The Power of Supporting Others with Tony Anderson

Rise Above Chaos

Show Notes: erickrheam.com/048

In this episode, Erick Rheam interviews philanthropist Tony Anderson about the power of giving to support others.

Tony is the founder of Cooperative Family Fund, a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to supporting the children of fallen rural electric cooperative employees. Tony describes how he connected with rural communities over four decades that spanned his career serving five separate electric cooperatives.

Tony shares how he started the charitable organization and how it’s helped over 50 children monetarily and emotionally and his plans for the future of this organization.

Tony Anderson

Tony Anderson took over as General Manager of Cherryland Electric Cooperative in March of 2003 and retired on June 15, 2023. Anderson has been in the electric cooperative business for 40 years and previously managed cooperatives in Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Tony has been married to his last prom date, Mary, for nearly 40 years. They have 3 children and 5 grandchildren

Anderson is President of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Community activities include recipient of the 2018 Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award, 2012 Governor’s Service Awards Michigan Volunteer of the Year, founder of Marathon4Kids, a charitable fundraiser for BBBS and President of the board of the Cooperative Family Fund.

Hobbies include Green Bay Packers football, writing and running. Tony has completed 51 marathons in 50 states plus D.C., while raising over $900,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of NW Michigan.

Resources Mentioned

1. Subscribe to the podcast
2. Rise Above Chaos book
3. Work with Erick
4. Cooperative Family Fund
5. Tony’s email: [e-mail]

Action Step

• Donate to the Cooperative Family Fun