News & Stories
Building a Legacy by Investing in Northern Michigan’s Future
John and Rebecca Bercini have been a part of the Northern Michigan community since 2013. After spending over 30 years in Chicago focusing on their careers, the Bercinis sought a new place to call home—a place with a small-town feel and community-minded neighbors. They tried Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and the couple almost set down retiree roots in Asheville, but the city felt too big and didn’t quite meet their tight-knit desires. Their next stop was the Grand Traverse region.
“We were looking for community, and that’s what we felt every time we visited up here—a strong sense of community,” shared Rebecca.
After moving, John and Rebecca decided they wanted to get involved with their new community.
“In my job, I traveled a lot,” said John. “It’s tough to be involved in the community when you’re never there, but I was always interested in the foundation concept where assets can persist for generations.”
This mentality helped draw the couple to the Community Foundation in 2014. “I never really thought about giving back until we moved up here,” said Rebecca. “And that was a life-changing event for me. It gave me the opportunity to think about doing something more meaningful for the rest of my life.”
Neither John nor Rebecca were born into particularly philanthropic families, but they have grown to understand the importance of planning for the future and doing their part to alleviate the issues that impact their community.
Recognizing there are pressing needs in our region that tend to go unanswered, the Bercinis took action to create a “forever gift,” as John called it, by joining the Community Foundation’s Community Guardian Legacy Society.
“A legacy is an interconnection across time,” said Rebecca. “We have a responsibility to continue the mission of those who came before us and to those who are coming in next.”
As Community Guardians, John and Rebecca appreciate the chance to impact issues that broadly affect the region, such as food insecurity, environment preservation, affordable childcare, literacy programs for children, and more.
“It’s important to support community foundations because these small, local nonprofits really understand the community and the problems that we’re facing,” added John. “They have the ability to mobilize quickly and address local needs.”
As a new Community Foundation Board Member, John is ready to delve into the realm of localized giving to support the region.
“The Community Foundation has such a broad reach, and that’s what excites me,” shared John. “I’m really proud to be a part of the Community Foundation Board.”
By choosing to immerse themselves in a close community, John and Rebecca discovered how they can make a difference today and for years to come as Community Guardians. By joining our Legacy Society, you too can learn how your gift can live on, positively impacting the future of our region.
Writer: Alex Dailey