Raising Strong Citizens: Rose and Sanders Goodstein Memorial Fund
Charitable giving and Wolverine spirit are among many Goodstein family traditions. Flint attorney and businessman Sanders Goodstein and his wife Rose were both known for their civic leadership and community support. Their son Peter Goodstein, also a local attorney, remembers his parents’ involvement with charitable causes when he was growing up. “They were among the core supporters of the Flint College and Cultural Center and very active with the United Way,” he said.
Their grandsons, Sam and Raphael Goodstein, both third-generation University of Michigan graduates, fondly recall attending UM football games with their grandparents, as well as their legacy of generosity. According to Raphael, they also instilled the importance of ‘giving back’ in him and his brother. “Our parents (Peter and Hanna) and grandparents were always very involved with charitable organizations,” he said. “They showed us that many people are not as fortunate and we need to help out where we can.”
When Sanders passed away in 2007 (Rose passed away in 2002), his estate provided for an endowed donor advised fund to continue supporting local charitable causes the family cares most about. Peter currently advises how grants are used; Sam and Raphael will take over this role in the future. “Giving is an environment you grow up in,“ said (Peter) Goodstein. “You raise your children to see this, set an example, and hope it has an impact.”
