Dear Readers,
It’s hard to imagine Flint without the enduring and benevolent support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation … would there be art? Would there be music or theatre? Downtown revitalization? As you can see on this month’s cover, the Foundation recently reached the $1 billion mark for donations to the Flint area – WOW! From their first grant of $1,000 in 1928 to Christ Episcopal Church in Flint, to the multi-million-dollar grant to The Crim Fitness Foundation that brought them to this milestone, the Mott Foundation’s impact on Greater Flint cannot be measured. As chairman of the Flint Institute of Music Board of Trustees, I’ve been fortunate to experience their profound influence on many aspects of our Cultural Center. The community’s past, present and future have been shaped by the vision and philanthropy of C.S. Mott, his family, and the group of dedicated leaders who carry on his legacy.
A new leader in our community is profiled in this issue – accomplished football coach, Clint Alexander, who will lead the Bobcats of Grand Blanc High School this year. Such a great story! Reading it got me thinking about football season being right around the corner (Go Blue!) In other profiles, you’ll find local author Connor Coyne and veteran talk radio host, Tom Sumner – two talented Flint natives who find the city an inspiring place to live, work and be creative.
Creativity is found in so many forms. Whether it’s people cooking great food from their hearts, a master potter teaching others the artform at FIA, a local band donating proceeds from their music to those in need, or a college professor creating exciting educational programs to engage youth in technology, they are enriching many lives in Greater Flint.
So much has been happening this summer! We’ve got 24 pages of “My Haps” – hundreds of smiling faces, as always. Of course, we’ll be Downtown this month covering The Crim Festival of Races and Back to the Bricks … and so much more.
We appreciate all of your feedback on our magazine and the great story suggestions – keep ‘em coming – and enjoy this issue of My City.
