Community Involvement and Programming

The Friends of Theodore Roethke Foundation (FOTR) has provided public community programming since it was founded as a 501c3 nonprofit in 1999. FOTR’s primary annual educational and literary programming for adults and children in Saginaw and neighboring communities includes: “Child on Top of a Greenhouse” Language Arts Review Camp which involves approximately 100 children from the City of Saginaw; the “In a Poet’s Backyard” literary picnic series comprised of readings from Michigan authors; the annual Roethke Open House which includes tours, readings, and other events; the Virtual Speaker Series which highlights national Roethke-related poets, scholars, artists, and activists; and the annual Roethke Birthday Celebration which has included special guests including Roethke’s widow, Beatrice, and former student, Tess Gallagher, and partnerships with other local organizations such as the Saginaw Art Museum.

FOTR received the 2022 Humanities Learning award for Outstanding Humanities Organization from Delta College and the All Area Award from Saginaw Enrichment Commission in 2008 for adding to the quality of life in Saginaw.