The Grand Foundation is driven by its purpose to provide vital funds and dedicated volunteers to organizations and groups, with a special focus on fostering growth and opportunity in the realms of youth, education, and our local communities. At the heart of Grand Appliance and the Grand Foundation lies a strong foundation built upon the core value of helping others.
The Grand Foundation is dedicated to empowering organizations, groups, and individuals by providing financial support to foster growth and opportunities, particularly in the areas of youth, education, and local communities. Rooted in the core values of compassion and assistance, Grand Appliance and the Grand Foundation have a shared mission of making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Meet Fred and Odny Reckling, the second-generation owners of Grand Appliance. They embody the spirit of generosity and have been instrumental in shaping the philanthropic endeavors of the Grand Foundation.
In the mid-1960s, Odny Reckling, daughter of founder Fredrik Hjelmeland, took the initiative to establish Head Start in Lake County. Head Start offered invaluable early childhood education to underprivileged children residing in Waukegan, IL, and other parts of Lake County, IL. Complementing her efforts, Odny’s husband, Fred Reckling, was a pillar of the community, always ready to lend a helping hand to families in need, be it providing essential appliances like fridges and stoves.
The commitment to serving others continued with Barb Reckling, wife of the former President and owner of Grand Appliance-Mark Reckling. She played a pivotal role in the establishment of Transitional Housing, a nonprofit organization based in Waukegan, IL. Transitional Housing offered shelter and assistance to homeless mothers and families, empowering them to regain their independence. Additionally, Barb dedicated numerous years to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, building homes in Africa, Hungary, and Nepal. Recognizing the significance of helping people globally, the Grand Foundation understands that making a difference transcends geographic boundaries.
The Grand family, now in its fourth generation of Grand Appliance ownership, thrives on their unwavering commitment to serving others and making a positive impact.
Meagan Gauri, as the Executive Director of the Grand Foundation, exemplifies this dedication, working tirelessly to empower organizations, groups, and individuals. Her husband, Anish Gauri, serves as the President of Grand Appliance, leading with a shared vision of community engagement and philanthropy.
Joining Meagan in their commitment to giving back are her siblings, Aaron Reckling and Jane Hood, who are also owners of Grand Appliance. Together, they continue to embody the core values of the Grand Foundation and actively contribute to the mission of making a difference in the lives of others.
This collective effort, led by Meagan Gauri, her husband Anish Gauri, and supported by Aaron Reckling and Jane Hood, demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Grand Appliance family to help communities and individuals in need. Helping the community and those in need has become an integral part of the Grand culture, as we continue to prioritize making a positive impact locally and acknowledging the global importance of helping individuals everywhere.
