In 1995, the BEATRICE V. CHEASLEY FUND came to the Community Foundation without restriction through a bequest from Mrs. Cheasley, who died at 87. “Bea,” an alumnus of Ferris State College, was a homemaker who taught piano for 20 years. She was a member of the Eastern Star, White Shrine, and AAUW Study Groups. Unrestricted gifts, like Mrs. Cheasley’s, are especially appreciated by the Community Foundation because they allow the flexibility to meet the community’s greatest needs as they arise.

The LEAD ’98 program, the Muskegon Civic Theater, and the Collins Fund are just a few examples of the legacy Bea Cheasley generously left for Muskegon County.

While we never had the pleasure of meeting this generous donor, her unrestricted funds have been a powerful tool to address the opportunities and challenges within Muskegon County. Each year, our Distribution Committee decides where unrestricted funds would have the largest impact in the community. As the community changes, so will the projects that these funds support… and the legacy of Bea Cheasley will live on in the community she called home.