Biggs Inspired by Family and Love for Community

When Kristen moved to Ludington during a blizzard in 2009, the school superintendent joked it would take 20 years to become a “local.” Fifteen years later, Kristen appears to have graduated early.

“Ludington is where my four kids grew up. So, it’s home to them. It feels like home to me. It’s just a great place to be – a great place to live, work, and be involved in the community,” Kristen said.

Over the years, Kristen has generously shared her time with the community. Kristen volunteered for parent-teacher organizations, band boosters, and served on the Mason County District Library, Habitat for Humanity, and Mason County Promise boards while working and raising four active children.

Kristen drew inspiration from her parents, Gene and Ruthann Kyle. “I didn’t grow up with a lot of money … There were no big monetary donations in my childhood, but my parents were always donating their time and their talents,” Kristen said.

Similarly, Kristen’s passion for her community rubbed off on her daughter, Katie, who was in high school when she started a fund at the Community Foundation for the Ludington High School All-Around Senior to donate money to a charity of their choice.

Today, when Kristen is not playing French horn at West Shore Community College or swinging a paddle or racquet on a court, she serves on boards for the Oriole Foundation and the Community Foundation for Mason County as well as a steering committee for Women Who Care.

When her parents worked with their financial planner to leave a gift to the Community Foundation through their estate, Kristen was motivated to start planning her own estate.

Kristen also plans to leave a gift to the Community Foundation for Mason County. She feels confident about her gift knowing the Foundation has a strong pulse on the community’s needs, sustainability, and growth.

“Who knows what the needs will be in 30 years if I just pick one entity? The Community Foundation will have the best plan and the best way to utilize resources,” Kristen said. “The Community Foundation is here to stay.”

If you would like to explore leaving a legacy to support the community you love, please reach out to Andrea Large at alarge@cffmc.org or 231.845.0326.