Fifteen years ago, the McNamara family made a decision that would transform a heartbreaking loss into a lasting gift for the community they love.
Established at the Otsego Community Foundation on October 18, 2011, the Dr. Patrick J. McNamara Fund was created to honor the memory of Dr. Patrick McNamara and ensure his legacy would continue to make a difference for generations to come.
Today, fifteen years later, that vision remains as strong as ever. The Dr. Patrick J. McNamara Fund stands as a powerful example of how an endowed fund can create lasting impact. Since its creation, the fund has received $382,619.35 in gifts, awarded $255,441.34 in grants, and grown to $490,368.76 in assets.
Those numbers tell an important story. Through careful stewardship and investment, the fund has distributed more than a quarter-million dollars to local organizations and projects while continuing to grow. The result is a permanent charitable resource that will continue supporting the community not just for years, but forever.
"This is a way for us to carry out the wishes of our loved one. This community has provided a great safe and sound place to raise a family and we need to ensure that for generations. This is a legacy that will last forever. We think that is important," said Bob McNamara Jr.
To hear Bobby reflect on the importance of legacy and the family's vision for the fund, watch the video below.
Over the past fifteen years, the fund has touched countless lives through grants that support education, healthcare, youth development, conservation, community enrichment, and the well-being of local families. Today, 93 organizations have received funding through the Dr. Patrick J. McNamara Fund, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of one family's commitment to giving back.
The fund's impact can be seen throughout the region.
One of the fund's earliest grants helped purchase high-definition video tower equipment for the surgical department at Otsego Memorial Hospital. More than thirteen years later, that equipment continues to be used in surgical procedures, helping physicians provide advanced care to patients throughout northern Michigan. Hospital leaders recently reflected on the lasting value of the investment, noting that the equipment became a foundational part of their surgical program and supported the evolution of surgical services over time. Today, the equipment remains in service, continuing to benefit patients, providers, and families throughout the region. It is a powerful reminder that philanthropy can create benefits that extend far beyond the initial investment.
The fund's impact can also be seen in projects that brought people together while inspiring future generations. Support for Wings Over Northern Michigan helped create educational and aviation-focused experiences that celebrated innovation, exploration, and community engagement. A grant awarded through the fund marked more than $100,000 distributed from the Dr. Patrick J. McNamara Fund, highlighting the enduring impact of the family's commitment to strengthening the community. Given Dr. McNamara's passion for aviation, the event served as a particularly meaningful reflection of the interests and values that helped shape his life.
It has also contributed to transformational community projects such as the Gaylord Community Field. Spearheaded by the Quarterback Club and supported by community partners and 158 donors, the project turned a long-held dream into reality. The state-of-the-art turf field provides a safe, high-quality facility for students, athletes, and community members while fostering community pride and connection.
Beyond these examples, dozens of organizations have benefited from the fund's generosity, including schools, healthcare providers, conservation groups, historical organizations, youth programs, social service agencies, veterans organizations, arts and cultural groups, and community development initiatives throughout northern Michigan.
While the projects vary, the purpose remains the same: investing in a stronger future for the place Dr. McNamara called home.
At its heart, the Dr. Patrick J. McNamara Fund is more than an endowment. It is a reminder that a life can continue shaping a community long after it has ended. Every grant awarded, every patient helped, every opportunity created, and every community project realized extends a legacy that began with one family's commitment to giving back.
As the Otsego Community Foundation celebrates the fund's 15th anniversary, we are grateful to the McNamara family for their vision, trust, and enduring belief in our community.
Continue the Legacy
The Dr. Patrick J. McNamara Fund remains an enduring source of support for our community. Gifts to the fund honor Dr. McNamara's legacy while helping ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the same spirit of generosity that inspired its creation.
Because the Dr. Patrick J. McNamara Fund is unrestricted, it can respond to the community's most pressing needs and promising opportunities as they emerge. Whether supporting healthcare, education, community development, conservation, or future priorities not yet imagined, every contribution helps grow a permanent charitable resource dedicated to improving quality of life in northern Michigan.
To make a gift to the Dr. Patrick J. McNamara Fund and help continue this legacy, visit: https://godonate.akoyago.com/OCF/fund/dr.-patrick-j-mcnamara-fund
Gifts can be mailed to: Otsego Community Foundation PO Box 344 Gaylord, MI 49734
(Please make check out to OCF with Dr. Patrick J, McNamara Fund in the memo line.
Below is a slideshow a few projects made possible by the Dr. Patrick J. McNamara Fund
