Inside pages - Allina Health

Profile in Giving
Chris & Gary Gorham
“Being lifelong residents of
Anoka County, we both
remember when the hospitals
were built.”
Chris and Gary not only remember when the hospitals
were built, but they also have been involved with hospital
philanthropy since the late 1980’s, when they began
volunteering their time and resources to work on various
committees for the annual Crystal Ball. Over the years,
the Gorhams have been involved with the hospitals in
many ways, and three years ago, Chris accepted a position
on the Foundation’s Board of Directors for which she is
presently Secretary. Chris has said, “I enjoy working on
fundraising activities.”
MERCY & UNITY HOSPITALS FOUNDATION 2005 ANNUAL REPORT
Chris and Gary Gorham
Chris and Gary both graduated from Anoka High School.
Even though they had been in school together, they did
not meet until one evening at the Anoka County Fair. Shortly after getting married, they built their first house and
continued building houses part-time for the next eight years. As Gary has stated, “if our marriage could survive the
building of the first house, we could survive a lot of stuff.” In 1972, they made a decision to try homebuilding full
time and formed Gorham Builders Inc. Over the next thirty years, they built homes and expanded their business to
include land development. Gary and Chris retired in 2002, and the majority interest in the company was acquired
by their son, Mike, and their daughter, Lisa.
Of their many accomplishments, their family is the greatest source of pride for Chris and Gary. Mike and Lisa, and
their respective spouses Jill and Guy, also went to Anoka High School. After they graduated from college, each had
the option to join the family business or to pursue other interests. Both chose to continue the family legacy and
joined Gorham Builders Inc. Chris and Gary have five grandchildren ranging in ages from 11-21.
Chris and Gary both grew up in families where it was considered important to help those less fortunate. Their
parents instilled these values in them, as exampled by Chris’ mother who received the McKnight Foundation’s
Virginia McKnight Binger Awards in Human Service in 1985. They in turn have passed on these values to Mike
and Lisa and their children. The family sponsors scholarships, adopts families in need, and helps the community,
schools and organizations in many other ways. Chris has served on the board of directors of the Anoka County
Community Action Program and finance committee of St. Stephen’s Church in Anoka. Gary has been a long time
member of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities and has served as its president.
Giving close to home has been their theme for many years. “We like to feel it and touch it.” And they have done
just that, by being generous with their time and resources. Anoka County and Mercy & Unity Hospitals are among
the most fortunate beneficiaries of their kindness and philanthropy.
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