On a sunny day in late summer 1993, nine year old Aaron Howell squinted as he looked skyward. Jets thundered overhead, streaking past the air show crowd at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in southeast Michigan. At that moment, his fascination with flight took off. At age 17, after flying a small plane for the first time, he was hooked for good.

“I wanted to learn how to fly an airplane, but the college I was attending (out-of-state) did not have an aviation program,” said Aaron. “Someone told me about the Aviation Flight Technology program at Delta College, so I returned home.”

To assist with his studies, Aaron applied for and received several scholarships from Saginaw Community Foundation between

2004 and 2006 totaling $5,000. Aaron credits the scholarships with making a difference in his life.

“Without the scholarships from Saginaw Community Foundation, I never would have been able to start flight training, and, without finishing college, I would not be doing what I am doing today.”

After receiving an Associate’s degree in science in 2007, Aaron went on to earn an Associate’s degree in applied science in aviation flight technology in 2009. During that time he also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business and commer-cial aviation from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina.

Following his graduation, Aaron joined the U.S. Navy, receiving his commission in Octo-ber, 2009. On August 12, 2011, he earned his wings as a pilot in the Navy.

Today, Aaron is a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy stationed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He serves as a Naval Aviator, Aircraft Com-mander and Mission Commander on a E-6B Mercury aircraft with TACAMO (Take Charge And Move Out). Aaron commands crew of 14 and is responsible for $500 million worth of U.S. Government equipment.

“My job is to talk to anything that can launch a nuclear weapon,” said Aaron.

According to the U.S. Navy Naval Air Systems Command, the E-6B Mercury is a communications relay and strategic air-borne command post aircraft that provides survivable, reliable and endurable airborne command, control and communications

Since awarding our first $500 scholar-ship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $4 million to area students. Each year, over 200 college-bound and vocational students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our scholarships are very diverse and each fund reflects the individual inter-ests and personal philosophies of its donor(s). Some can be used for voca-tional training, others are awarded only for undergraduate or graduate studies. Some scholarships are restricted to specific areas of study, while others are very broad. Some of the Foundation’s scholarships are need-based, others are based solely on merit and some are a combination of the two.

Students from across Saginaw County and Michigan use Foundation scholar-ships to pursue education beyond high school. They come from all walks of life and all areas. Their backgrounds may be very different, but they all have one thing in common – the desire and the drive to achieve a higher education.

The scholarships we award each year are made possible because of the generosity of our fund donors and their commitment to education. Our donors are individuals, families, civic groups and businesses who believe in the value of education. To them we extend our deepest appreciation.

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FALL 2014

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE

Blue skies ahead

Bridgeport native Lt. Aaron Howell, U.S. Navy, stands in front of an E-6B Mercury aircraft engine. continued on page 4 ...$4 million

Scholarship dollars awarded since 1987

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Fall into Philanthropy

Fall is definitely in the air and summer has quickly come to an end. So when you think of fall, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Do you think of an Indian summer, raking leaves or turning the clocks back for an extra hour of sleep? Or maybe you’re anticipating football season and finding out how well the Detroit Lions will perform this year.

At SCF, when we think of fall, we think about preparing for various activities and events for the final months of the year. We are getting ready for another scholarship season, planning our Volunteer Apprecia-tion event and the annual Cornerstone Campaign and reception. It’s definitely a philanthropic time of the year.

A year ago, in the fall Cornerstone issue, I referenced the word philanthropy as one way to explain what the community foundation does. We want to be viewed as a philanthropic expert. As you read through this issue of Cornerstone you will see how SCF has worked with individuals to help “Dreams Come True,” or even change people’s lives.

Our mission is to fulfill donor’s wishes by helping them accomplish their philan-thropic goals. And if one thinks that they need millions of dollars to make a philan-thropic impact, we’re here to tell you that is not true. In fact, if you consider any of the giving options mentioned on page 5, there are different types and amounts of assets to consider. Whichever option you may consider, we encourage you to consult with

BOARD MEMBERS

Heidi A. BolgerChair

Smallwood HolomanVice-Chair

Reneé S. JohnstonPresident & CEO

Mamie Thorns, Ph.D.Secretary

Luis CanalesrTreasurer

Shari KennettAssistant Treasurer

Dick Syrek SCF Liaison

Keith Wenzel United Way Liaison

John SheltonCommunity Liaison

David J. Abbs Immediate Past Chair

STAFF

Reneé S. JohnstonPresident & CEO

Becky GerzsenyDirector of Finance

Brian JacksonDirector of Donor Services &

Special Initiatives

Kendra KempfProgram Officer/FORCE Coordinator

Bryan Konieczka Marketing & Communications Officer

LeeAnn Martuch Program Officer

Darci Seamon Administrative/Finance Assistant

Debra Shelton Youth First Director

Andre BuckleyVictor GomezTodd Gregory Dr. Carlton JenkinsDr. John KosanovichTrish Luplow

Francine RifkinCherie SammisKari ShaheenBridget SmithLaura Yockey

Confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations

Masthead photo credit: Robert Martuch

2

your financial manager to make sure it’s the right fit for you. And, a SCF representative is always available to assist you and your finan-cial manager or any professional advisor.

