Community Involvement

Discovery Financial, LLC Participates in the Adopt-a-Road Program

On October 14, 2016, we enjoyed another gorgeous walk down Spaulding Avenue.  The leaves were just starting to show their beauty!  It's always fun getting together to make our road look beautiful for all of those who pass by. 

The Adopt-a-Road Program is sponsored by the Kent County Road Commission; it was first established in 1990 to improve the beauty of our highway roadsides with community help.

Discovery Financial's "Charitable Denim Day"

Contribution Goes to P.O.R.T.

At the end of September, 2016, we wrapped up our team's third Charitable Denim Day quarter by raising $250 for the Pediatric Oncology Resource Team (P.O.R.T) which is a group of volunteer families serving families with a child who is battling cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder.  They are families helping families. They work in conjunction with the pediatric hematology/oncology and bone marrow transplantation teams at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.   www.P.O.R.T.    Let us know if you have a favorite charity that you would like us to consider.  We would love to hear from you!  

Discovery Financial, LLC Sponsors WPS Golf Event

On July 12, 2016, Widowed Persons Service of Grand Rapids was pleased to be the beneficiary of the 29th Annual Martin J. Edema Memorial Golf Outing.  This outing was hosted by the West Michigan National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors [NAIFA], and Discovery Financial, LLC enjoyed being a sponsor and lending a helping hand on the day of the event.  It was a beautiful day for golf at The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe on the breathtaking banks of the Thornapple River.  Thank you to everyone who made this event such a huge success! Widowed Persons Service of Grand Rapids was established in 1978, and its focus is helping widowed people help each other through one of life's most difficult transitions - losing a spouse.  If you would like to help, please check out their website at www.wpsgr.org.

On June 7, 2016, Jeff Keessen and Vivian Muilenberg golfed and represented Discovery Financial, LLC at the Annual David D. Hunting YMCA Golf Outing. The money raised at this event goes toward free summer baseball leagues for kids around the city.  The Y is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the West Michigan community, with a focus on developing the potential of kids, improving individual health and well-being, giving back and supporting their neighbors.

Discovery Financial, LLC Golfs for Gilda's Club

On May 23, 2016, David Muilenberg and David Grooters attended the 3rd Annual Gilda's Club Grand Rapids Open, where Discovery Financial, LLC was also a sponsor. Discovery Financial's participation in the event helped fund free emotional healthcare for children, adults, families and friends on any kind of a cancer journey or for those grieving a death of someone in their life due to any cause. One hundred percent of every dollar raised stays right here in West Michigan!

Discovery Financial's "Charitable Denim Day" Contribution Goes to HDSA

On Monday, May 17, 2016, we wrapped up our team's second Charitable Denim Day quarter. We wore blue to honor Huntington's Disease Society of America. The Discovery Financial team raised $460 for the West Michigan Team Hope Walk & 5K at Kollen Park in Holland.  The Huntington's Disease Society of America is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s disease. From community services and education, to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today, and hope for tomorrow, for people with Huntington’s disease and their families.  If you have a favorite charity, let us know!

Discovery Financial, LLC Receives a Heartfelt "Thank-You"

In February, 2016, we received these great pictures as a "Thank-You" from the Faith in Deeds Children's Home in India.  Faith in Deeds Ministry is a faith-based, not-for-profit organization committed to the support of disenfranchised children of India by providing the children with a family atomosphere in which they can be discipled in the ways of the Lord Jesus, by educating them in a manner that they can make properly informed life decisions, based on a Biblical world view, and by inspiring them to love each other and to share the love of Jesus throughout their community.  It is such a blessing to be able to support this ministry.  

Discovery Financial's First "Charitable Denim Day" Contribution

We are happy to report in the first quarter of starting our "Charitable Denim Day" project, our team raised $410!  On Monday, December 21, 2015, we chose to give our money to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth. We visited the boys and girls at the Steil Club and enjoyed sharing a pizza lunch, playing Bingo, cutting out snowflakes and playing games in their gym.  It's an awesome place!   Children who have a safe place to be after school, where there is productive activity and people to support them, are 90 percent more likely to graduate from high school and move on to pursue a higher education. Boys & Girls Clubs subscribe to the theory that programs should provide youth with a Sense of Belonging, a Sense of Usefulness, a Sense of Competence and a Sense of Power or Influence. When this is established, the self-esteem of youth is enhanced.

