With $40,000 of their own money, William Gainey, Brian Tesler, M.D., and their son Aiden Gainey approached the Community Foundation of Greater Flint in July about establishing four endowments to benefit the Genesee County community. Those four endowments — the Genesee County Historical Society Fund, the Flint Genealogical Society Fund, the Whaley Historic House Museum Fund, and the Stockton House Museum Fund — were officially established on October 6.
They created the funds through their business, Ob/Gyn Board Prep®, a company that helps physicians prepare for and pass their written and oral board certification examinations. The family purchased Ob/Gyn Board Prep® in 2022 and moved it from Minnesota to downtown Flint, where it now operates out of the Mott Foundation Building.
“This is our way of giving back to our community,” William said.
William explained that the benefit of endowments is that donated principal is never spent — only the earnings can be used. The Community Foundation reinvests a portion of those earnings each year so the endowment grows with inflation. When organizations receive their annual payouts, the funds are unrestricted, allowing them to use the money however they choose.
In 2007, William and Brian purchased their downtown Flint home, a red-brick Italianate house built in 1872 by Hiram Smith. William has served on several local nonprofit boards, including the Genesee County Historical Society and the Stockton House Museum. Since 2009, he has served on the board of the Whaley Historic House Museum and has also been president of both the Stockton House Museum and the Whaley Historic House Museum.
Brian was born and raised in Flint. In addition to owning and operating Ob/Gyn Board Prep®, he is the Chief Medical Director of Women’s Health for the McLaren Health System.
Aiden, age 16, is an avid history enthusiast.
After years of serving on nonprofit boards, William said he understands how difficult it can be for organizations to raise funds and rely on annual grant-writing. These efforts require time and energy that could otherwise go toward programs and public engagement. With these endowments, the family hopes each organization will face fewer financial uncertainties year after year.
Organizations Benefiting from the New Endowments
1. The Genesee County Historical Society (est. 1915)
To donate: www.cfgf.org/GCHS
The mission of the Genesee County Historical Society is to preserve, promote, and document the history of Genesee County. Since its founding, the Society has collected meaningful historical artifacts — photos, documents, apparel, and household and business items — from residents across the county. These collections formed the foundation of the Sloan Museum when it opened in 1965.
Statement from Gary Fisher, President, Genesee County Historical Society:
“The Genesee County Historical Society is pleased to announce a generous gift from longtime Society members Bill Gainey and Dr. Brian Tesler. The duo generously funded the start-up for an endowment fund on behalf of the GCHS… We’re proud to offer this opportunity to everyone who values the rich history of Flint and Genesee County.”
2. The Whaley Historic House Museum (est. 1976)
To donate: www.cfgf.org/WhaleyMuseum
WHHM is the historic home of Robert J. Whaley and Mary McFarlan-Whaley, who renovated their Kearsley Street home into a classic Victorian residence after moving to Flint in 1885. Today, the museum offers public programs, events, and private rental opportunities.
Statement from Izzy Guertin, President, Whaley Historic House Museum:
“This endowment… marks an incredible new chapter for the Whaley Historic House Museum… This endowment will allow us to continue operating and providing public programming for years to come… We greatly look forward to the opportunities and memories this endowment will create.”
3. The Stockton House Museum (est. 2005)
To donate: www.cfgf.org/StocktonMuseum
Built in 1872 by Civil War Colonel Thomas Baylis Whitmarsh Stockton, the Italianate home overlooks the natural spring the Stockton family nicknamed “Spring Grove.” The Stockton Center at Spring Grove is committed to preserving this historic home and surrounding natural environment.
Statement from Justin Wetenhall, CTA, Executive Director, Whaley Historic House Museum; President, Stockton Center at Spring Grove:
“This endowment is incredibly valuable… It opens the door to perpetual funding… Unrestricted funds are extremely valuable… This endowment will make it possible to increase our programming and daily operations.”
4. The Flint Genealogical Society (est. 1956)
To donate: www.cfgf.org/FGS
The Flint Genealogical Society promotes, educates, and assists those interested in genealogy. Its collections — available free for public use — include extensive research materials and more than forty publications related to Flint, Genesee County, and surrounding areas. Gerald Little Jr., president of the Flint Genealogical Society, was unavailable for comment.
For more information about the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, visit cfgf.org.
