Banking is her profession, but benevolence is her passion. Mandee Rick has a successful career at Huntington Bank; 11years to date and VP of Commercial Banking. But that’s not all. She’s got game -- the do-gooder kind.
Rick has been the event chairperson of the Grand Rapids Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society the past two years. It’s the organization's worldwide, signature event and it is Rick’s year-round project. The Grand Rapids Relay for Life takes place at Ah Nab Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids. Teams relay for 24 hours to raise money for the organization. Next year’s goal is to raise $75,000.
“I have personal experience with those surviving and losing their battle with cancer,” explains Rick. “The American Cancer Society helps not only the patient, but their loved ones and care providers. This event makes an impact.”
If that wasn’t enough, Rick also resides on the Advisory Board for Camp O’Malley, 40 acres on the Thornapple River just south of Grand Rapids. The nonprofit organization hosts 450 children each summer and they never turn away a camper. In fact, 94% of the kids who attend live below the poverty line and haven’t experienced the great adventure of outdoor living.
“The organization relies heavily on volunteers,” says Rick, who was first introduced to the camp as a clean-up volunteer through a Grand Rapids Young Professionals event. “I couldn’t fathom that children hadn’t had the opportunity to enjoy nature activities." Rick has been involved with the organization ever since.
Rick is also very dedicated to the Grand Rapids Young Professionals group. As a member, past president and now Advisory Council chairperson, Rick has made her mark on the organization. “There was no other non-industry specific networking association at the time,” confesses Rick. GRYP has grown significantly under Rick's leadership. The group now boasts over 2,500 members with monthly events, networking, professional development meetings, tours, volunteer opportunities and luncheons. GRYP is a powerhouse of people.
“It’s all volunteer run and is able to change direction with the needs of the membership,” continues Rick. Its free and flexible format offers something for everyone.
While those activities keep Rick a busy business professional, her benevolence doesn’t stop there. She is also committed to the Van Andel Institute’s J-Board, Davenport University’s Alumni Board of Directors, Heart of West Michigan’s Education and Investment Council, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Community Leadership, American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women event committee, Saint Mary’s Doran Foundation’s Up on the Roof Host event committee and Huntington Bank’s Women’s Initiative mentoring program.
You may not be interested in tackling as many things as Mandee Rick, but you can make a difference too. Support one of the organizations that she is involved with and be a do-gooder also. Here’s how:
• Center for Community Leadership Grand Rapids on
facebook and
web• Davenport University Alumni Association on
facebook and
web• Heart of West Michigan United Way on
facebook and
webSource: Mandee Rick, Huntington Bank
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor
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