Giving out of gratitude
February 21, 2018Bob and Bonnie Erber
After more than 40 years, Bob and Bonnie Erber are still full of enthusiasm for Fremont, the town that won them over with its safe neighborhoods and friendliness.
“At a restaurant it takes 10 minutes to get to the table because we have to stop and talk to everyone,” said Bonnie.
“Neighbors step in to help,” said Bob. “People are doing it because they care for you. There is a very special place in the world for people who go out of their way to give.”
Moved by gratitude, Bob and Bonnie sought ways to give as well. They are longtime Rotary members, active in their churches, involved in city and school projects, and have volunteered with many organizations through the years.
“I love to volunteer,” said Bonnie. “It’s my number one thing to do.”
“We like teaming up with the community,” added Bob. “We’ve been given a lot, so we want to give back.”
Through the Erber Family Fund at the Community Foundation, the couple has given scholarships to local students for years. They recently decided to direct their fund toward Promise Zone scholarships to help even more Newaygo County graduates build brighter futures.
“We’ve been so blessed,” said Bonnie. “There has always been food on our table and a roof over our heads. We want to give somebody else a chance to have what we’ve had.”
