b'Bob and Nancy GriffinA Story of Hometown Roots and GenerosityFamily, faith, and a love of their hometown, are at the root of generosity and community involvement that will leave a legacy for Nancy Griffinandherlatehusband,Robert(Bob).Our roots are very deep with our community. Our grandchildren are the sixth generation to live in Ogemaw County, says Nancy. I have always been very proud of our community and how so many are always willing to step forward for projects.Giving is very personal, and when we give, we give to what matters most to us. This is true for Nancy and Bob as well, who decided to use the North Central Michigan Community Foundation as an avenue for charitable giving and community involvement. What is unique in this story is how Nancy gets involved in that giving by actively encouraging others to give, and championing local projects. She believes people are always willing to help their communities if they are just asked. So she asks, and she steps up herself.When asked what motivates her generosity and willingness to get involved in local projects, Nancy recalls herfamily.Herdad,aU.S.Veteran,wastheChiefoftheFireDepartmentfor40yearsandalsoservedas Mayor. Her grandmother, mother and Nancy have all volunteered for the Girl Scouts. She also saysher husband Bob, who passed away in 2019, was an incredibly generous person, always willing to helpand grateful for all the community has given to them. That mindset and giving spirit are making a difference in their hometown of West Branch, Michigan, particularly for Ogemaw students, a local museum, andher church.Nancy and Bob both grew up in the West Branch area and began dating when Nancy was in 10th grade and were married seven years later, right after Nancys graduation from Michigan State University. While she taught at a few different area schools, including her own alma mater, West Branch High School, Bob was offered the opportunity to buy into the beer business where he was working. The business grew, expanded,andeventuallydividedbymutualagreementin1978.TheGriffinsnowownedthenewlynamedGriffinBeverageCompany,andbythistimeNancyhadleftherteachingpositiontohelprunandgrowthebusiness. Their son, Robert Jr., now runs the company after working closely with his father for several years. HeadquarteredinWestBranch,thedistributorhasgrownsuccessfullywithfivelocations.I remember holding a Christmas party at our home with about 14 other people, including spouses. As we grew the business over the years, we needed to add warehouses, more trucks, and of course, more employees, says Nancy. Bob and I always had the desire to share our blessings with our community, and worked hard together for many years to build what enabled us to give back. Every gift is still a joint effort.Nancy became involved with the North Central Michigan Community Foundation (NCMCF) nearly 15 years ago as a board and committee member, acting as an avid ambassador and encouraging others to use the Foundation to support their communities in perpetuity. Now, several funds bear the generosity and involvement of Nancy and Bob, shaped by their passion for family, community and faith.At the heart of Nancys favorite causes is family. As it is for many, church is an extension of family, and St. JosephCatholicChurchinWestBranchwasthereligiousbasefortheGriffins.ItwaswhereNancyandBobhave been lifelong members; where they received all their Holy Sacraments, including marriage; and is the Passion with a Purpose 14'