Marianne Swick on Muskegon: “The Best Kept Secret”

Marianne and George Swick moved to Muskegon almost 50 years ago for George’s career as an engineer. Having worked previously as a teacher, Marianne was impressed with the local school system. She spent her time raising their children and volunteering with their church, Girl Scouts, and the Hume Home – to name a few. Both George and Marianne have always been passionate about contributing their time and money to causes they truly care about.

One day, Marianne was thinking about ways to give back to the community that they loved, and she remembered the Community Foundation. After hearing from others that held funds here and seeing publicity about the work being done, she reached out. Marianne knew it was the right place and has always appreciated that the Community Foundation’s work covers an area with so many different needs. Though George has passed, Marianne has continued their support of the community they loved by creating the George & Marianne Swick Fund. 

“For one thing, giving to something that you believe in really is a good feeling,” said Marianne.  “Knowing that you’re a part of something can make a big difference. I don’t think people ever regret giving. You can know that you helped some special need somewhere, and I am thankful that my thinking turned to giving.”

Marianne has been very impressed with all that has been evolving downtown and says that Muskegon is “the best kept secret.” One local gem that Marianne and her family frequented was the Frauenthal Center.

“I took two of my granddaughters to see Annie, and the memory of the joy they had at being there was very special,” said Marianne. “The Frauenthal Center is so worth restoring and keeping it for the next generation, and I am really happy to give to the cause.”

Using a combination of appreciated stocks and IRA assets, Marianne was recently able to give a considerable gift to The Next 90 Years Preservation Campaign Fund. Marianne has seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, with one more on the way! She hopes that they too will enjoy the theater for generations to come.

We are so grateful for Marianne’s generosity and couldn’t agree more when she said, “Muskegon is a wonderful place to live.”

If you would like to explore your giving options, please reach out to one of our Development team members.

Heidi Sytsema
heidi@muskegonfoundation.org
231.332.4107

Pete DeBoer
pete@muskegonfoundation.org
231.332.4139

Bonita Jackson
bonita@muskegonfoundation.org
231.332.4141