Finding Home in Clare: Couple Invests in the Community They Chose

David and Doris Arndt

Twelve years ago, Doris and David Arndt were ready for a change.

After living downstate, they were drawn to Clare’s small-town atmosphere and sense of community. As they considered making the move, their children had one important request: choose a place where quality health care would be close by.

Clare checked those boxes.

“We wanted a quieter community and a place where people care about one another, but our children also wanted to know that we would have good medical care nearby,” Doris said. “Having the Medical Center here was an important part of our decision.”

For 12 years they call Clare their home, and having health care close by has become even more meaningful to the Arndts.

It's also one of the reasons they chose to support the Clare Renovation & Expansion Campaign at MyMichigan Medical Center Clare.

“We’ve used the Medical Center over the years, so we’ve experienced what it was like before and what it's becoming today,” David said. “We’re happy to see this investment being made in Clare. As you age, having quality health care nearby gives you peace of mind.”

For Doris and David, supporting the campaign is another way to invest in the community they chose to call home.

“Clare has been good to us,” Doris said. “We really value having the Medical Center here. I don’t know what we would do without it, and we want to see it remain strong for the people who live here.”

Becky Church, director, MyMichigan Health Foundation, said stories like the Arndts’ demonstrate why community participation is such an important part of the campaign.

“MyMichigan Health is making a significant investment in the future of the health care in Clare, and philanthropy gives people like Doris and David the opportunity to be a part of that investment,” Church said. “They chose Clare as their home, and access to health care was part of that decision. Now they’re choosing to support something that is important to them and the community they have grown to love.”

The Arndts hope their story will also encourage others to think about what having strong health care close to home means to them.

“We've been here for 10 years, but there are families and businesses that have been part of Clare for generations,” David said. “We hope they'll consider joining us in supporting the Medical Center. It's something that benefits all of us who call Clare home.”

The Clare Renovation & Expansion Campaign has raised more than $865,000 toward its $1 million community fundraising goal. Through Oct. 1, eligible gifts will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $200,000, through the Poet Family and Jay's Sporting Goods Matching Challenge.

One hundred percent of gifts designated to the Clare Renovation & Expansion Campaign stay with the Clare project.

“Everyone has their own reason for caring about the Medical Center,” Church said. “Doris and David's story is a wonderful reminder that whether you've been here for generations or chose Clare more recently, we all have an opportunity to be part of its future.”

Those interested in joining Doris and David in supporting the Clare Renovation & Expansion Campaign or learning more may visit www.mymichigan.org/givetoclare or contact Church at (989) 839-3342 or becky.church@mymichigan.org.