On November 12 the Mount Pleasant Area Community Foundation dedicated its new home. The Hersee House, 306 South University, was opened to the public. The home was generously donated to the foundation by Idonea “Dony” Hersee and her husband William E. Hersee in 2007.

The house was built in the 1930’s and additions were added to accommodate Dr. Hersee’s medical practice. In 2010 the Hersee House was renovated, becoming a meeting center for the foundation’s many activities.

Idonea “Dony” Hersee, 99, passed away on September 14, 2009. Mrs. Hersee was born in Owosso, Michigan. She attended Central State Teachers College in Mt. Pleasant and received her teaching certificate in 1931. She married William E. Hersee, M. D. in 1934. Dr. Hersee began a medical practice in Mt. Pleasant soon thereafter. The Hersees spent most of their adult lives in Mt. Pleasant, where they have been a strong presence in the community. Dony was an active supporter of Veterans Memorial Library, the Red Cross, Art Reach of Mid Michigan, and the Community Foundation.

Since 1990, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) has helped thousands put their financial resources to work to help others. “Philanthropy has been and continues to be a priority for both families and businesses in our community,” notes Executive Director Amanda Schafer. Through the foresight and generosity of community members, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation has been able to award more than 1,200 grants totaling more than $2.5 million over the last twenty years.

The photo shows Steve Martineau, president of the foundation and Sandy Hersee Olson cutting the ribbon as friends, family and members of the foundation look on. (Photo: courtesy Betsy Macleod.)