Kay L. O'MaliaBorn and raised in the country next to her grandparents' farm-Wolcott's Apple Orchard on Coldwater Road-Kay O'Malia learned the value of work early in life. At the age of 10 she earned 10 cents a bushel for collecting apples from the ground. In her teenage years she worked in all other aspects of the business including the family's cider mill.
Following graduation from Michigan State University, Kay moved home to teach elementary students in both the Beecher and Carman School Districts. Then she met and fell in love with Jack O'Malia, founder of the Flint Building Company. The couple settled in Grand Blanc, the location of their corporate office. Working together, the property management business flourished. When Jack passed away in 1992, Kay continued working for the next 20 years, developing and managing properties throughout the country.
Upon retirement, Kay wanted to do something to give back to the community who gave her so much. "I just feel a strong attraction to Grand Blanc and feel like I need to give back to the community. Philanthropy is a form of nurturing and helping others is so good for us."
Working with Community Foundation staff, Kay established the Kay L. O'Malia Fund, that will be advised by the Grand Blanc Community Fund Advisory Committee.
"Grand Blanc is a wonderful place where people chose to live and work and bring up their children. Anything I can do to enhance our community's greatest assets is important."