A Commitment to Service Her late husband Bill used to describe Patricia Edison as a professional volunteer—a phrase that only begins to capture her philanthropic heart and actions. Pat shows commitment and love through giving in so many ways. Except for one year after getting married, Pat has spent her life in Grand Rapids, and her example will leave a lasting impact here. Her legacy will live on through the lessons passed down to her great-grandchildren and the picture of giving she models for community. Pat is known for being incredibly involved in community through volunteerism and donations. This involvement led her to Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 1971. When the Community Foundation was looking for a new executive director, Pat mentioned to her husband that she thought she could do it. Much to her surprise, considering that era’s views on women in the workforce, Bill immediately agreed and supported her as she continued interviewing for the position. She was right: she was perfect for the role. As executive director, Pat used her skills to advance not only her personal philanthropy but also to make a huge change in community. Pat led the Community Foundation as its first female executive director until 1987, when she passed the baton to Diana Sieger, the current president. Besides leaving sticky notes in file folders to draw attention to important documents and notes, Pat emphasized the importance of making sure community voice is incorporated into decision making. At that time, the emergence of neighborhood associations was a critical link to the broader community. She still sees the Community Foundation’s role as centered in community engagement, demonstrating her philanthropic ethos. “There will always be a need for leadership,” says Pat. “And there is an equal need to listen to what the people want. There are people here who care so much. It always seemed to me that if there was a problem in Grand Rapids, there was an organization that was already at work trying to alleviate it.” Ever humble, Pat has a way of shifting attention away from her own accomplishments, instead preferring to tell stories of startups making a difference and the importance of collaboration. The moments she is
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Pictured above: Diana Sieger and Patricia Edison
“No gift is too small, whether it’s a gift of finance or a gift of time or talent.”
“There will always be a need for leadership,” says Pat. “And there is an equal need to listen to what the people want.”
most proud of during her time at the Community Foundation demonstrate her others-focused leadership style. Pat is proud of laying the groundwork to create Friends of the Foundation, which encouraged and clarified ways people could leave legacy gifts and thus support causes they cared about beyond their lifetimes. She also helped the Community Foundation leverage its resources to adapt to community needs, noting in particular, support for the arts and social service sectors after federal funding cuts in the early 1980s. She recalls a small nonprofit startup, Ears for the Deaf, that received funding from the Community Foundation. That organization is now known as Paws With A Cause. “As the old saying goes, ‘great oaks from little acorns grow,’” says Pat. Leaving a lasting legacy, being responsive and adaptable to changing needs and supporting community-generated solutions are cornerstones in how Pat talks about philanthropy. Her influence not only impacted the Community Foundation, but also modeled for others how to demonstrate their care for Grand Rapids. For those just starting their philanthropic journey, Pat has a few words of wisdom. “First, follow your heart. Make the gift and become involved with the organization that you most respect and are interested in. The second thing to remember is that no gift is too small, whether it’s a gift of finance or a gift of time or talent.” H.G.F. T.G.
