By: Kari Radjewski, director of Marketing & Communications
At the Children’s Foundation, we know meaningful change begins with people who care deeply. Marilyn Bartley embodies that belief—combining generosity, leadership, and compassion to help give Michigan’s kids the opportunity to thrive.
When Marilyn first became involved with the Children’s Foundation nearly ten years ago, she was navigating a great personal loss. After the sudden passing of her husband, she sought a way to stay busy and give her time purpose. Invited to help plan the Foundation’s annual event, Derby for Kids, she quickly found a cause—and a community—that captured her heart.
“When I got involved with Derby for Kids, I loved it,” Marilyn shared. “The more I learned about what the Foundation does, the more I wanted to be part of it. There are so many programs that benefit from the Foundation’s work. This support has become my passion.”
Over the past decade, Marilyn has been both a volunteer leader and philanthropic partner. Since her first gift, Marilyn has contributed nearly $100,000 to support children’s health and wellbeing, with much of her giving directed toward youth mental health and substance use disorder prevention.
“Substance use disorder doesn’t discriminate,” she said. “The problem is growing and evolving among young people. We may not be able to end it, but we can slow it down.”
Her generosity has helped expand the Collegiate Recovery Programming through the Jamie Daniel’s Foundation, a fund at the Children’s Foundation, and supported the Adolescent Addiction Recovery Clinic in Troy—helping ensure young people struggling with substance use disorder have access to care, hope, and healing.
Marilyn’s impact reaches far beyond her personal giving. Through her openness and generosity, she has inspired new donors and helped generate support for programs that benefit local children. Whether hosting lunches, organizing private gatherings, or simply sharing her passion in heartfelt conversations, Marilyn brings others along in her commitment to Michigan’s kids.
“I try to open my network to the Foundation,” she said. “Once people understand what the Foundation does, they want to get involved too. When you stay in your zip code, you can be unaware of what’s really going on. The Foundation opens your eyes.”
For Marilyn, what began as a passive volunteer role has grown into a lifelong passion for creating lasting change for children in Michigan.
“It gives me an incredible sense of meaning and fulfillment to know I’m part of something much larger than myself,” she reflected. “The Foundation’s work touches so many lives, and I’m proud to help expand that impact.”
As Derby for Kids approaches its tenth anniversary, Marilyn’s generosity and leadership remain at the heart of its success—and her story serves as a reminder of what’s possible when purpose meets philanthropy.
“It’s eye-opening,” she said. “The Foundation has shown me just how much work is being done for kids—and how much still needs to be done.”
For Marilyn Bartley, giving isn’t just an act—it’s a legacy built on the belief that lasting change happens when we come together to create futures full of possibility for Michigan’s kids.
