Munson Medical Center received a much-needed financial injection yesterday as it unveiled a historic $8 million gift from the Wayne and Joan Webber Foundation: the newly christened Webber Heart Center.

Wayne Webber, a Benzie County native who now lives downstate in Macomb County with wife Joan, parlayed a successful career in concrete and highway construction into the establishment of the couple's foundation. The organization has supported numerous philanthropic endeavors throughout the state.

Following yesterday's ribbon cutting event at the Webber Heart Center at Munson – which will now provide expanded programming, technology and clinics related to cardiac care, thanks to the Webbers' donation – The Ticker spoke with the retired couple about their involvement with the hospital, the philanthropic climate both here and in southern Michigan, and the inspiration behind their ongoing commitment to giving.

The Ticker: Wayne, having lived in Macomb County for over 55 years, what's drawn you to continue being so involved philanthropically in Northern Michigan?
Wayne Webber: I was born here, of course, and then when we moved to Detroit when I was seven or eight years old, I continued to spend my summers here as a young lad. I always had a connection to this place because of my childhood on the Benzie River. Hunting and fishing, that's all my buddies and I did. And dancing, when we got older. (laughs)

When I met Joan (in Detroit), she began coming up with me. We own property still on the Benzie River, and Traverse City is one of our loves. Since I'm from this area, I want to help other people from this area.

The Ticker: How did the Munson gift come about?
Wayen Webber: We've always had a feel and a respect for Munson and what they're doing. We've helped several other hospitals in the metro Detroit area, and thought it was the right time to approach Munson. We asked what their needs were, and we settled on trying to help with the heart center. It's a project that's been three years in the making. Now that it's done and the ribbon is cut...we feel very blessed.

The Ticker: Does that feeling – of being blessed – motivate your philanthropy? Or what's the inspiration behind your commitment to giving?
Wayne Webber: We've always tried to help people, particularly since I sold my business seven years ago. In retirement, we've directed our attention to philanthropy. It's something I was taught by my parents – you could not go to my mother's house without having coffee, tea and baked goods. You were taught to take care of people.
Joan Webber: That was taught in my family, as well.

The Ticker: What are some of the causes or organizations you tend to focus on most philanthropically?
Joan Webber: The Salvation Army is one. Organizations that help distribute to the needy. We also distribute winter clothing – coats, hats and gloves – to elementary school students in Benzie County each winter. That's an important one to us.
Wayne Webber: We pray for guidance in the areas of where to give, where we can do the right thing. We're involved in several places in Africa drilling water wells. We're focused here on helping the hungry, the less fortunate. We also try to promote inner city education.

The Ticker: Is there a difference in the philanthropic climate here in Northern Michigan versus downstate?
Wayne Webber: That's tough to say. Detroit is in very rough shape right now. There's a lot of need – and not as many people able to meet it. I don't know that it's really all that different, though. Philanthropy is the same all over. People who have an opportunity to share, generally want to share.

You know, we're in a unique position since we don't have children. People with families often have to put their families first, which is certainly understandable. We don't have that, so we can focus on others. We've been very fortunate in our lives. So now, wherever there's a need...we're committed to trying to give back.