What do Michigan and West Virginia have in common? You might say they would be strange bedfellows yet events over the past decade portray more similarities then one would expect. No, it’s not about former football coaches, rather when looking at issues such as the economy, civic infrastructure, education system, the attraction and retention of young people, and other areas that both states have commonalities especially during economic crisis.
In particular, the economic strength and growth of both states relies heavily on three strong pillars within our local and state community; they are the private, public, and nonprofit/philanthropy sectors. When one sector declines or collapses, the others have to step up to ensure economic, civic, and overall community health and growth for our citizens. Philanthropy West Virginia and The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation will host a visit from a foremost national foundation leader Rip Rapson, President & CEO, The Kresge Foundation of Michigan. Rapson will showcase the West Virginia and Michigan similarities and how philanthropy has played a key role in bringing partners together to solve challenges in Michigan and how that can be duplicated in West Virginia. Rapson will visit Charleston on April 29 and 30.
According to Philanthropy WV President & CEO Paul D. Daugherty, “Many times the sector that quietly works behind the scenes delivering ethical leadership by bringing all sectors together to solve economic and community problems is Philanthropy. Philanthropy West Virginia is thrilled to partner with The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation to host Rip Rapson who will tell the story of how the philanthropy community came together with the private and public sectors to help Michigan recover.”
Rapson’s visit will showcase the similarities and the ethical leadership role that Philanthropy, the Kresge Foundation along with their peers, can play in times of economic crisis and how their work in Michigan can serve as an example in Charleston, other cities across the region, or in West Virginia through partnerships among all sectors.
“Philanthropy serves in a critical role at all times in working with the private sector (business, industry, and labor) and the public sector (local, regional, state and federal government) to improve and advance our economy, socio-economic conditions, education, community development, health, arts and culture,and so many other issues important to the quality of life in the Kanawha Valley and in West Virginia,” notes Becky Ceperley, President and CEO of The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation.
Rapson will inspire, energize and educate West Virginia’s foundation, business, government, and nonprofit leaders about his foundation’s work to transform Michigan’s economy and restore its economic leadership. Daugherty shares, “The Kresge Foundation’s focus is on expanding opportunities for vulnerable people. Rip’s visit is a great opportunity to showcase West Virginia’s innovative work and put partnerships in motion across all sectors for economic vitality and improving the quality of life in the Mountain State.”
Rapson’s visit will include:
(1) A Private Dinner and Discussion among philanthropic leaders including board members, CEOs, program staff, and professional advisors for private, family, corporate, community and public grantmaking foundations, corporations and private philanthropists from across the region and state on Wednesday, April 29 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM in Charleston. Dinner is $35 for Philanthropy WV Members and $45 for Non-Members. Contact Kaitlyn at 304.517.1450 or email: knoe@philanthropywv.org to register.
(2) A Public Breakfast and Presentation on Thursday, April 30 from 8:00 to 10:00 AM with private and business sector leaders, community and economic development officials, chambers of commerce, nonprofits, government officials from the state, county and local levels, and many others at the Four Points by Sheraton on Kanawha Blvd in Charleston. Breakfast is $20.00 for Philanthropy WV/WVNPA Members and $30 for Non-Members. Visit: philanthropywv.org for details and to register.
The jointly hosted program by Philanthropy West Virginia and The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation is sponsored by The Maier Foundation and is part of Philanthropy WV’s 2015 “Launching Solutions in the Mountain State” Series.
