For more than 40 years, well-known attorney, dedicated philanthropist and committed environmentalist Irv Bieser helped The Dayton Foundation as its lead attorney, work in which he took great pride. As Irv said in a 2009 article for the Foundation, “I’ve seen the Foundation grow and help more and more people make philanthropy a part of their lives,” he said. “They make a huge difference by providing knowledge and guidance for more and more people who desire to support their community financially. The Foundation sees things from a broad perspective and is adept at building collaborations and minimizing duplication of efforts.”
In addition to his legal work, Irv had a desire to serve his community as a philanthropist and volunteer. These traits were imprinted by the examples of his grandparents, as well as by his parents, both of whom established funds through the Foundation.
Irv was at the forefront of helping to protect miles of local river corridors and supporting numerous other regional conservation efforts. He also was especially proud of his work in helping to develop the Oregon District, deliver the Ponderosa Collection to the Dayton Art Institute and assist a number of conservation organizations, including Five Rivers MetroParks and Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm.
Said Mike Parks, president of The Dayton Foundation, “Irv Bieser believed in the Foundation and gifted all of us with his knowledge, friendship and compassion for his community. We proudly will carry on his and the Bieser family’s legacy of giving through their endowed Foundation funds.”