Earl Cress Served City

THE SENTgNCE in the ary of Earl Cress which suggests contributions to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital building drive in lieu of flowers is not unusual, but in the case of Mr. Cress it has a special meaning. Earl Cress undoubtedly had organized and led more fund drives than any other resident of Washtenaw County. He was a money raiser par excellence to whom civic and charitable organizations turned almost automatically when they wanted to launch capital fund drives. i he didn't serve as chairman, he usually filled some other role and always was willing to act as an advisor. If a group wanted to determine whether the time was right for a drive, or the potential donors would be recepI tive to one, they went to Mr. Cress I with their questions. Many residents of a community I who are not solicited regularly for I such projects are not aware of the I tremendous service performed by I both those who give and those who ) [f undertaké topraise the funds. Many worthy projects would never be completed without their efforts, and numerous charitable organizations would be unable to opérate at a level commenserate with the needs of the community. Earl Cress was one of those who raised the sights of volunteers and contributions in fund campaigns here over the years, so that the level of giving among financial institutions, foundations, and larger companies now provides an adequate base for achieving goals without the presence of one outstanding contributor such as the Mott Foundation in Flint. He made numerous other contributions to the community and to the state's educational institutions over the years, but those identified with that special phase of Ann Arbor's life will remember him best for his leadership in accomplishing projects that have made this a great city. Every community needs that kind of leadership. ,-m