BY STEVE DINNEN
David Hurd and Trudy Holman Hurd spent decades supporting nonprofit organizations in Des Moines, from arts and culture to social service agencies.
David, a retired CEO of Principal Financial Group Inc., died in 2016, leaving Trudy to carry that gifting banner on her own. She has held it high, now more than ever as she sees a clear need to support organizations that are striving to help people affected by the pandemic and its economic whiplash.
“The needs are just endless,” she said, as she ticked off just a few of the nonprofit groups that have caught her attention: the Des Moines Area Religious Community, Eat Greater Des Moines, Urban Dreams and Creative Visions. She called out Family Promise of Greater Des Moines, which provides short-term housing for families and uses the time with them to develop skills with parents that hopefully will lead them to stable employment.
It’s a big job, supporting all these charities. But Hurd doesn’t shirk from it. And she applauded what she views as generous citizens of Des Moines, who see needs to be met and respond positively. “Anyone who is able, has the responsibility,” she said.
