Donor Advised Fund
Franklin D. Kraai Ice Rink Fund
Frank Kraai has one true love – Holland. Born and raised here, he’s spent a lifetime sharing his talents and treasure with this community. Throughout his life, Frank saved well and invested wisely. Through a Donor Advised Fund at CFHZ, Frank made the gift of a lifetime. He contributed one-million-dollars to The City of Holland to help create a permanent ice rink within walking distance of downtown. A dream for many years, Frank hopes to make it a reality and provide a unique space for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the town he loves.
Frank’s sense of community runs deep. He spent his professional career as a teacher in Holland area schools, and during his retirement Frank served as an adjunct instructor for the Education Department at Hope College. In both roles, he created strong bonds with his students and served as a mentor to many. Juanita Bocanegra, one of Frank’s former students and current Ottawa County 58th District Court Judge, credits Frank with her love and commitment to education, community, and service.
“Much of who I am today started in Frank’s fifth grade classroom, where he taught me things more important than anything I could learn from a book. Frank taught me to believe in myself. But, more importantly, he taught me the joy of investing in others without expecting anything in return. It is because of people like Frank Kraai that I enjoy serving on various boards in our community as a way of not just giving back, but also paying it forward,” said Juanita.
While teaching kept him busy, Frank always made time to participate in community events. For many years, he was Sinterklaas for the holiday Parade of Lights, co-hosted a cable TV program called “Lakeshore Living” for MAC-TV, and served as both a commentator for the Tulip Time parades and a tour guide on the trolleys. Introducing visitors to the area and encouraging them to return was a source of joy. “It wasn’t a hard sell,” he said. “This community is a uniquely wonderful place, and events like Tulip Time help to highlight what a great town we live in.”
With his mind focused on giving back, Frank never dreamt of being a millionaire. “About a year or so ago, someone at my bank asked me if I knew I was a millionaire,” said Frank. “My response was to say ‘That can’t be me. I am a teacher!’” A printed statement proved that thanks to his wise investments, Frank was in fact a millionaire. True to form, his immediate thoughts were how to share his resources with the community and accomplish a long-held dream of working with the City of Holland to create a permanent ice rink for all to enjoy.
There was never any question that Frank’s legacy gift would be an ice rink, as he holds fond memories of skating with friends during his childhood. “One of the wonderful experiences in life is to skate in the winter when it’s cold and the fellowship it creates. It’s another way to encourage people to enjoy their town, patronize local stores and restaurants, and create memories.”
A long-time friend of CFHZ, Frank sought guidance to help him achieve his lifetime charitable goal and legacy gift to Holland. Frank’s vision and generosity catalyzed the project for the City and will cover much of the cost to construct the ice rink and additional features including a warming station, restrooms, space for refreshments, skate rentals, and maintenance.
The City is finalizing plans for the ice rink and amenities, and when final plans are approved community members will have the opportunity to contribute towards making the project come to life.
“Frank is an extraordinary, ordinary resident and his generous, joyful spirit has touched the lives of hundreds of people in Holland,” said Nathan Bocks, Mayor of Holland. “He’s dedicated his life to supporting others, raising our spirits, and sharing the best of Holland with the world. His gift is so much more than financial – it’s an act of love for our community so that we can enjoy each other’s company with the same joy Frank remembers from his childhood, ice skating with his friends.”