Not only does philanthropy come in differ-ent amounts, but a philanthropist can also come in all ages. Now that it’s fall and kids are back in school, they’ll be learning their ABCs and 123s. At SCF we’re also interested in educating our youth on “P” is for Philanthro-py. I’m reminded of the time I was invited to present before an elementary school audi-ence to talk about my job with the founda-tion. When explaining my role, I introduced the word philanthropy to them. Most of the children had never heard of the word, let alone, how to say it. But, it’s amazing to see the number young people in our community take the lead on raising funds for a new com-munity playground or volunteering to clean up our neighborhoods. It is inspiring to see philanthropy in action at a young age!

Lastly, I want to comment that philanthropy is not just about giving of money, but also the giving or volunteering of time – like James Dwenger (see page 3). SCF is honored to recognize people like James and many others who volunteer their time to make our community better place.

So, whatever you think of this fall, think Philanthropy, think about our community, think about how you can make a difference in the community and know that SCF is here to help.

Reneé S. Johnston, President & CEO

SAGINAWCOUNTY

making an impact in

FOR GOOD. FOR EVER.

The Saginaw Community Foundation works hard to bring community initiatives to life. Here are some of the things we’ve been up to:

251 $1,600 103scholarships

awarded in 20141

average scholarship value2

competitive grants issued in 2013

$

1includes Saginaw Promise Zone scholarships

2excludes Saginaw Promise Zone scholarships

We are impactAt our Annual Celebration this past June, we honored our outstanding philanthro-pists and volunteers, as well as announced the recipient of the 2014 Community Improvement Initiative grant recipient.

2014 Community Improvement InitiativeThomas Township Parks & Recreation with Swan Valley High School was awarded a grant for up to $25,000 for its “Partnership for a Better Today” project.

The project will complete safety projects on the Thomas Township Trail (including fencing and a solar caution light), clear out overgrown and downed trees at Roethke Park, build benches and bike racks for the Thomas Township Trail and initiate Phase One of a trailhead pavilion that would eventually provide restroom facilities for trail-goers. The 2.3 mile paved pathway runs north and south crossing Gratiot, O’Hern and Ederer Roads connecting to the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail.

In a surprise announcement, FirstMerit Bank presented the 2014 Community Improvement Initiative grant runner-up project with $25,000. The project is “One Week, One Street” and is being organized by New Beginnings Enrichment Center.

“One Week, One Street” is a yearly project that takes place during the third week in June. The project will make immediate, indelible and measurable impacts on the physical landscape of neighborhoods in Saginaw. This past June, the beautifica-tion effort was focused on 59 homes on Harold Street (between East Genesee and Bagley) and included the completion of a youth center, neighborhood park and community tool shed. The project impacted approximately 800+ residents that will be able to use the play park and tool shed. Approximately 400+ teens will be able use the youth center for a safe place to receive help with homework, have computer and printer access, and receive skills training.

Frank N. Andersen Spirit of Philanthropy AwardLaMarr Woodley was honored with the Frank N. Andersen Spirit of Philanthropy Award, which was established in 1994 to honor the great philanthropist, Frank N. Andersen.

“The purpose of the award is to honor an individual who has a history of outstand-ing philanthropic leadership and has demonstrated an extraordinary personal commitment to improving the quality of life for Saginaw County citizens,” said Reneé Johnston, president and CEO of Saginaw Community Foundation. “We also want to encourage and recognize philanthropy in Saginaw County.”

LaMarr has supported many initiatives in the Saginaw area over the years by hosting fundraisers or contributing his own funds. He is a supporter of the Heroes for Kids fund here at SCF and has covered the costs for student athletes in the Saginaw Public Schools.

Past recipients of this award include Frank N. Andersen, Richard Wolohan, Wally Bron-ner, Lloyd Yeo, Ted Braun, the Shaheen fam-ily, Marty Stark, Sue Pumford, Paul Chaffee, Culli Damuth, Gen. David Hall, Joseph Madison and Richard J. Garber.

