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Being BOLD: Peggy Rowley

Bay Area Community Foundation is deeply saddened to lose one of our community’s boldest leaders. Peggy Rowley passed away peacefully on New Year’s Eve and will be missed by many. It is thanks to Peggy that the Bay Area Community Foundation exists. She helped found the organization in 1982, persisting even when others said it couldn’t be done. She served as the Foundation’s first director as a volunteer and began fundraising for what is today’s Riverwalk and Railtrail system. She was instrumental in many community projects because she was passionate and had a knack for getting other people involved.When talking about Peggy and her husband’s Paul service to the community, Paul said it was never about them. It was about the community. When they were first married, they found themselves in many meetings in which people always talked about how the collective “they” needed to do things. Paul said that he quickly discovered that “they” was in fact Paul and Peggy. “Someone has to take a chance,” he said. Paul said Peggy would work on projects and fundraising all day long until 11 p.m. every night for 30-40 years. “She was one of the greatest organizers of ideas,” he said.

She co-founded Bay Concert Band and the Bay City Fireworks Festival and founded the Bay Music Foundation, Bay Arts Council, and school skating and visiting artist programs. For more information about Peggy’s lifelong commitment to this community, you can read her full obituary by clicking here.

In lieu of flowers, Peggy’s family requests gifts to Bay Area Community Foundation for memorial contributions. The Foundation Board of Trustees has decided to name the Arts and Culture fund in Peggy’s name to honor her incredible love and passion for bringing the arts to all. Donations to this fund can be made by clicking here.

Peggy Rowley (and her husband Paul) speaking at a scholarship reception with Bay Area Community Foundation in 2005.

Peggy Rowley shakes hands with Governor James Blanchard at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the footbridge on the Riverwalk/Railtrail in Bay City in 1989.

Peggy Rowley attended the Foundation’s Faces of Philanthropy event this past year in 2019. At this event, honorees are awarded with the Peggy Rowley Community Enrichment award for their service in the community, named after one of our community’s greatest leaders. Left to right behind Peggy: Glenda Labadie (2019 Recipient and Past BACF President & CEO), Diane Fong (Current BACF President & CEO), Paul Rowley, Bonnie Marsh (Past BACF President & CEO), and Gary Labadie (2019 Recipient).

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Press Release – Bay Area Community Foundation receives $20,000 Grant to Support Community Foundation Access and Opportunity Grant Program

“We are excited to once again partner with the United Way of Bay County as we work together to provide this opportunity to the education sector.  Following the success of the pilot program, Lifted Voices: Navigating the Challenges Facing ALICE Youth, we will once again primarily focus on the education sector for training in the program.”  Shawna Walraven, President & CEO, Bay Area Community Foundation.

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Nicole Horn

989.893.4438 or email below 

Donor Relations and Communications Officer

At BACF, I am fortunate to contribute to our mission in meaningful and impactful ways. As your main contact for donor-advised funds, I help ensure that each donor’s unique passions are brought to life through their giving—whether this be through designated or agency funds. It is an honor to connect with generous community members, and I am always available to discuss how you can create a lasting impact in our community.  

In addition, I oversee all of BACF’s communications, bringing ideas to life through engaging stories and visuals. While upholding our brand identity, I strive to highlight the remarkable individuals in our community and the collaborative efforts that make Bay and Arenac counties exceptional places to live, work, and thrive.

As a lifelong Bay County resident, I am deeply connected to our people and community. I cherish the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and am committed to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Bay and Arenac counties, ensuring a bright future for generations to come.

I Can Help You With:

  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Agency & Designated Funds
  • Business Sponsorships
  • Give Local Bay and BACF Events
  • BACF Website
  • BACF Donor Portal

Things I Do In My Free Time: You’ll often find me at a local coffee shop in Downtown Bay City and frequenting the area’s local arts and music scene. I also love hiking and exploring parks both in our area and throughout northern Michigan.

Madi Syring

989.893.4438 or email below 

Program Officer

I am proud to serve my community through my role at BACF. As a Program Officer, I collaborate with nonprofit, government, church, and school partners in Bay and Arenac counties to navigate our grant opportunities and find the right funding alignment. From project conception to post-award, I am your main contact for all things grants. Connecting organizations and donors who share the same vision and passion is at the heart of my work.

I am dedicated to supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to improve our community. Additionally, I provide capacity-building opportunities by hosting educational workshops, managing Catchafire—a volunteer platform connecting organizations with professional services at no cost—and offering technical assistance and resources to build strength in our nonprofit community.
 

I Can Help You With:

  • Navigating the Competitive Grant Process
  • Finding Funding Alignment
  • Building Organizational Capacity
  • Technical Assistance

Things I Do In My Free Time: Outside of work, you might catch me on the trail with my dog! I love backpacking, hiking, hunting, and kayaking all over Michigan. I’m also an avid reader, so you might find me at a local library or bookshop. 

Rachael Rosas

989.893.4438 or email below

Administrative Officer

As the Administrative Officer at BACF, my responsibilities include maintaining our comprehensive database, accurately documenting gifts, and collaborating with building vendors to maintain the historic Pere Marquette Depot.

I am committed to establishing well-documented processes that contribute to the ongoing success of BACF. My deep appreciation for the Pere Marquette Depot drives me to preserve this historic landmark as a source of price for our community, ensuring its legacy for future generations. 

I Can Help You With:

  • Making a Gift to One of Our Many Funds
  • Updating Your Contact Information
  • Identifying the Most Helpful Staff Member or Resource
  • Answering General Questions about BACF
  • Providing Information About the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room Event Space

Things I Do In My Free Time: I enjoy immersing myself in flower gardening and various art projects. I love spending time in nature and attending community events, which help me stay connected and get inspired. 

Frances Moore

989.893.4438 or email below 

Program and Finance Associate

As the Program and Finance Associate at BACF, I support our Scholarship Program and partner with the Director of Finance on financial reporting. I also assist in the management of the Pere Marquette Depot and the 1904 Room event space.

I am honored to play a role in helping individuals achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. I am passionate about making a positive impact and am always ready to lend a helping hand to ensure the success of our programs and the betterment of our community. 

I Can Help You With:

  • Scholarship Applications and Award Process
  • Information about the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room Event Space
  • Coordination with Scholarship Committees
  • General Support for BACF Programs and Initiatives

Things I Do In My Free Time: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring Michigan’s beautiful landscapes, camping under the stars, and bike riding through scenic trails.