A History of Giving Back
In a world where few gifts last beyond a generation, Marion Jarves Alger’s legacy stands tall on the shore of Lake St. Clair. Her vision, leadership, and generosity more than a century ago continue to shape and serve the Grosse Pointe community through the enduring presence of The War Memorial. But as the demands on this historic institution grow, so too does the importance of ensuring her legacy is not only preserved, but empowered to thrive.
A Woman of Vision and Purpose
Born in 1878 into a lineage of industry and influence, Marion Alger could have chosen a quiet life. Instead, she built one rooted in service, activism, and lasting impact. From founding the Neighborhood Club in 1911 to revolutionizing women-led healthcare administration at Women’s Hospital and Infants’ Home, Marion was a driving force behind many of the institutions that define Grosse Pointe to this day.
But perhaps no gift is more emblematic of her community devotion than the one she made in 1949, her estate, The Moorings, donated to become what we now know as The War Memorial.
Following the heartbreak of World War II, and the loss of her own grandson at Guadalcanal, Marion recognized the need for a space that would not only honor fallen soldiers but also serve the living. Together with her nephew, Alger Shelden, she envisioned a place where education, culture, and civic life could flourish. That vision became reality with the founding of the Grosse Pointe War Memorial Association, transforming her beloved home into a cornerstone of the community.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
For more than 75 years, The War Memorial has been a dynamic center for arts, culture, education, and remembrance. Each year, it hosts over 250 nonprofit and civic organizations, providing more than $1.5 million in free or discounted space, catering, and services, a remarkable continuation of Marion’s spirit of giving.
Yet, behind the beauty of its gardens, historic rooms, and lakeside views lies a hard truth: philanthropy built The War Memorial, and philanthropy is still essential to its future.
While weddings, events, and rentals help keep the lights on, they don’t fund major capital needs or infrastructure improvements. In fact, despite running at full capacity, The War Memorial's operating margins are break-even at best, with nearly $950,000 in annual depreciation on buildings and systems—signaling a real and growing need for reinvestment.
The institution's modest $6 million endowment only yields about $240,000 per year, and historically, even this has been used to cover operational shortfalls. Simply put: event revenue alone cannot sustain or grow The War Memorial.
Why Fundraising Still Matters
Marion Alger’s gift gave the community a home, a place to gather, celebrate, grieve, and grow. But gifts like hers are rare. The financial realities of maintaining a historic campus and expanding its programming require renewed support from the community she so loved.
Fundraising at The War Memorial has historically contributed only 10–12% of its annual revenue, yet the need far exceeds that. For example, the recent $20 million given for ballroom restoration was deeply generous, but still $4 million short of the total project cost.
At the same time, the very generosity The War Memorial extends to nonprofits and civic organizations, central to its mission, limits what it can earn. Without increased philanthropic support, even maintaining the status quo becomes unsustainable, let alone expanding services for future generations.
Carrying the Torch Forward
Marion Alger didn’t just donate a home, she invested in the future of her community. That future now depends on all of us.
Her values, service, access, civic life, are more relevant than ever. And as the War Memorial faces both opportunity and challenge, we must come together to uphold the vision she began.
Whether through annual giving, major gifts, or legacy contributions, every dollar raised strengthens Marion’s legacy and ensures her dream endures for another 75 years, and beyond.
A Call to Action
The War Memorial is more than a building. It is a living testament to a woman who believed in the power of place, purpose, and people. Now is the time to honor that belief, not just with gratitude, but with action.
To learn more about how you can support The War Memorial and be part of Marion Alger’s lasting legacy, please contact the Development Offices at koliver@warmemorial.org or visit our Support page.
Let us carry Marion’s light forward. The future of The War Memorial, and the community it serves, depends on it.