GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids is the most philanthropic community I have ever lived in.
I often share that when traveling because I am proud to live in a city where giving back is so deeply ingrained in the DNA and culture of the community. What’s impressive is the consistency and scope of the giving and that it ranges from people living check to check to the area’s millionaires and billionaires.
Over the years, I have seen how philanthropy has accelerated progress where it’s needed most, and supported causes that are making a real difference in our community.
We learned this week from reporter Brian McVicar that Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital’s new children’s hospital will be named after a longtime philanthropist Joan Secchia. She and her late husband, Peter Secchia, a prominent businessman who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, have a legacy of giving.
The hospital, opening in 2026 across from the main campus, is expected to cost $60 million. The amount of Joan Secchia’s generous gift was not disclosed but what should she be top of mind is the impact on pediatric rehabilitative care others will help provide.
Another big headline this week came from reporter Melissa Frick, who told readers a judge dismissed a lawsuit against Rockford Public Schools that sought to ban 14 books from the district’s library described by Parents and Taxpayers Against Pornography in Rockford Public Schools as “sexually explicit.”
None of the 14 books at the district of more than 7,700 students was required reading. In recent years, parents and community members in districts across the state and country are raising concerns certain books, often those that deal with issues of sexuality, violence, LGBTQ+ themes, and race and racism, aren’t appropriate. Forest Hills Public Schools lets parents choose what their kids can read, but not others.
We also learned this week from Brian McVicar that a controversial request by Corewell Health to demolish five buildings was tabled by the Grand Rapids Planning Commission Thursday. The plan is to replace the buildings with surface parking lots next to Corewell’s planned $98 million office complex in the Monroe North neighborhood. Corewell’s attempt at neighborhood and community outreach was criticized.
Those are some headlines that caught our eye in the Grand Rapids area this week. Take a look at those, and others, below:
Monica Scott is the editor for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press, who previously was a reporter that covered the city, county and schools in the community.
New Grand Rapids hospital to be named Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital
Judge dismisses lawsuit against Michigan school district over ‘explicit’ books in library
Board delays voting on Ottawa County health officer’s termination until Monday
6 takeaways from Ottawa County’s health officer termination hearing
‘This request is extreme.’ Corewell Health proposal to demolish buildings for parking lots tabled
3 missionaries based in West Michigan die in Kenya vehicle crash
Boy, 4, identified as victim of Lowell area fatal house fire
Former Rep. Justin Amash says relatives killed in Gaza airstrike
Michigan native showcases ‘outrageous’ pumpkin-carving skills on Food Network show
After 15 years, dream of renovated Lyon Square in Grand Rapids set to come true
Underqualified candidate got Ottawa County job based on age discrimination, lawsuit claims
Repairs, renovations coming to Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place
See which marching bands took top honors at the 37th annual Jenison Invitational
Over 3K signatures submitted in quest to recall Ottawa Impact county commissioner
New bakery offering ‘earth-shattering’ tasty dessert bars opens in Grand Rapids
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