For many at Wesley, philanthropy brings purpose, connection and legacy to life. It’s about investing in the future, showing gratitude for the past and creating joy in the present. It answers an age-old question: What kind of a lasting legacy will I leave behind? And the answers are as diverse and inspiring as the people who call Wesley home.
The Joy of Giving
For Al and Kathy Franzen of Wesley Des Moines, giving was a deeply personal, joyful choice rooted in gratitude and love for their community. With their daughters thriving, they saw opportunities to give back in ways that felt meaningful.
“We want to experience the joy of giving while seeing the benefits of our gift in our lifetimes,” Al shared prior to his passing. In addition to donating funds, Al lived the mission by serving on Wesley Community Foundation’s Board of Directors.
The greatest reward for the Franzen’s wasn’t recognition. It was witnessing the positive change their generosity sparked. They saw neighbors thrive, friendships grow and the community they care about continue to blossom.
That same spirit lives in Bill Freitag of Wesley Lea Hill. Grounded in gratitude for the close-knit community he calls home, Bill gives because it brings him happiness.
“I love the Lea Hill community, the camaraderie and security,” he says. “I’m happy to give back.”
Bill says sharing his good fortune is about spreading that sense of belonging and care to others. It’s a reflection of the life he’s built and the values he holds dear, so much so that he also gave his time as a longtime member of the Foundation’s board.
A Legacy of Values
For Ray and Charlotte Kanemori, philanthropy reflects family values and gratitude. They supported the community that cared for Charlotte’s father, who had dementia. That gratitude led to their support of the Albert W. Carr Memory Care Center, named in his honor. When Charlotte was later diagnosed with dementia herself, she and Ray chose Wesley as their home. Though Charlotte passed away in 2022, their shared commitment to giving lives on in their daughter, Aimee. She honors her parents and their causes. She also believes that intergenerational giving is a way of clarifying and reinforcing values held as a family. Ray contributes his time as a member of Wesley’s Board of Trustees.
Purpose Through Passion
Giving reflects Carol Mohler’s lifelong love of the arts and education. She believes in the transformative power of culture and is a supporter of literature, music, theater and paying forward the opportunities she’s received.
“Philanthropy allows others to sit in the shade of trees they did not plant,” says Carol. She’s funded the Mohler Family Library, donated her time for committees and is a past Chair of the Cottagers in Des Moines.
Similarly, the Chings believe that wellness is most meaningful when it’s shared. Their passion for healthy living led them to support the creation of the Gary & Marilyn Ching Fitness Center at Des Moines. For the couple, giving is not just about fitness. It’s about fostering connection, vitality and a better quality of life for all who call Wesley home. Their gift reflects a heartfelt belief that when we invest in each other’s well-being, we all thrive.
Philanthropy is a way to live with meaning. Generosity flows from the things we care about most, turning personal passions into purposeful contributions to society that enrich the lives of others.
In the Broader Community
Many organizations benefit from and are supported by residents, staff and Wesley. Our campuses hold food, toy, book, clothing and blood drives. Residents use their skills to create pillowcases, blankets, caps and more for new mothers, cancer patients, those with memory challenges and patients at children’s hospitals. Our intergenerational programs benefit local children as well as Wesley residents. There are pen pal programs, plays and tutoring programs. Des Moines residents used the woodshop to create a mud kitchen for children in the Bezo’s Academy.
Additionally, Wesley supports community events as sponsors or as participants. Local senior centers, Alzheimer’s Walks and conferences, chambers, service clubs, first responders, League of Women Voters – staff and residents are eager to support the various organizations that support the public sector.
The Deeper Meaning of Generosity
At Wesley, philanthropy is inspired by a mixture of love, gratitude, faith, community and hope. Philanthropy connects people to purpose. It turns values into action and fosters a community where kindness is appreciated and multiplied.
According to Mary Kohli of Wesley Bradley Park, the rewards of giving are both immediate and long-lasting.
“There’s great satisfaction in seeing the immediate impact of my gifts, while knowing I’m also leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come,” says Mary. “This truly makes me a joyful giver.”
Mary served on Team Puyallup, the original campaign committee.
Indeed, philanthropy at Wesley is not just about giving money. It’s a heartfelt expression of compassion, purpose and shared values. Whether it’s a donation, years of dedicated volunteering or simply talking with loved ones about what matters most, Wesley residents show us that giving is the heart of Wesley.