Discovery Financial, LLC Sponsors Guild Ball at D.A. Blodgett - St. Johns 

On Saturday, November 21, 2015, Discovery Financial, LLC was a proud sponsor at this year's D.A. Blodgett - St. Johns Guild Ball. It was a wonderful time, filled with live motown music, great food and a crowd of generous people ALL to benefit children in residential care, foster care and adoption. A grand total of $290,000 was raised to help nurture children in our community who have been abused and neglected! 

Discovery Financial, LLC Sponsors Celebrate Dégagé Ministries Event 

On November 21, 2014, Discovery Financial, LLC was a proud sponsor of Celebrate Dégagé Ministries. With the support from this event and from our community, Dégagé Ministries is able to provide numerous programs for those in need. A few impressive results for 2014 include offering over 10,900 showers in their Life Enrichment Center; helping 47 women from Dégagé's Open Door Program move into their own apartment; doing over 6,230 loads of laundry; distributing over 10,800 bus tickets; and assisting 1,110 patrons in obtaining their State IDs or license. Often, it is the simplest of gestures that brings the most powerful results.

Discovery Financial, LLC Provides Dégagé  Ministries Annual Pizza Party & Games

On November 20, 2014, Discovery Financial hosted their Annual Pizza Party & Bingo Games for the patrons of Dégagé Ministries in downtown Grand Rapids. Over 200 people attended, which was a new record, probably due to the harsh weather.

Dégagé Ministries offers help and hope to homeless and disadvantaged individuals. Did you know that with the support of our community, over 35,000 meals were served in their Dining Room this past year? 

Discovery Financial, LLC Sponsors Pregnancy Resource Center Gala 2014

On November 6, 2014, Discovery Financial, LLC was a Silver Sponsor of the Pregnancy Resource Center Gala 2014 at the JW Marriot Grand Rapids. The staff and volunteers of the Pregnancy Resource Center seek to be the most trusted and respected source for information, education and services that affirm the gift of human life.

Discovery Financial, LLC Sponsors Golf For Life

On September 12, 2014, Discovery Financial, LLC was a proud sponsor of GOLF FOR LIFE, a primary fundraiser for the Pregnancy Resource Center.  This year’s 18-hole tournament was held at the beautiful Boulder Creek Golf Club in Belmont, MI.  Money raised at this event went directly into programs that provide crucial support for children in West Michigan.  Each year, over one hundred participants enjoy a round of golf while supporting life.  Thank you, participants!

Discovery Financial, LLC Sponsors Golf Outing to Benefit Widowed Persons Service

On July 15, 2014, NAIFA – Grand Rapids Charitable Foundation presented the 27th Annual Martin J. Edema Memorial Golf Outing at The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe.  Each year, the Grand Rapids Chapter of Widowed Persons Service is grateful to be the beneficiary of this wonderful golf outing.  For over 35 years, WPS has offered support in our community to those who suffer the loss of a spouse.  This year, a groovy “It’s the 70’s!” theme was a hit by all who attended.  Discovery Financial, LLC was a Bronze and Tee Sponsor.  Angela Muilenberg chaired the committee, and David Muilenberg was the emcee of the event with a helping hand from his daughters, Alexa and Vivian.  

Discovery Financial, LLC Sponsors LifeWalk 2014

On Saturday, June 14, Discovery Financial, LLC was a proud sponsor to LifeWalk 2014.  LifeWalk is a fun-filled, family-friendly, fundraising event that supports the life-saving work of the Pregnancy Resource Center in Grand Rapids, MI.  LifeWalk 2014 was held at Byron Center Christian Middle School, Catholic Central High School, Cornerstone University and on the Paul Henry Trail in Middleville.  A special thank-you goes out to everyone who participated in this event!  

Discovery Financial, LLC Sponsors Parkinson's Charity Golf Scramble

On June 16, 2014, Discovery Financial, LLC sponsored, and David Muilenberg participated in, the 22nd Annual Parkinson’s Charity Golf Scramble, held at Kent Country Club in Grand Rapids, MI.  It was a beautiful day to golf!  The National Parkinson Foundation of West Michigan is dedicated to providing support, events and information for people with Parkinson’s in the West Michigan area.

Discovery Financial, LLC Once Again Joins ACS in Fight Against Cancer

On Monday, June 3, 2013, David & Angela Muilenberg participated in the American Cancer Society Golf Invitational at Blythefield Country Club in Grand Rapids, MI.  David served as this year's chairperson.  Discovery Financial, LLC was once again the photo sponsor this year and donated items for the auction. The outing raised over $50,000 net for The American Cancer Society, and even more importantly, for Hope Lodge, in downtown Grand Rapids.

