In Loving Memory: Margery and Charles Barancik

By Julie Milton

Humble. Kind. Selfless. Generous. Caring. These are just a few of the words that come to mind when you think of Margery and Charles Barancik. This incredibly philanthropic couple were sadly taken from us in a tragic car accident in December 2019.

Chuck and Margery were strong believers that philanthropy shapes our world and enriches lives. In 2014, they established the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, a private foundation that creates initiatives and awards grants. Its mission is to promote meaningful changes in the areas of education, humanitarian causes, arts and culture, the environment, and medical research. And for the past five years, the Baranciks, through their Foundation, did just that.

For both of them, there was no better feeling, no better joy, than seeing the tangible results of their philanthropy. From tackling the teacher shortage, to bringing cultural and nature experiences to kids and families, to funding important medical research, and so much more, their generosity significantly improved lives. Thankfully, the Foundation’s work will continue well beyond their passing, and our community will benefit from its impact for years to come.

“This is a deeply personal loss for us, as well as the whole community,” shares Barancik Foundation President & CEO Teri Hansen. “The outpouring of support demonstrated the incredible ripple effect of Chuck and Margie’s generosity. People who had never met them but benefited in some large or small way from their philanthropy were compelled to share how the couple touched their lives—teachers, social workers, students, musicians, dancers, all from the array of organizations that they supported. Their Foundation will continue to honor their legacy and support the places, people, and causes they loved. Now our work becomes that much more important.”

Yes, the Foundation’s work is very important to all of us. It makes our community a stronger and better place. We were blessed indeed to have had the Baranciks in our family, to have known them, to have experienced their compassion and benevolence, and to have reaped the benefits of their generosity now and in the future. We will remember them always and be forever grateful for their legacy of love and caring.