A Long-Time Friendship Inspires Gift

A 20-year friendship with LuVern Shiffler inspired Jim Collier to make his first—and major—gift to Orchard Place. In fact, it was his first contribution to a children's organization. A renowned philanthropist, Collier's charitable giving has consistently focused on the performing arts. As plans progressed for a fundraising effort to renovate one of the living units at Orchard Place Campus, LuVern was delighted to learn that her long visits with Jim about Orchard Place had merited Jim's attention and financial support.

LuVern noted, "Jim is such a special friend. His parents lived across the hall from me at Wesley Acres for many years. Although I did not know them well, I befriended Jim as we shared a love of opera, and our friendship grew from that. I am so pleased that he made this wonderful gift to Orchard Place, an organization that I've carried in my heart my entire life."

Jim fondly recalls LuVern 'cornering' him about Orchard Place in many different settings, including a bus trip to one of the area country clubs. "She was passionate about it and she was relentless. Yet, the time wasn't right for me. My interests in the arts drove my gifts to those organizations. It would be safe to say that LuVern drove my interest in giving to Orchard Place. When they called to meet with me about the Shiffler House project, I knew I had to do this to honor my dear friend LuVern."

Jim grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Roosevelt High School and later received bachelor and master's degrees from the University of Iowa and Drake University, respectively. He taught English in Wisconsin and California, including 20 years at alternative high schools for troubled youth. Today Jim is retired and lives in Medford, Oregon. A Shakespeare scholar, a recent trip to Des Moines found Jim teaching Shakespeare to summer school classes at Orchard Place Campus.

"Being in the classroom at Orchard Place brought back a lot of memories of my teaching career. I was pleasantly surprised with the good behavior of the kids and their interest in Shakespeare. I'll never forget the answer from one little guy when I asked if any of the students were familiar with Julius Ceasar. He noted that he had eaten a Ceasar salad once! It was just so cute. My visit was a very positive experience and I'm looking forward to a return visit next summer."

A kind and gentle man, Jim took on the role of philanthropist after inheriting a significant amount of money from his mother and stepfather, Mary and Raymond Baker. Baker was one of the founders of Pioneer Hi-Bred. Since that time, Collier has made generous gifts to the Des Moines Opera, Drake University, the Des Moines Symphony and Roosevelt High School. He's given away several Steinway pianos, funded scholarships and renovations at Roosevelt High School, endowed care for the elderly at Wesley Acres and an Apprentice Artist program with the Des Moines Opera, among others.

A newly renamed living unit at Orchard Place Campus, Shiffler House is 'home away from home' for 20 children and youth receiving comprehensive psychiatric care; they stay an average of 11 months. The fundraising campaign made possible major renovations in the facility, including new furnishings, kitchen remodeling, landscaping and other improvements. In recognition of Jim's gift to the project, the living area of Shiffler House has been named "Collier Commons."

Shiffler House is named in honor of LuVern Shiffler and four generations of service by her family to Orchard Place. LuVern's grandmother Elizabeth Mann founded Orchard Place in 1886; her son Bryan Shiffler currently serves on the Orchard Place Board of Directors.