This month we are featuring volunteer extraordinaire, Jen Mazur. Jen has been an Extreevaganza Ambassador for the past 5 years, and her infectious spirit, kindness, and dedication shine in all she does for our community. We are extremely grateful for Jen! Here's what...
Bill Corkill
5 Months Post-Disaster, Where Do We Stand?
Though we will never be able to relieve all the pain and heartbreak of May 20, 2022, the Gaylord Long Term Recovery Group will strive to help survivors recover from this tragic day. The past 5 months have been filled with unique challenges, one particularly bright...
Qualified Charitable Distributions
HOW IT WORKS You work with your IRA administrator to transfer up to $100,000 from your IRA directly to the community foundation.You must be 70½ or older at the time the gift is made. If married, each spouse can transfer up to $100,000 from their IRA. We handle all the...
Otsego Career Access Network Names Retired Superintendent Brian Pearson as Network Coordinator
Brian Pearson, recently retired superintendent of Gaylord Community Schools, has been selected to guide the Otsego Career Access Network (OCAN) effective September 1, 2022. Mr. Pearson is a highly respected professional who brings a collaborative mindset...
Volunteer Spotlight: Dave Beyers
This month’s volunteer spotlight is on Dave Beyers. Dave serves as the co-advisor to our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). David is a Christian, father, husband, and parent in the Gaylord area. He loves kids and enjoys coaching and being a fun uncle to his nieces and...
Three Months Post Disaster Gaylord Exemplifies Tenacity, Strength, and Hopefulness
Connectedness and knowing your neighbor fosters recovery GAYLORD, MICH-Saturday, August 20, marks three months since the Alpine Village of Gaylord experienced an unforeseen, powerful, and crushing EF-3 tornado. This tornado devastated homes and businesses,...
The Tornado Response Fund (TRF) of the Otsego Community Foundation (OCF) was established to provide a centralized opportunity for donors to invest in disaster relief efforts and a support mechanism for nonprofit organizations responding to the crisis. Our goal is to...
August is National Make A Will Month
Most of us spend August trying to squeeze in a few more summer activities. However, August is also “National Make A Will” month and is an incredible opportunity for you to support your favorite nonprofits. When you remember the Community Foundation in your estate...
Marathon, Not a Sprint
For the past 7 weeks, in an effort to stay grounded and not burn out, we keep reminding each other "this is a marathon, not a sprint." This morning I spent some time processing this phrase and thinking about how it applies to disaster philanthropy. Typically, our...
A closer look at the OCF and the OCUW
The Otsego Community Foundation (OCF) and Otsego County United Way (OCUW) have worked closely together for the past two years in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the tornado that impacted our community on May 20, 2022, our efforts have united even more. For...
Volunteer Spotlight: Cindy Pushman
We couldn’t do our work without the generous and tireless support of our volunteers. This month’s volunteer spotlight features Cindy Pushman, a valuable six-year veteran of our grant committee. “Cindy is a great asset on the Grant Committee. Her knowledge of social...
Dear Friends, As we reflect on the dash between May 20 – June 20 we have been challenged beyond words, yet fueled by generosity, unity, and a longing to see this through. Sparked by powerful destruction from a natural disaster this life-changing time span has...











