Pat and Herb Eldean

Pat and Herb Eldean are well-known in our community. Whether you’ve eaten at the Piper, attended events at Eldean Shipyard, or docked your boat at their marina, chances are you’ve interacted with the generous couple. They’ve been a fixture in the Holland area for more than four decades.

The roots of their philanthropy formed during their college days. At the University of Illinois Pat became involved in donating her time and energy to her sorority’s various charity functions. Herb graduated from Northern Illinois University and later served on their Foundation Board where he founded the $1,000 Club as an innovative way to raise funds.

Their connection to our community began with a drive through Holland in 1973, when they first considered purchasing what is known today as Eldean Shipyard.

“As we only drove through the area once, we weren’t very familiar with the community, but we decided to take a chance,” Herb said. “It has turned out to be a wonderful adventure.”

When they bought the property, the boatyard was in disrepair. Over time, they replaced all the buildings. The restaurant on the property — known fondly as the Galley — was torn down, rebuilt, and became the Sandpiper and then the Piper. The marina grew from 140 to 310 slips.

Pat and Herb say part of their job at the restaurant/marina is making having fun easier and more enjoyable. “It’s so special to be a part of people’s lives and to share their memorable moments,” Pat said. “From watching families grow, to knowing who can finally swim across the pool.”

In addition to getting to know lots of people, being restaurant owners also allowed the Eldeans to learn a great deal about local nonprofits by hosting numerous fundraising events. One of those events was for the Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC).

Before taking on the shipyard and restaurant, Pat was a teacher. She understood the importance of early childhood education and quickly came to appreciate organizations such as ODC. Their support to ODC went from catering events, to Pat serving on their board, to establishing the Patricia Eldean Education Center. They continued to work with ODC in funding the Eldean Family Nature Play Park which was designed to provide an area that inspires children to play creatively using natural materials.

While Pat and Herb directly support projects they are involved in, they also see the value in giving to the Community Foundation. The Pat and Herb Eldean Fund was established in 2017 to support environmental projects that seek to improve the quality of Lake Macatawa as well as education efforts serving under-resourced children.

“The Community Foundation has the unique ability to make sure that the dollars go toward current needs, not what was important 10 years ago,” Pat said. “We enjoy contributing to the Community’s Endowment because we know the Community Foundation works to make thoughtful, informed decisions as to where our money goes.”

Unrestricted and Field of Interest Funds combined make up our Community’s Endowment. The Foundation uses these funds to invest in community change across all organizations improving the Holland and Zeeland area. These funds open the possibility that, whatever new challenges or opportunities arise, we’ll have the resources to respond with the best solutions. That’s why they are one of the most important investments you can make in the community that you call home.

Originally featured in the Community Foundation’s 2018 Annual Report. While this was written by CFHZ’s Communications Associate Lina Pierson in 2019, we believe that stories of generosity are timeless and always relevant.

To learn more about our Community’s Endowment, visit www.cfhz.org/communitysendowment.