Healing the World

Just 27 years ago, Arthur Hurand, along with other community-minded people, created the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. He became the Foundation's first fundraiser, leading the development committee, and sharing the good news of the community's permanent endowment.

The Hurand family continues its involvement today, and in 2014 they established the Arthur and Bess Hurand Fund for the Community Foundation. The Fund is considered an operations endowment fund, which will support the Foundation's operations in perpetuity.

Growing up in Flint during the Great Depression and World War II, Bess recalls that most of her neighbors were poor. "We all helped and supported each other whether it be helping someone learn to speak English, extending credit in our little grocery store, or dropping our pennies in a little blue box to help the needy."

"My husband fought in World War II and was a concentration camp liberator. He carried a picture in his wallet for almost 50 years, although he never needed to be reminded that we are all our brothers' keepers. I am Jewish and the concept of "Tikkun Olam" or "healing the world" is central to our beliefs."

Being concerned about and helping others has been a way of life for Bess and her late husband, Arthur. In 2013, the Community Foundation bestowed the Piper Family Philanthropy Award upon the Hurand Family for their generations of giving.

"The Community Foundation has become a guiding force to help create charitable funds, and it still holds true today," Bess said. "The Foundation identifies community needs such as the current literacy program, and helps support the various group throughout the community who are trying to improve the literacy rate throughout Genesee County. We hope our actions will encourage others to do what they can to "heal the world."

Our community's beloved Bess Hurand passed away Saturday, June 6, 2015. Her beauty, grace and cheerful company will be dearly missed. May her memory be a blessing.