Mike and Mary Broshar are no strangers to Waterloo. They both served on numerous boards and committees throughout the years and raising their five children kept them engaged in the community. They recently established the Mary and Michael Broshar Community Arts Fund through the Waterloo Community Foundation to support fine arts initiatives in the community.
Mike and Mary are driven by a shared passion for the arts cultivated since their youth. Mike explained, “Even from a young age we were participating in the arts programs. We’ve always supported the arts center, and we will continue to do that in and outside of this fund.”
This lifelong appreciation has motivated them to extend their commitment beyond personal enjoyment to a desire to broaden access to the arts for others. The Mary and Michael Broshar Community Arts Fund will prioritize programs that benefit arts and culture, with a focus on making visual arts, music, and/or performance accessible to community members and fostering greater community engagement.
The Broshars’ dedication to this initiative is rooted in the strong sense of community they cherish. “I really appreciate the size of this community and how connected everyone is,” Mike noted. Mary added, “The people are a big part of it. It’s how you meet people that are not your neighbor and discover shared interests.”
Having long appreciated and participated in Waterloo’s local arts scene, their desire to give back and ensure its continued flourishing is a core motivation behind the fund. “It is important to love your community and I don’t want to be just a taker. I want to be a giver,” Mary affirmed. Mike elaborated on their vision, stating, “My perception is that the arts need more reinforcement in this community, particularly the visual arts, and this is an opportunity to leave our mark.” They see the fund as a way to actively contribute to the city’s vibrancy and provide avenues for connection that transcend everyday interactions.
Ultimately, the Mary and Mike Broshar Community Arts Fund embodies their commitment to a thriving and interconnected Waterloo. “We just think it’s a great opportunity,” they shared. “To spread a little joy, that’s a good thing.”
Learn more about setting up a fund to reflect your own unique and creative interests at https://wloocommunityfoundation.org/set-up-a-fund/.
