The Guild's Founder

The history of the Babies’ Welfare Guild, originated with Mrs. Grace Logie Dillard’s overwhelming desire to provide aid to individuals in need. It all started with the birth of her own child and its increasing frailty – and her concern for all mothers caring for children similar to her own. She committed herself to the care of frail, undernourished babies; babies with disabilities; and the education of mothers with premature babies. 

As a member of the Board of the D.A. Blodgett Home for Children, Mrs. Dillard witnessed childhood abandonment and neglect in Grand Rapids. She knew that more could be done. As a result, the Babies’ Welfare Guild was founded in 1912, by Mrs. Dillard, replacing the Young Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Children’s Home as its fundraising arm.  

Mrs. Dillard’s vision evolved over the decades. She would be proud to know that the Guild remains active to this day, staying true to her goals. And she would have marveled to learn that one of our own longtime Guild members, Mrs. Betty Vandenberg, was sent to Camp Blodgett, suffering from anemia and looked fondly upon those visits to the camp.

In the early days, Guild members would travel to the camp to cook and serve meals. Work days were also held for decades, where members arrived for Cleanup Day to help prepare for the summer season – cleaning, washing windows, laundering and ironing curtains for each cabin, and also planting flowers.

For over 100 years, the Babies’ Welfare Guild has had a rich history of giving generously of their time, talent and financial resources to ensure the camp’s future. Many other generous donors have helped the Camp expand both the facilities and its educational programs.