Throughout Beatrice “Bea” Idema’s life she believed in helping others. In 2010, her passion took on a new shape through the founding of the Bea Aldrink Idema Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting a variety of causes with an emphasis on education. Over the last decade, the Foundation has supported projects and organizations across West Michigan – including Van Andel Institute – partnering with those who share Idema’s bright vision for the region.
The foundation’s members are Peter, Chad, and Vincent Versluis, and Tonya Williamson. They actively seek out causes that they believe will have a substantial impact on the community, causes that share Bea’s vision of making West Michigan a great place to live.
The BAI Foundation believes that children are our greatest assets. It is a guiding principle for various partnerships, including multiple years supporting VAl’s K-12 education programs. The Foundation’s generosity has bolstered student programs such as summer camps and field trips, while also enhancing teacher capacity by supporting the development of thought-provoking and practical classroom resources, including teacher webinars.
Particularly when it comes to science, Peter and Tonya believe in hands-on opportunities for students.
VAI offers a unique opportunity to have hands-on learning in a real scientific setting. The education facilities are adjacent to the Institute’s main building, where scientists from around the world are researching diseases that affect almost everyone, including cancer and Parkinson’s. The aim of the BAI partnership with VAl is to equip a new generation of future scientists to take up the baton and continue the race.
For the siblings, leading the foundation in the name of their aunt is challenging and rewarding, Tonya said.
Together, they’re working to further Bea’s vision of a healthier, smarter, and brighter Grand Rapids, and they believe supporting education is one of the best ways to make an impact.
“Bea believed in the people of West Michigan, and so do we,” Tonya said. “Every step we take moves the city forward, making it a desirable place to live while it maintains its values and charm.”