Featured photo: Valaria Conerly-Moon and Lawrence E. Moon
By Tanya Terry, with photos by Tanya Terry
During the Art of Philanthropy 2023 celebration, several local philanthropic champions were honored. The program was held on October 20, but the impact of the 2023 awardees and past award recipients who were recognized will continue for many years to come!
Lawrence E. Moon and Valaria Conerly-Moon were the recipients of the 2023 Piper Family Philanthropy Award. The couple is known for owning and operating Moon Funeral Home.
Lawrence E. Moon is also the longest-serving trustee in the history of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. He led the foundation’s move to 500 South Saginaw Street in 2008, as a businessperson with experience in renovating old structures.
Valaria Moon served as the first executive director of the Valley Area Agency on Aging. During her tenure, she grew the organization’s budget from $25,000, including her own salary, to $20 million.
The Lawrence E Moon Fund for Children and Youth and the Lawrence E. and Valaria Moon Fund are two more of the many examples of the Moons’ generosity towards Flint and its residents.
The Moons talked to the Courier about why the tremendous work they have done and continue to do is so important to them.
“It’s about helping humanity,” stated Lawrence Moon. “It’s about helping those less fortunate than yourselves. It’s about identifying the needs of the community so that we can help strengthen the community. We really care about this community.”
“I echo his sentiments,” added Valaria Moon. “Our place on earth is to be of service-mankind to mankind. We feel it is our not only civic duty; it’s our earthly responsibility.”
Dr. Raymond Gist, DDS, received the 2023 Clement A. Alfred Humanitarian Award. Gist is founder of Valley Dental Center, which he started in 1970. He has focused on advocacy for the underserved. He is now 80 years old.
“I’ve really got plenty of work to do,” Gist told the Courier.
“I’m on several boards, and I’m also still in private practice,” Gist added. “I’m still taking care of patients. I still have mentees who come by. I’m doing pretty much the same thing that I have been doing.”
Gist stated it is pleasing to work especially with mentees.
“I have a young female that actually drove to my office from Ann Arbor on a scooter so she could shadow me. She is now in active practice and service in the Army, and I have many more. They’re pretty much all over the country. I’m also helping to recruit students to get them into dental school and also into college proper.”
Gist has served as the president of the Michigan Dental Association and the American Dental Association, which required two years of service traveling around the globe. Additionally, he serves on the Genesee Health Plan Board.
Michael Bila, AIF, CLU was recognized with the Philanthropic Advisor Award. Bila is founder of Bila Financial Consultants in Grand Blanc. He formed the organization in 2022 with the mission to help his clients reach their financial goals and plan their legacy. Bila also helped steward a major gift to the Community Foundation with donor Marlene Wilson of Clio, which is expected benefit the Clio community forever!
Bila explained Bila Financial is an independent financial advisory firm with a five-member team, which includes his son and business partner, Nathan Bila, CFP. At the firm, Bila said legacy planning is often discussed. Bila and his team aim to help clients do this in the most tax-efficient manner, discuss ways to maximize their gifts and help them decide the best time to give their gifts.
ABC 12 News Anchor Matt Franklin acted as the guest host to the event. Mark Piper, chair of the board of trustees for the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, and Mark Miller, who serves as interim president and CEO of the organization, as well as vice chairman of the board of trustees, were among the individuals who offered remarks. Miller thanked those who helped set a legacy for the younger generations to follow!
It was also announced at the event that Mary Jo Herbig, APR (accredited public relations professional), who serves as associate vice president of marketing and communications for the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, would be retiring from her position at the end of this year. Herbig has worked for the Community Foundation of Greater Flint for over 15 years!
The gathering marked the 35-year anniversary of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
To learn more about the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, visit https://www.cfgf.org/.
