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DeRoy Testamentary Foundation
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Improving the Quality of Life for People in Southeast Michigan and Beyond
- Published in: Update - Issue 2 - 2009
- Listen to Article
Ask people around Southeast Michigan about the name Helen DeRoy and you will likely hear a variety of reflections on the impact she has made throughout the area. Some may speak of educational, community or youth programs, a medical library, hospital building or health clinic named in her honor. An art enthusiast may know of her impact on art education or various art exhibitions, and still more may speak of the Helen L. DeRoy Auditorium in Detroit.
The common theme, however, is the generosity of Helen DeRoy and her lasting impact on people’s lives in southeast Michigan.
Helen DeRoy formed the Helen L. DeRoy Foundation in 1946, a natural extension of her innate generous spirit. Throughout WWII, she knitted clothing and slippers to ship overseas and even adopted European families that immigrated to the United States.
After Mrs. DeRoy passed away in 1977, her foundation became the DeRoy Testamentary Foundation and her charitable giving has continued through the work of her great nephew, Arthur Rodecker and her great-great niece, Julie Rodecker Holly.
Working with two other board members, Gregg Watkins and
Marian Seltzer, the Rodeckers carry out Mrs. DeRoy’s wishes through a formal grant program to nonprofit organizations mostly located in southeast Michigan.
Leader Dogs for the Blind has benefited from this generosity since 1979. “Our board really admires how these amazing dogs are able to help people who are blind and change people’s lives so significantly,” said Julie Rodecker Holly. “Without Leader Dogs for the Blind, the quality of life for many people with visual impairments would be greatly diminished. Our foundation is so happy to be able to help them carry out their mission. I know my Aunt Helen would be proud.”