Articles
All posts categorized “Stories of Giving” (29)
A Pathway to Personal Enrichment
It was love at first sight. At very first sight, in fact - not only was she among the first visitors when Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park opened in April 1995, Valerie…
Pathway to Solace, Joy and Inspiration
Get lost in Meijer Gardens! That’s the humble advice of Glen Johnson, who speaks with uncommon eloquence and a clear passion about the fixed objects of art that inhabit the…
Fred Meijer Remembered
Among his many gifts to his community and the world, Fred Meijer likely will be remembered for creating the Gardens and Sculpture Park bearing his name. Less well known, but…
The Beauty She Cultivated Grows and Blooms Forever
Wherever she went, Connie Snell spread beauty. “She venerated the beauty that flowers could bring to the neighborhood, to our community,” her husband, Hilary Snell,…
Harvey Lemmen on Gift Annuities
In the Grand Atrium of the Grand Room, a small plaque says a lot about a modest man and long-time benefactor of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. When he donated money…
Kapteyn Family–Good Example of Multi-Generational Giving
C. Thomas and Evelyne Kapteyn have been involved with the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park from its beginnings. “When it was being built, I bought a brick with my wife’s…
Chris & Charlotte Southwick on Gift Annuities for Fixed Income
Dr. Chris Southwick and his wife Charlotte (known as “Chat”) have been part of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park since its first day. The Southwicks, both 86, will be part…
Deferred Giving is Easy—Just Ask Rich & Sheri Brolick
Rich Brolick began his career in Horticulture with Zelenka Nursery, along the Lake Shore, in 1960, retiring in 2009 after 40 years as partner and CEO. Rich was introduced to the…
Their Love for the Gardens Grows
Ed and June Prein like to take their daily walk through Meijer Gardens and take in the beauty around them. “The trails in the woods, the flowers, and the sculptures are just…
