Meet Bob and Beverly Bortz
Creating Positive Change
Beverly and Bob Bortz’s connection to Liberty Lutheran runs deep. It is a connection built upon the support they have provided for almost two decades, and rooted in generations of history.
“My mother was a volunteer at Artman, and I remember going with her when I was a kid. She would do a variety of things. I remember her doing residents’ hair – both women and men. This was before Artman had a salon, so she would help residents feel good about their appearance by doing their hair,” Beverly recalls fondly. “I would also visit with my brownie troop and with church. We would talk to residents and do activities. You could tell that they appreciated us being there. Having been raised as a Lutheran, I’ve always felt a connection with the community and its mission to provide care to older adults.”
Bob and Beverly, who is both Vice-Chair of Liberty’s Board and Chair of the Board for The Village at Penn State, first met as freshman at Susquehanna University in 1963. After graduation, the couple married and raised their family in Montgomery County. When their children started school, Beverly directed her attention to building a successful business, Union Electric Contracting Company, which is now known throughout the region. For his part, Bob built a career as a social studies teacher, principal, and the K-12 Coordinator of Social Studies for Upper Dublin School District. Upon his retirement in 2002, Bob too would begin to form a connection with Liberty.
“I hadn’t been involved with Liberty or any of its communities before I retired. Although, like Beverly, I was raised a Lutheran,” Bob shares. “When I retired, I started playing more golf. Beverly’s company was a sponsor of the Artman Golf Outing, an event benefitting the community’s benevolent care program, and as such I was able to play in the Outing as a part of a foursome. The program portion of the day was always informative. The more I learned from year to year, the more I began to appreciate what Artman does.”
It wasn’t long before Bob was approached by organizers and he became involved as a volunteer, providing support in the almost yearlong coordination of the annual event. Eventually, after one year, Bob became chair of the organizing committee.
“The Outing had been traditionally held at North Hills Country Club. It was a good experience, but eventually we saw room to maximize the event’s potential with a new venue,” Bob says. “There’s been significant growth in the Outing’s success over the years, and that is owed to the hard work of
a great group of people. After a while, I decided to step back as Chair and I still enjoy being a part of the committee and acting as a liaison between it and the Bluestone Country Club, our current venue.”
The Bortz’s commitment to Liberty has been an instrumental part of our family of services. The resources, expertise, and time they have extended
to all of Liberty is mirrored in the multitude of donors and volunteers who contribute so greatly to Liberty’s ability to offer empowering opportunities and care to thousands of older adults, individuals, and neighbors who need a faithful helping hand.
“As we walk life’s path together, we may be presented with opportunities to make a difference and create positive change or experiences for others,” Beverly says. “Bob and I are lucky to be in a position where we can help others and give our time. We are proud to give so that Liberty’s legacy – a legacy of empowerment, service, care, and compassion – endures.”
