Foundation Focus
Education Our Goal...
The Bies Family Foundation believes that education is one of the most valuable resources that one could have in life. By learning new things and challenging your mind and beliefs, your world grows bigger and more opportunities become available. As renowned Blues musician, B.B. King, said "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you."
Deucie and Jen's father, James T. Bies, firmly believed that not everyone was meant to go to a 4-year college and that trade schools were very important and could provide a great education in a specialized field. In 2022, the Bies Family Foundation partnered with Skillpointe Foundation to provide scholarships to students pursuing an education in trade school, and have granted scholarships worth over $150,000 to students in the metro Detroit and Orlando areas that have pursued studies in the automotive trades.
The Bies Family Foundation also provides scholarships to students at Jackson College and Greenhills School in Michigan. Both schools have played an important part to them, as Deucie and Jen's mother graduated from Jackson College, while Deucie, Jen, and Katie all graduated from Greenhills School.
Cancer Support Our Goal...
It is probably safe to say that you've known at least one person in your life that has had or been impacted by cancer. Unfortunately, this statement is true for the founding members of the Bies Family Foundation, as Deucie and Jen lost both of their parents, James T. and Lorraine Bies, to cancer. When James was diagnosed with lung cancer in March 2000, the family was devastated. Even more heartbreaking is that after one round of chemotherapy, James passed away just two months later. Feeling like a rug had been pulled out from under them, cancer research and support became a cause that was close to their hearts. A mere six years later, Lorraine was diagnosed with cancer for the first time. Over the next 13 years, she fought two more types of cancer, endured many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, and eventually lost her battle in January 2019.
Having lost both parents by their early 40s, Deucie and Jen knew that they wanted the Bies Family Foundation to help those fighting cancer, as well as the family members by their side. The Bies Family Foundation is very involved with WeSpark Cancer Support Center in Los Angeles, California, which provides free services to cancer patients and their families that help enhance their quality of life during such a difficult time, and Jen sits on their Board of Directors. The Bies Family Foundation also supports the Flatwater Foundation in Austin, Texas, which provides mental health therapy sessions for cancer patients.
Veteran Support Our Goal...
If it wasn't for our veterans, none of us would be able to be where we are today. Deucie and Jen's father, James T. Bies, served in the U.S. Army. Their uncle, Steve Smigielski, was a member of the National Guard. Their great uncle, Ted Smigielski, served in Vietnam. The Bies Family Foundation deeply values the sacrifice and dedication of those who have served our country. We believe that the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today are a direct result of their bravery and commitment. Supporting veteran causes like the Fisher House, an organization that provides free lodging to family members of veterans when they are in the hospital, is our way of honoring their service.
Children & Families Our Goal...
Family is the core of the Bies Family Foundation. Created by siblings, Deucie Bies and Jen Bies-Duffy, to honor their parents, the Bies Family Foundation works with and supports organizations that focus on helping families in need. When families thrive, communities become more resilient and prosperous.
Katie Bies serves on the Community Leadership Council at the Howard Phillips Center for Families and Children. The Howard Phillips Center helps families dealing with child abuse, provides access to healthcare, and resources for parents of children with special needs. The Bies Family Foundation is one of their Difference Maker donors, providing Thanksgiving meals for families, and hosting a Christmas booth for The Howard Phillips annual holiday party.
The Bies Family Foundation also works with Ronald McDonald Houses in Orlando, Florida, an organization that provides a home-away-from-home for families with seriously ill children. BFF also sponsors home creations in Los Angeles thru A Sense of Home, an organization that provides furnishings for former foster kids once they get their first home. Jen and Michael and their sons participate in the move-ins and enjoy getting to meet the recipients and learn about their journeys. Lastly, BFF sponsors various families in Los Angeles for the holidays and provides a Christmas for those that may not otherwise be able to celebrate.