SAGINAW, MI — A recent challenge from a Saginaw Community Foundation board member resulted in charities receiving some unexpected money.
Mark Flegenheimer, former foundation board chairman and president of Michigan Sugar Co., sent an email to the foundation’s 32 board members asking them each to donate $100 after learning about “26 Acts of Kindness,” a challenge started by NBC’s Ann Curry after the Sandy Hook mass-school shooting in Newtown, CT.
“The original thought was to have 26 people to donate and raise $2,600, but that snowballed, and we ended up raising $7,121.78,” said Brian B. Jackson, vice president of donor relations and development.
The money will be divided among multiple Saginaw organizations, including Operation Reach, Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum, YMCA of Saginaw, First Ward Community Center and the String Instrument Program, Jackson said.
“This seemingly small act of kindness will have a very large impact on the children in our own community,” said the foundation’s president, Renee Johnston, in a release.
One organization was caught by surprise after receiving the about $1,000.
“It was unexpected, and we are very gracious to receive those funds,” said Brandon Williams, project manager at Operation Reach.
Williams, 26, of Saginaw said his organization is “very appreciative” of the foundation and has not decided how to use the money.
“We haven’t decided on what exactly to use the funds for, but it will be used on the children and keeping the place open,” Williams said. “Renee Johnston has helped Operation Reach out a lot. We appreciate her and the community foundation.”