GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Over more than 50 years of giving, Richard and Helen DeVos have poured their support into several things, including the arts.
As the foundation sunsets, local musical and artistic leaders have been reflecting on their support.
David Lockington, the former music director for the Grand Rapids Symphony, said the couple helped the symphony grow in many ways.
“The symphony was really Helen’s passion. She absolutely loved classical music and really helped drive the community to come around the symphony and in the making of music," said Lockington. "The most important thing perhaps was the financial support that they gave the orchestra. While I was the music director, they gave a very generous gift of $20 million."
That money helped the symphony’s quality of musicians grow, increased their pay and supported the creation of the DeVos quartet.
But one of the most important things Lockington said the foundation did was help create a better musical experience for the community.
“The DeVos’ belief, and it was a true one, is that a great city needs great arts institutions. And it doesn't only make sense for business, it makes sense for education clearly, and is kind of a reflection of the soul of the community,” said Lockington.
That’s a sentiment the St. Cecilia Music Center’s Executive and Artistic Kathy Holbrook shares.
“They recognized that it's really the thing that enriches people's lives, is to have arts and culture in the community and a place for people to gather to enjoy music and art,” said Holbrook.
She said the foundation provided financial support for the center's focus on musical education.
Children and adults of all ages from the area have been able to take classes, join summer camps and even been involved in orchestras at the center.
“We're creating the next generation of audience members of our supporters of people who love music and have music in their lives and then pass it on to their kids,” said Holbrook.
Helen DeVos was a major part of the board at St. Cecilia's and was even president at one time.
To honor her, the center created the Helen DeVos Legacy Award Gala, which happens every year.
“We choose a different woman or women in the community who have had, you know, a really wonderful impact on the cultural life of West Michigan and have supported the arts in West Michigan,” said Holbrook.
While the foundation’s support may be coming to a close, these leaders say the foundation’s influence in the arts and culture world are everlasting.
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