Throughout this year, the Wayne County Foundation is highlighting several of our donors through blog posts. Their stories demonstrate how philanthropy creates a positive impact in the community. For our third donor story, we talked with Rick Ahaus who established two funds at the Foundation.
A Life Spent in the Family Business
Rick Ahaus is a community pillar. If you do not know of him, you most likely recognize his last name from Ahaus Tool and Engineering which started in 1946 in a two-car garage. It has since become a machine tool manufacturing powerhouse in Wayne County.
Mr. Ahaus started working in machine tool manufacturing during high school. He spent some time outside of Wayne County as an engineering student at the General Motors Co-Op. However, he came back to the community in 1966 to work in the family business.
His first role with Ahaus was as a salesperson for 25 years. Rick worked his way up in the company and eventually bought into the business to take up the role of president. He retired from the family business in 2004 and left it in the care of his son and son-in-law.
Community Volunteer
While Rick is rightfully noted for his storied career, he is equally known for his community involvement. He spent years volunteering with several Wayne County organizations, nonprofits, and government bodies.
Some of those entities include Richmond City Council, Richmond Community Schools Board of Trustees, Richmond Power and Light, Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, and even the Wayne County Foundation.
“Almost any board you can think of I’ve been on,” said Rick. “I consider it part of giving back to the community. “
However, one of his most well-known accomplishments is establishing Every Child Can Read and the Third Grade Academy alongside longtime friend Vic Jose. Rick served on Every Child Can Read’s board for 13 years and helped the organization support educational initiatives the way it was intended by giving kids access to books.
A Passion for Education and Community
It is easy to see Rick’s passion for education. Part of his local involvement has been dedicated to ensuring students, especially ones in elementary school, can access the resources they need to succeed.
Researchers found that someone’s likelihood of dropping out of high school is directly correlated with their ability to read by third grade. It was this statistic and noticing dropout rates in local schools that acted as Rick’s motivation to help establish Every Child Can Read and Third Grade Academy. Both organizations provide educational support to families and students in need.
Rick has also used Ahaus Tool and Engineering to mentor area high school students in manufacturing and engineering. The company developed an apprenticeship program to give young people the ability to learn a trade. It has equipped students with the skills they need to enter the workforce after high school.
Two Foundation Funds
Rick has had a long relationship with the Wayne County Foundation. Along with previously serving as the Board Chair from 1999 to 2001, he established two funds, which include
- Ahaus Family Fund: An unrestricted fund established in 2002.
- Rick and Debby Ahaus Fund: A donor-advised fund created in 2007.
“If you asked me about the funds’ purpose. It’s to make donations to areas we might not have made without,” said Rick. “It’s an easy way to give.”
His primary focus is on addressing gaps in education while supporting Every Child Can Read and Third Grade Academy. Other areas of interest include his church, food pantries, United Way, and Main Street developments.
Philanthropic Advice
Philanthropy is a powerful tool for the community. It looks different with each donor. Rick’s advice is to consider what issues or causes are important to you.
“You’ve got to give where you think it’s important or where your heart is,” advised Rick. “People need to understand the importance of their gifts and what they can mean.”
Mr. Ahaus views his philanthropy as a vehicle for giving back to the community. He thinks setting up funds with a foundation is an effortless way to not only make donations but create meaningful impacts.
Rick is a strong believer in community foundations. He heavily encourages donors to take advantage of the tax benefits that come from their gifts. For those interested in giving to the Wayne County Foundation, Rick says now is the time to give with everything happening in the area.
“Well, it’s a great way to give back to the community.”
Are you interested in giving? Visit our website’s Ways to Give page to learn about the several ways you can give to the Foundation.