Spotlight – Milgard Foundation

Pierce County Washington is so fortunate to share space with the incredibly impactful Milgard Family Foundation.  From humble beginnings, hard work created a drive within Gary and Carol, who were lifelong residents of Lakewood and Tacoma Washington. They shared a passion for giving back to the community in which they worked, lived in, and raised their children. Through the Milgard window business, they created a community action giving program as a way to support and educate employees in the value of community service. 

The legacy of Gary and Carol lives on through the family members, including their three children, Cari, Lori and Mark and their grandchildren, Kasey, Kirby, Scott and Lindsay. Standing united by their values and shared interest, they are committed to honoring the legacy of their parents and their grandparents and do so with each gift that positively affects the lives of people who call Pierce County home. 

In 2016, the Gary E. Milgard Family Foundation reorganized into four new legacy foundations that represent the individual passions and interests of the board members, while preserving the values of the Milgard family. The foundation names are the Ruth Foundation, Skylight Foundation, Whisper Foundation and Windows of Hope Foundation.

All four of the foundations continue to the follow the original mission statement created by Gary and Carol and Cari, Lori and Mark.  The goal is to support a wide variety of organizations that serve our shared communities. This is a way for the family to give back and continue to educate their descendants in the value of customer service.

This Foundation supports well managed non-profit projects and programs that focus on the health of the community.  We are so fortunate to have been a recipient of funds through the Ruth Foundation for several years.  Our work in providing high quality services at an affordable rate has been an area of interest for the Foundation.  We share in the belief that access is important, and healthcare, regardless of species, should be affordable. 

Demonstrating perfect partnership, Gary provided the drive and the vision for the Gary E. Milgard Family Foundations while Carol provided the heart and the enthusiasm for the Gary E. Milgard Family Foundations.  This is collaboration at it’s very best, and we thank them.