Village receives gift to River Raisin Park

Pat DuRussel (left), chair of the Manchester Village Parks Commission, receives a check for $25,000 from the Hurst Foundation of Jackson, made to the village on behalf of his family. Also pictured is Ron Markowski, Hurst Foundation advisory board member. A total of $75,000 over three years will be donated by Hurst in honor of the DuRussel family.

On Tuesday, November 20, the Village of Manchester was the recipient of the first installment of a three-year gift pledge from the Hurst Foundation of Jackson.

Founded in 1969, over a 50-year period the Hurst Foundation has granted more than $10 million in support of organizations to inspire the betterment of local, state, national, and worldwide communities. According to its original intent, “distributions shall be (made for) furtherance of the public welfare and tend to assist, encourage, and promote the well-doing or well-being of mankind or of the inhabitants of any community.”

The gift of $25,000, presented by Hurst representative Ron Markowski, along with a letter accompanying the grant, was made on behalf of the DuRussel family and will provide further enhancements to the construction of the new River Raisin Park over the next two years for a total of $75,000.

“We are providing this level of support in honor of and at the request of the DuRussel family; as such, we request appropriate acknowledgement in the park of this gift for the DuRussel Family Members,” the letter reads.

“Thank you for your leadership and the difference your organization makes in your community. We wish you success in your endeavor and look forward to progress reports over the next few years.”

A plaque honoring the DuRussel family members will be installed in the performance area of the park upon completion of the project next year.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.