Christian values.”
Reezie has been a long-time supporter and currently serves as the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Board Chair.
As a nurse, Reezie says she touched many lives, but as a donor, she has the ability to reach even more. “In 1970, people cared enough to create Porter Hills Village to serve older adults then and into the future. They left a legacy of giving. Now 55 years later, it’s our turn to create a new, more modern campus for Porter Hills Village. The people who will benefit won’t know our names, and we won’t know theirs, but they will know someone cared and will hopefully be inspired to give in turn.”
Reezie compares this to “dropping a pebble in a pond. Your giving expands to others, and those ripples expand even more. It is a powerful way of touching people’s lives. The UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation gives us a meaningful way to do that.”
Meet Our Donors: June Marshall
It was bitterly cold outside but, inside, toes were tapping and hands clapping at Porter Hills Village. Residents were treated to an outstanding jazz concert by the Terry Lower Trio, courtesy of Shoreline Music Society and generous donors to the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, including fellow resident June Law Marshall.
“Music soothes the soul,” says June, retired professor of voice at Aquinas College. “Our residents deserve the chance to enjoy quality music, and these concerts are fabulous. I tell everyone how exceptionally good they are. I invited three of my friends who love jazz to come today. They can’t wait to come back!”
Porter Hills Village has been June’s home for 20 years. She and her second husband, Bob Marshall, moved there in 2006. Both had been widowed and attended the same church. Because of Bob’s poor health, they chose Porter Hills Village because of “its good reputation for continued care,” says June. “We were lucky to move into our brand-new townhome the day after it was completed!”
Bob passed away in 2011, and June continues to enjoy their townhome with her dog, Henry: “The people are so friendly, and there is always something to do. If something goes wrong, the staff fixes it. It’s a really good place for retirees.
“The UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation is the backbone of Porter Hills Village, and I have been very happy to donate to the Benevolent Care Fund and to support team members who provide such excellent care,” June says. “I am glad that Bob and I chose Porter Hills Village, and I know that, if needed, thanks to the Foundation, I will be taken care of in the same way that Bob was taken care of.”
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.
