A Bright Spot at the Holidays

When GCF staff member Jim Huizenga ran into his friend Kim Mauer last December, she was distressed. She was concerned that 170 children might not have Christmas.

Kim explained that 49 families had not yet been sponsored through the Adopt-a-Family program at Mercy Franciscan at St. Raphael, a Hamilton-based social service agency where Kim serves as a board member.

Panic about Christmas presents? No, the issue was more than presents. The number of families in need had increased due to economic conditions in and around Hamilton. The Adopt-a-Family program provides groceries and necessary items for the families. Many are in need of coats, gloves, hats and other clothing. If money permits, the agency is able to purchase toys.

“Kim was reaching out to everyone she knew -- and many she didn’t -- to try to find dollars,” Jim said. “On Dec. 10, she shot me another e-mail saying, 'time is not on our side.' In other words, ‘Jim, if you have any ideas, please speak up.’ This was sort of a kick in the pants for me.”

Jim, with his background working with GCF’s private foundation clients, did some research and decided that St. Raphael’s need fit the funding priorities of the Helen Steiner Rice Foundation.

“I recommended to the trustees that they respond to this immediate need with a $10,000 grant,” Jim said. The advisors agreed and one wrote, “I am certain this is something Mrs. Rice would have done herself.”

After hearing from Jim about the grant, Kim wrote back, “Jim, I am rarely reduced to tears, but you have just succeeded. God bless you and the Helen Steiner Rice Foundation! I am truly overwhelmed.”

“From inside of a week, we connected the need with the people in control of the resources,” Jim shared. “I recognize this is a one-shot deal. This is not going to solve poverty, or do anything about job training or building capacity. But this grant will provide a bright spot in the lives of these people.”

Bright spot, indeed. A note from St. Raphael to the Helen Steiner Rice trustees read, “Your gift made it possible to provide many needed items and Christmas cheer to 49 families. We truly consider your gift to be a true Christmas miracle.”

Read more about Mercy Franciscan at St. Raphael.

Read more about GCF’s Private Foundation Grantmaking Services.