Staples Family Fund

Sam and Trudy Staples have lived in Mt. Pleasant for 32 years. They met in Sayner, Wis., and have been married for 56 years. Sam worked for Motion Industries until he started his own business, The Distributors Group, which is now run by his son-in-law Carl Graef. He is a U.S. Navy retiree with several projects and business ventures that keep him busy.

Sam and Trudy are charitable individuals committed to giving back to the Mt. Pleasant community. They have donated to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadway Theater, Central Michigan University, American Red Cross and several other organizations. As a way to continue their service to the community, Sam and Trudy established the Staples Family Fund in February 2012.

“I hope this fund’s balance will reach $10,000 quickly so that annual grants can be made to local organizations,” said Sam.

The earnings from this fund will benefit local nonprofits servicing Isabella County residents. It was important to Sam and Trudy to establish a fund that assists nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping residents in need.

“I believe that the Staples Family Fund will encourage other philanthropists to contribute donations so that the fund will become self-perpetuating,” said Sam.

Sam and Trudy have two daughters and a son. Jean Prout, Karen Graef, and Dan Staples all live in Mt. Pleasant. Karen is the music director for the Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church in Midland, Jean is the owner and operator of The Ginko Tree In and Restaurant and Centennial Hall, and Dan is the IT project manager for the Soaring Eagle Casino. They also have five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.