June 3, 2015
The Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation (GPCF), founded by the late Tom Marshall, honored his legacy with a Pie in the Sky event at the foundation’s office on June 2, Marshall’s birthday. The event launched a plan for GPCF to receive nominations and give a pie to a community member on the second of each month for showing the community spirit Marshall’s life exemplified.
The event gathered donors who had previously contributed to the Tom and Connie Marshall Administrative Endowment Fund, which supports the day-to-day operations of GPCF. Memorials following Marshall’s recent death were also designated to the fund.
Marshall’s longtime friend and Grinnell College colleague George Drake spoke to people gathered for the mid-day event, saying, “Tom was the ultimate Grinnellian, both at the college and in the town.”
Grinnell College alumnus Don Cassiday also shared memories of his friendship with the Marshalls that began in high school at Cedar Rapids. Cassiday concluded with a quote: “Rather than mourn the absence of the flame, let us celebrate how brightly it burned.”
The Pie in the Sky theme was suggested by Marshall’s son for several reasons, explained GPCF community relations coordinator Delphina Baumann. “When the community foundation was conceived by Tom in 1989, the idea seem far-fetched or ‘pie in the sky,’” Baumann said. “And we learned through our long association with Tom that he enjoyed pie. So we decided it was fitting to create an annual event that honors Tom, supports the administrative fund he helped to establish, and involves his favorite food and fellowship.”
Those who attended the event participated in a balloon launch. Each balloon contained the following message for those who may later find the balloons: “This balloon is released in memory of Thomas K. Marshall. He was a humble man who cared deeply for his community and founded the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation. In honor of Tom, we ask that you simply do one act of kindness for someone in your community.”
Attendees were also asked to nominate a local person who demonstrates Marshall’s example of community leadership, making a difference, and giving back. Each month an individual will be selected to receive a pie on the second of the month to continue the Pie in the Sky event theme.
Individuals who wish to contribute to GPCF’s Marshall Fund throughout the year may contact Baumann at delphina@greaterpcf.org, or 641-236-5518.
The Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that serves the greater Poweshiek County by providing a mechanism for donors to effectively invest in the welfare and future of their communities. The Tom and Connie Marshall Administrative Endowment Fund is one more than 100 charitable funds managed by GPCF.
