Ike Klavenga, long-time supporter of Unity Christian School and Christian education, left a legacy in the form of a gift that will continue to give to many area families.  At the age of 97, Ike passed away in November of 2005 blessing Unity Christian School with a sizeable donation.

Ike was one of eight children, all raised in the area.  He was widowed twice but never had children, except those who were at Unity.  "He wasn't a penny pincher," Henry, Ike's brother said.  "He always had a job... worked hard, had no complaints, and never liked a lot of fanfare.  I think he made wise decisions at opportune times."

Coming to the Lord late in life, Ike was in this 80's when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Anyone who knew Ike would testify to his gentle character and generous heart.  On more than one occasion Ike had blessed Unity Christian with monetary gifts.

A gardener at heart, Ike's gift will be "seed money" for many new families to invest themselves in Christian education.  "This is another example of someone who had a vision of Christian education and kept the school in mind as he planned how to put .. earthly blessings to work long after he passed in eternity," said Foundation President, Dee Willoughby.

Unity Christian School offered these funds to new families in the fall of 2007, with a continued blessing to these folks for the next two years as well.  Due to Ike's generosity, scholarships were available through 2008-2009 school year.