Dr. Mridha Teacher of the Year AwardKay Wejrowski from Swan Valley High School was recognized with the Dr. Mridha Teacher of the Year Award. The award, offered through the Mridha Foundation Teacher of the Year Endowment Fund held at SCF, grants $750 to the Saginaw Inter-mediate School District to support the recipient’s educational and professional development.

3

“If teachers are stimulated, it makes our stu-dents even better,” says Dr. Debasish Mridha. “I want to honor teachers who go beyond their duty to inspire and instill wisdom and vision so students can go back into the com-munity and do good.”

Joseph W. Madison Youth AwardJames Dwenger, a student at Swan Valley High School, was awarded the Joseph W. Madison Youth Award.

“Six years ago, we thought it would be appro-priate to identify and recognize youth in our community for their tremendous efforts to make a difference,” Johnston said. “The Joseph W. Madison Youth Award criteria is based on qualities of outstanding philanthropic spirit, cooperation with others and generosity of time and talent.”

Dwenger, nominated by Kay Wejrowski from Swan Valley High School is known for his selfless attitude and dedication to helping others. He is always counted upon to help out and get the job done. Read his nomination at our website at saginawfoundation.org/site/2014-youth-award/

ANNUAL CELEBRATION

Dr. Debasish Mrihda (left), 2014 Dr. Mrihda Foun-dation Teacher of the Year Award recipient Kay Wejrowski, Swan Valley High School (center), and Brian Jackson, director of donor services & special initiatives, Saginaw Community Foundation (right).

James Dwenger, Swan Valley High School, 2014 Saginaw Community Foundation Joseph W. Madison Youth Award recipient.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Blue skies ahead

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

FRIENDS CIRCLE

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

FirstMerit Bank

HORIZONS Conference Center

Morley Companies, Inc.

Nexteer Automotive

Stevens Worldwide Van Lines

Yeo & Yeo, P.C., CPAs & Business Consultants

Bierlein Companies, Inc.

Burt Watson Chevrolet, Inc.

Chemical Bank

Consumers Energy

Covenant HealthCare

The Dow Chemical Company Foundation

Dow Corning Corporation

F.P. Horak

Fabiano Brothers, Inc.

Garber Management Group

Glastender, Inc.

Hemlock Semiconductor

The Iles Group at Merrill Lynch

Merrill Technologies Group

Michigan Sugar Company

Network Services Group

Rehmann

Robert E. Stark & Martin H. Stark Foundation Fund

St. Mary’s of Michigan

Spence Brothers

Tri-Star Trust Bank

Wolgast Corporation

We thank our corporate sponsors for their generous support of Saginaw Community Foundation general operations.

There are various levels of public and printed recognition available – including introductions at events, listings in foundation publications and logos on our website – depending upon your membership level. For more information, call (989) 755-0545.

WANT TO JOIN THE inner CIRCLE?

4

between the National Command Authority and U.S. strategic and non-strategic forces. It is the airborne portion of the TACAMO Communications System.

Typically, Aaron is deployed in-country for one month assign-ments and then returns to his stationed base for a month. He averages 200 days of deployment per year. Over the past two years, he visited 41 of 50 states.

“With my busy schedule, I am only able to come home once or twice every 13 or 14 months.”

Aaron, one of seven children, is the son of John III and Adna Howell. He graduated from Bridgeport Baptist Academy in 2002 as valedictorian. He also received the school’s Chris-tian Leadership Award.

As for the future, Aaron says: “I’m staying in the Navy until they kick me out. Seriously, though, I really enjoy what I am doing. Scholar-ships from Saginaw Community Foundation have really made a difference in my life.”

We’d love to hear from our scholarship alumniAre you or do you know someone who received a scholarship from Saginaw Community Foundation? We would love to hear from you and learn what you have been up to since graduation. Contact LeeAnn Martuch, program officer, at (989) 755-0545 or leeann@ saginawfoundation.org.

Aaron Howell Scholarships Received

2004Bud and Katherine Rae Aviation Scholarship$1,000

2005Bud and Katherine Rae Aviation Scholarship$1,500

Thomas W. McDonald, Sr. Saginaw Township Business Association Scholarship$500

2006Frank N. Andersen Memorial Scholarship$1,500

Morley Travel Scholarship$500

Total: $5,000

An E-6B Mercury aircraft, commanded by Bridgeport native Lt. Aaron Howell, U.S. Navy.

Behind the scenes

5

Outright GiftMake a gift today with cash, stocks, bonds or other assets to Saginaw Community Foundation. Your chari-table gift may qualify for attractive tax advantages.

