Building on a Foundation of Generosity
LEGACY Summer 2026 | One of the most pressing local needs continues to be safe, affordable housing. Through Buckeye Ridge Habitat for Humanity, donors are helping meet this need in practical and lasting ways.
“Our work helps
Pam Rish
homeowners
improve their
living conditions,
their lives & their
neighborhoods.”
Habitat’s Neighborhood
Revitalization Director
Habitat’s Critical Home Repair program serves homeowners across Marion and surrounding counties—many of them seniors living on limited incomes. From roof replacements and furnace repairs to accessibility upgrades, these projects make it possible for residents to remain in their homes safely and with dignity. In the past year alone, 15 homes were repaired, restoring stability, independence, and pride.
For some, the impact is life-changing. A local disabled veteran, once unable to access his own shower, now has a fully accessible bathroom—made possible through donor support.
This work is strengthened through collaboration. Community partners such as Marion Community Foundation, Rotary, United Way, and AARP, along with organizations like the area VFWs, Y-Men’s Service Club, and many other donors, help extend resources and reach more households in need.
At its core, impact begins with individuals and families who choose to give and invest in the future.
One of those legacy gifts is the Mike & Betty Rogerson Charitable Fund. Betty established the fund after Mike’s passing to carry forward their shared commitment to Marion. Through careful estate planning, the fund was fully realized after her lifetime—creating a permanent source of support for causes they cared deeply about, including Habitat for Humanity. Their generosity continues to improve homes and lives today—and will do so for generations to come.
As we reflect on America 250, the Rogerson’s story is a powerful reminder: lasting impact isn’t built all at once. It is created over time, through thoughtful decisions that ensure the people and places we care about are supported now, as well as far into the future.
