Featured photo: Reta Stanley
Written by Tanya Terry
Reta Stanley, Sandra Murphy and Dr. James Cantwil were recently honored virtually for their philanthropic efforts by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. All three honorees are Genesee County residents who have given of themselves.
Reta Stanley and Sandra Murphy received the 2020 Libby Award.
“The Libby Award recognizes the lifelong accomplishments of women who have followed in the footsteps of Libby Maynard, serving as role models for other women and girls, showing this not only by their words but by their action,” according to Isaiah Oliver.
“Reta has dedicated herself to creating a better community, especially for women and girls” Oliver said during the virtual presentation.
“An inspiration to many decades and for many decades, Reta gained a significant platform as the first lady of Flint from 1991-2202, when her husband Woodrow served as mayor,” Oliver added. “For the past 14 years, Reta has devoted her time, talent and treasure as president and CEO of Big Brothers and Sisters of Flint and Genesee County.”
Stanley’s service also extends to Girl Scouts, the Salvation Army, the Flint Public Library and the Woodrow Stanley Youth Foundation. She was a founding member of the Boys and Girls Club of Flint, and she is involved with the Flint Area Links, Incorporated, where under her presidency, the organization partnered with the International Center of Greater Flint to organize an annual celebration of women from diverse backgrounds. In addition, the Links established the Flint Kids Matter Fund through the Community Foundation, raising over $127,000 and granting over $62,000 to support water crisis recovery efforts. Stanley mentors girls at Doyle Ryder Elementary School and devotes time to the Women’s Missionary Society of Vernon Chapel AME Church.
Olivia P. “Libby” Maynard is known as a lifelong philanthropist and advocate for women and girls in Genesee County. She was not able to be present for the award presentation, but sent her “warmest regards” to both award recipients
Stanley said through the years, she was inspired by Maynard’s involvement in the Urban League the League of Women Voters and the role she played to protect human rights. Stanley expressed her gratitude for the award and all those who helped make it possible, including those who also served in the community.
Murphy has been a nonprofit leader for 42 years. She has been involved in Starfish Family Services in western Wayne County, Michigan’s Children in Lansing and the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, where she recently graduated as director of development.
“She empowered trans women to apply for a grant for Girls Rock, knowing it would be controversial,” Oliver said. “She encouraged Girls Run; a statewide organization, to apply for funding. She encouraged support for girls’ health in the school setting, funding these activities so the least among us could participate. For 14 years, Sandra built endowments for the Flint Women and Girls Fund.”
In addition, Murphy co-founded the Pride Fund, which supports the LGBTQ+ community, built endowments for five community funds and worked with donor advisors and Legacy Society members for lasting gifts, of which many benefitted women and girls. She and her family adopt a family at the Shelter of Flint at Christmas and encourage others to dot the same.
Murphy, who worked in Detroit and Lansing and ended her career professionally in Genesee County, thanked the many people who supported her with her work, as a parent and to do the right thing.
Cantwil received the 2020 Clement A. Alfred Humanitarian Award. The award was established by Dr. Alfred’s family on Alfred’s 90th birthday. It is intended to honor those individuals who choose to live quietly doing wonderful things for the community, as Alfred did.
Cantwil relocated from Warren, Michigan to practice dentistry in Genesee County. He established his own private practice in Flint Township in 1989 and began teaching in dental clinic at the University of Detroit Dental School. He later moved his practice to Pierson Road in Flushing.
“He continues to be a mentor to dental students and recent graduates. Dr. Campbell has served as a board member of the Michigan Dental Association, serving on numerous committees. He also served as president of the Genesee District Dental Society for two years.”
He conducts heath education in the Flushing Community Schools, he participates in smile clinics and cleft palate work. He serves as elector at St. John Vianney Church in Flint. He is a band booster. His office held a dinner event for veterans. He helped along with a group of volunteers who visited a mountain village in Haiti to provide desperately needed charitable dental care to hundreds of Haitians.
Cantwil said he believed he received the award for the team, which includes his educators, mentors, employees, colleagues, family and God.
Oliver said the Community Foundation of Greater Flint looks forward to celebrating the award recipients in person when the pandemic allows.
“We look forward to seeing you all as we continue to make Flint and Genesee County an amazing place to live in, to work in, to contribute to and to love in.”
To donate to the Flint Women and Girls Fund or the Clement A. Alfred Fund, visit cfgf.org.