The Grand Rapids Hope Lodge is the first Hope Lodge in Michigan and the Society's 25th in the country. Hope Lodge is a "home away from home" for cancer patients and for their caregivers who need to travel to Grand Rapids for treatment.  Aside from treatment, lodging and transportation are among the highest costs associated with a cancer diagnosis. By helping to defray these costs, the Hope Lodge serves as one of the most tangible demonstrations of the American Cancer Society’s mission in the community.*

Guests at the Hope Lodge have individual rooms and share common areas, such as living rooms and kitchens. The interaction with other patients, caregivers, staff and volunteers provides for an atmosphere of hope, compassion and friendship that is so important in the cancer journey.  The American Cancer Society uses the slogan, "The Official Sponsor of Birthdays."  With this slogan, ACS, along with millions of supporters, are focusing on creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back.*

David Muilenberg and his wife, Angela, seated in an office chair that was given away.

Angela Muilenberg, far right, along with fellow golfers, Susie and Jeff.

Discovery Financial, LLC & 2013 Runway for Charity

Make a Difference!

The 2013 Runway for Charity event exceeded all expectations, raising $245,000 for DeVos Children's Hospital—$145,000 more than the original goal!  Donations will help children battling injury/illness, while retaining the magic and wonder of childhood.  David and Angela Muilenberg were donors for this fundraiser and attended the event, held at A.K. Rikk's, on May 11, 2013. 

 This group photo of attendees at Runway for Charity 2013, by Terry Johnston for Stellafly.

Discovery Financial Helps Make Essay Contest Possible

 Discovery Financial, LLC was a 'Patron' level sponsor for the Economic Club's essay contest for area high school students.  This is the 35th anniversary of the essay contest, and applicants were asked to write a 1500 to 2500 word essay on this year's theme: "Funding Higher Education: What Changes are Needed to Meet Projected Talent Needs of U.S. Employers?"  Judges consisted of Economic Club members as well as Tom Haas, President of Grand Valley State University. 

Discovery Financial owner and LPL Registered Principal, David Muilenberg, also a member of the Economic Club, attended the luncheon, held on April 15, 2013, where this year's winners were selected.  The First Place winner was a student from Unity Christian High School, who received $2,000, plus an iPad. Second and Third Place winners also received iPad's and cash prizes.  Ten students were chosen to receive Fourth Place honors, and each received $250.

Discovery Financial Attends LaughFest to Support Gilda's Club

David & Angela Muilenberg, Dave & Marianne Grooters and Matthew & Holly Lehman of Discovery Financial, LLC, as well as several guests, recently attended an evening performance of LaughFest, featuring comedian, Wayne Brady, an actor, comedian and host of "Let's Make a Deal."  Discovery Financial  was a 'Friend' level donor and had its name lit up on a marquee-style sign during the 'Vegas' themed event held at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids.  Proceeds from the festival benefit Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, a cancer, grief and support program named for the late Saturday Night Live comedienne , Gilda Radner.

David & Angela Muilenberg

Dave and Marianne Grooters

Matthew and Holly Lehman

David Muilenberg and guests, Margie and her son, Chris.

Supporting a Worthy Cause

David and Angela Muilenberg represented Discovery Financial, LLC at the annual fund-raiser for the Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF), held on Thursday evening, November 8, 2013.  ICCF is the oldest non-profit housing provider in the state of Michigan.  Discovery Financial was an 'Artisan' sponsor of this event, which featured award-winning Chef Jeff Henderson, star of the Food Network's 'The Chef Jeff Project'.

Discovery Financial is proud to support the work of ICCF, which offers a wide spectrum of housing opportunities and services to low and moderate income families in Grand Rapids. 

Angela and David Muilenberg enjoyed the ICCF Fundraiser dinner with their guests.

Day of Caring

Robin Welton and Jeffrey Keessen, both Registered Representatives, and Kimberly Smith, Sales Assistant from the Discovery Financial's Hastings office, participated in the annual Day of Caring sponsored by Barry County United Way, on September 13, 2012.

Welton has served previously on Barry County's United Way's Campaign Committee, campaigning to raise funds in the insurance and investment business community.  She is currently the campaign committee representative for the Gun Lake Area. 

“All the money raised goes to those in need since an endowment that was set up years ago pays 100% of the administration costs for Barry County’s United Way office,” says Welton.  They joined other local volunteers in the Hastings community do yard work and window washing at Green Gables.