Dr. Richard Deming joins as newest member of visionary community giving circle

Aug 23, 2012

Dr. Richard Deming is demonstrating his commitment to Greater Des Moines by joining the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines Leadership Circle, a group comprised of donors who have created a substantial endowment that supports projects or causes that provide long-term community impact and address the most critical needs in Greater Des Moines.

 

Dr. Deming said, "I've been blessed in so many ways.  It's very important for me to engage in our community in ways that allow me to share my blessings with others. Becoming involved in the Leadership Circle provides me an opportunity to do just that."

 

Leadership Circle donors pledge $2 million through initial contributions and deferred gifts. Backed by its funding ability, the Leadership Circle provides grants to projects that provide significant community enhancements. The circle most recently funded the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Des Moines Water Works Park Master Plan.

 

"Dr. Deming is an incredibly caring, compassionate and generous community leader and demonstrates his support of people in Greater Des Moines in so many meaningful ways," says Barry Griswell, chair of the Leadership Circle and chief executive officer of the Community Foundation. "The Leadership Circle provides a unique model to leverage gifts and increase community impact, and we are honored to welcome Dr. Deming as its newest member."

 

Leadership Circle Members Include: Sunnie Richer & Roger Brooks, Suzie Glazer Burt, Patty & Jim Cownie, Richard L. Deming, M.D., Michele & Barry Griswell, Charlotte & Fred S. Hubbell, Sharon & Kyle J. Krause, Jill & Mark Oman and Emily & Fred Weitz

 

Dr. Richard Deming is medical director of Mercy Cancer Center in Des Moines.  Dr. Deming is known in the community for the compassionate care he provides cancer patients and their families.  He is involved in many national, state and community organizations and is the recipient of numerous awards.  He was awarded the Lane Adams Award by the American Cancer Society for excellence and compassion in patient care. Dr. Deming is a passionate spokesman for cancer survivors and their families.  Last year he received the Iowa Cancer Champion Award for his tireless work in the field of advocacy. In 2011 he received the Philanthropist of the Year Award by the Central Iowa Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Dr. Deming is the Founder and Chairman of the nonprofit organization Above+Beyond Cancer.  In April 2011 he led a group of fourteen cancer survivors on a trek to Mount Everest Base Camp and in January 2012 he took a group of nineteen cancer survivors to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.  Dr. Deming serves on many local and national boards of directors including the American Cancer Society, Mercy Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Bras for the Cause, Iowa Oncology Research Association, Iowa Cancer Consortium and Drake University Center for Humanities.