In 1969, just as the Allegan County Community Foundation was officially incorporated, Mr. Ethol Stone left $1.2 million to the new philanthropic organization. (That's equivalent to more than $6 million in today's dollars!).

Mr. Stone was an attorney who operated a law and county abstract business in Allegan almost until the day he died at age 89. He was one of the foundation's three original founders; their goal was to establish an endowment so that donor gifts would be available in perpetuity to make grants to charitable organizations serving our community.

At the time, area residents were as surprised by the existence of the Allegan County Community Foundation as they were by the size of Mr. Stone's gift. The sizeable bequest did volumes to raise awareness of the then-new Foundation and its mission. In 1972, the Foundation made its first grant distribution, totaling just over $14,000, to three area hospitals for equipment needed to improve patient care.

While it was public knowledge that Mr. Stone served on the boards of many area banks and industries, few knew how adventurous Mr. Stone was when it came to investing in the stock market. Profitable investments accounted for much of his estate; in fact, at the time of his passing, friends said the $1.2 million gift to the foundation was probably more than Mr. Stone had earned in 65 years of practicing law.

Mr. Stone lived modestly in an unpretentious frame house on Marshall Street most of his adult life. His law practice, begun in 1904 after he worked his way through the University of Michigan law school, was devoted largely to counseling county residents on business matters, wills and property transfers.

We're pleased to recognize Mr. Stone's gift, the first ever to the ACCF and certainly a large and generous one. Please check this page regularly, as we feature a variety of donors-from all areas of the county, from all socio-economic backgrounds, funding the ACCF in a variety of ways. All donations, regardless of size, are important in helping the ACCF achieve its mission for good. For ever.

There are a number of ways to donate to the ACCF. Find out more on this website, and talk with your financial advisor to determine what vehicle is most beneficial for you and your loved ones.

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