Rotary Club names Fred Meijer service award winner

Dave and Karen Custer. Courtesy Rotary Club of Grand Rapids

The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids named its recipients of the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award.

Dave and Karen Custer were chosen as the 2022 recipients in recognition of their philanthropy. According to the Rotary Club, the Custers’ active involvement and contributions to Grand Rapids over the years embody the values of the award.

The Rotary Club will honor the Custers at its Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award Celebration at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, at the Cultural Center, at 2250 E. Paris Ave. SE in Kentwood. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation, which exists to support the advancement of world understanding, goodwill and peace, primarily through youth programming. All are invited to attend.

“We are pleased and excited to honor the Custers as the 2022 Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award winners for their contributions to our community,” said Hank Meijer, executive chair, Meijer. “Dave and Karen’s generous and gracious spirits embodies the true meaning of this award.”

The Custers have served several organizations, such as the Western Michigan University Foundation, the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation, Hope on the Hill Foundation and Clark Retirement Community. Dave Custer also is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, member and past chair of the Grand Rapids Economic Club, member and past president of Cascade Hills Country Club and director at Irwin Seating.

Dave Custer founded the office furniture dealership Custer Inc. in 1981. The company now is run by his three sons and is committed to giving at least 10% of profits to charities and organizations. According to his son Todd Custer, the company always gives more than 10% to hundreds of nonprofits in the Grand Rapids area. The family meets monthly to consider requests received. Custer also continues these same principles when it comes to addressing and taking care of its employees, he said.

“We are honored to receive an award that bears the name of Fred Meijer and believe that you should do all you can for others when you can and while you can,” Dave Custer said. “We are humbled by this recognition, which is truly an honor to us.”

Event tickets are available here or by calling (616) 429-5640.