There is family history behind The Wege Foundation’s recent gift to Clark Home. When Peter M. Wege’s widowed mother, Sophia Louise Dubridge Wege, was in failing health physically and mentally, her only child found the best nursing home he could to care for her. Peter spent as much time as possible visiting Lou – as his dad had called her – tending to her needs, and reminding her how much he loved her.
At age 93, Peter’s own life has been enriched by the same kind of devoted caregivers as those who tend to Clark Home’s residents. By supporting Clark, both Peter and the family foundation demonstrate their shared respect for the good people who are called to enrich the lives of the elderly.
Two parts of Clark’s campaign have special meaning for Peter and The Wege Foundation. The Benevolent Fund that provides for residents after they can no longer pay speaks directly to Peter’s compassion for those in need. Few people know the extent of his generosity to the underserved people of Grand Rapids.
(What is believed to be the nation’s first LipDub performed solely by residents of a retirement community is getting rave reviews. Clark Retirement Community and Grand Valley State University combined efforts for this “Feelin’ Good” video! )
The other pieces of this campaign that resonate with Peter and The Wege Foundation’s mission are the outdoor improvements at Keller on the Lake. Peter and The Wege Foundation are synonomous with environmental stewardship. The Shared Garden and Lakeside Pavilion offer new green space to Clark’s residents where they can be refreshed and restored in what Peter calls “God’s great gift to us of Mother Nature.”
