Melodious Philanthropy

Corinne Spicer earned a degree in math education from Ohio State University. But she understood percentages at an early age. That's how she met her husband, Ken. They went to neighboring high schools and Corinne's had more girls than boys, while his school had the opposite. As the saying goes, "Do the math!"

Ken also graduated from OSU, with a degree in electrical engineering. Corinne taught junior high school math while he completed his schooling. Being a private pilot, he flew at the chance to move to Washington and join Boeing to work on the supersonic transport (SST) program.

Corinne taught in the Highline School District until their children, Nathan and Natasha, were born. They lived in Burien, Bellevue and Kent and, after Ken's passing, she moved to Lake Chelan. Wanting to join a community, she moved to Wesley Community Foundation Des Moines in 2018–based solely on a friend's recommendation.

Growing up, Corinne played the piano and organ, as well as the clarinet and oboe. Her parents believed these hobbies would associate her with the "right crowd." This led to her lifelong appreciation of music. She recently celebrated a milestone birthday and, joined by her out-of-state siblings, enjoyed a special recital performed on Wesley Community Foundation's magnificent pipe organ.

Corinne's childhood family didn't have a lot. Because she is fortunate financially due, in part, to her investment in Southwest Airlines, she said, "I cannot conceive of not giving back!" She's a member of the Century Circle giving society, recognized via the Spicer Family Creativity Center and the Donor Wall and will be on the Skywalk plaque. Her favorite way of giving is to transfer appreciated stock.

Corinne has remembered Wesley Community Foundation in her estate plan with a generous percentage bequest. She also gives back by serving on the Des Moines Campaign Committee and covering the Gardens reception desk every day during lunch breaks. The giving of her treasure and time is melodious indeed!