Born and raised on a farm near Corvallis, Oregon, Marjan is committed to creating social change. She lived abroad for many years, working as a librarian and volunteering her time. She returned to Oregon in 1991 to become director of the Cedar Mill Community Library, shortly after completing horrendous treatments for cancer. Marjan explains, "I've also volunteered in hospice settings for 13 years, so I have some some perspective on end-of-life issues."

And it was as a Peace Corps volunteer in the 1960’s that Marjan learned the importance of supporting communities to find their own answers to problems. She is quick to offer, “people know what solutions will work for them.”

Marjan also knows that there’s more going on out there than she can keep track of. “Before I started giving to McKenze River Gathering, I was unaware of some of the great groups working in Oregon.”

Marjan can tell from MRG's annual report and website that we’re able to locate new groups faster than she can. Our grantmaking committee has members all over the state working for change, who have first-hand knowledge about work happening on the ground and in rural communities she cares about. “Because I’m a something of a radical, that appeals to me.”

Marjan has signed up to make a monthly contribution to MRG because she understands the importance of having a steady stream of revenue. “I want to give in a way that allows a group to be able to plan and count on the support.”

Marjan knows something about persistence and commitment. She is an avid runner and won her age division (women age 70 - 74) in the 2009 Portland Marathon!

We count on the commitment of monthly donors like Marjan. To learn more about how to give to MRG, check out our support page.