Bequest by will Establish a fund in your name (or in the name of your family) by designat-ing a gift or portion of your estate to Saginaw Community Foundation. In some cases, receive a substantial reduction in federal gift and estate taxes.

Real estate Turn property gains into community impact. The value of your real estate may exceed that of any other asset you own. Use it to establish or contrib-ute to a community foundation fund; you can fulfill charitable interests and receive tax benefits.

Retirement accounts Choose our community over taxes. Naming the community foundation as a beneficiary of your retirement account [401(k) or IRA] is an easy way to make a significant, lasting gift that may not be possible during your lifetime. It’s easy; no need to modify your will or estate plan.

Life insurance Make Saginaw Community Founda-tion the full or partial beneficiary of a life insurance policy. It’s a simple way to make a major gift back to the community that you call home, with possible tax benefits during your lifetime.

Charitable gift annuity Give cash or property to your com-munity foundation now, get immedi-ate tax benefits and ensure that you or a loved one receive fixed income payments for life.

Charitable trusts Place cash or property in a Charitable Remainder Trust that pays income to you or a loved one for life. After your death, the balance transfers to Saginaw Community Foundation for a charitable purpose you have selected. You receive income tax benefits the year you establish your trust. Or establish a Charitable Lead Trust that pays a fixed amount to the commu-nity foundation for a number of years. After this period, trust assets transfer to the beneficiaries you name. In some cases, this arrangement reduces your federal gift and estate taxes.

GIVING

Seven giving optionsEach individual, family or organization we work with has distinct charitable interests – and unique financial circumstances. We help you make the most of both, so you receive the greatest return on your commu-nity investment. Here are seven ways you can achieve the greatest good with creative giving solutions designed around you.

Here’s a quick look. A glimpse. A snapshot. It’s what’s happening behind the scenes at Saginaw Community Foundation.

We’re here to helpSaginaw Community Foundation provides many no-cost services to help you meet your charitable and financial goals. We can assist with calculating a charitable gift annuity; handle the transfer of appreciated securities, life insurance and other complicated as-sets; or provide materials about the foundation, charitable giving strategies, fund types and community needs.

For questions, ideas or conversation, contact Reneé Johnston, president and CEO, at (989) 755-0545 or via email at renee@saginawfoundation.org.

5-year asset history

2013 operating expenses

Competitive grant dollarsrequested vs. competitivegrant dollars awarded

2009 2010 2011 2012

As a percentage of assets

As of June 30, 2014

Less than one and a half centson the dollar went towards our

operating expenses in 2013.

2013

$40.

5M

$35.

8M

$38.

5M

$41.

8M

$48.

4M

1.45%

327kCompetitive grant dollars awarded

694kCompetitive grant dollars requested

CORNER1 Tuscola St., Suite 100B

Saginaw, MI 48607

UPCOMING EVENTS

saginawfoundation.orgfor more info, visit

impactMAKE AN IN OUR COMMUNITYwith your gift today.

Name(s):

Address:

City: State: ZIP:

Phone: Email:

Gift amount: $ Direct gift to fund/program (if applicable):

Please charge my: VISA MasterCard Discover American Express

Credit card #:

Expiration date (MM/YY): 3-digit security code:

Print name as it appears on credit card:

Signature:

Please make checks payable to Saginaw Community Foundation

MAIL TO: Saginaw Community Foundation • 1 Tuscola St. • Suite 100B • Saginaw, MI 48607

Save a stamp. Donate online.saginawfoundation.org/site/for-donors/give-now/ MICS 8035

Applications for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Scholarship are now available. This scholarship is for Bay, Midland and Saginaw County high school seniors, regardless of ethnic-ity, who actively embrace Dr. King’s dream of improving racial harmony and social justice.

Scholarships are $1,000 and are nonrenewable. The awards will be presented at the annual Great Lakes Bay Regional Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration program to be held on Jan. 14, 2015 at Saginaw Valley State University.

Completed applications are due by Oct. 31, 2014. Download an application at saginawfoundation.org/site/mlk-scholarship/

SCHOLARSHIP

If you are receiving duplicate copies of Cornerstone, let us know, and please pass one on to a friend.

MLK REGIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

6OCT

31OCT

1DEC

1NOV

Volunteer Appreciation Event at Bancroft Wine & Martini Bar

Applications are due for: • Dow Corning Donor Advised

Fund grants• Saginaw Community

Foundation general grants

Scholarship application opens

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Scholarship applications due

Applications are due for: • Nexteer Steering the Future

Fund grants