A Legacy of Compassion and Impact
A Tradition of Helping Others
The Guild’s story started with a simple yet powerful idea: help those who couldn’t afford healthcare. Seeking support from the Grand Rapids community, they passed around a little black purse, asking anyone named Mary—or anyone who knew a Mary—to contribute 10 cents. At the time, Mary was the most popular woman’s name, and the group quickly raised enough money to fund a hospital bed for those in need. That first bed became known as the Mary free bed—a name that still stands as a symbol of hope and healing today.
As the demand for rehabilitation services
grew, so did the Guild.
In 1911, it became officially incorporated as the Mary Free Bed Guild of Grand Rapids.
A Legacy of Compassion and Impact
Pioneering Care for Children
From its earliest days, the Guild was dedicated to helping children with disabilities. Some of its landmark achievements include
Sponsored the first pediatric orthopedic clinic
Brought the first trained physical therapist to Grand Rapids
Opened the Children’s Convalescent Home
Developed The Brace Shop, a forerunner to today’s orthotics services
Expanding to Serve All Ages
By 1953, Mary Free Bed expanded to provide rehabilitation for adults. Hospital beds were filled throughout the polio and thalidomide crises, offering critical care and rehabilitation. Over the decades, the organization grew exponentially, occupying multiple buildings and developing programs to meet the evolving needs of the region.
Today, the Mary Free Bed Guild is made up of 120 dedicated women who play a vital role in the organization. They serve on all hospital boards and committees and extend their mission beyond the hospital walls. To date, the Guild has donated more than $25 million to organizations that enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities. This includes the lead gift for the Mary Free Bed YMCA, the world’s first universally designed health and wellness facility.
Enriching the Community
The Guild supports and sponsors programs, services and events that create a more inclusive and vibrant community, including:
Bikes for the Rest of Us
Halloween Heroes Trunk or Treat
Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp
Employee Appreciation Events
Patient Hospitality Cart
Guardians of Our Mission
Fine Arts Exhibition
Dozens of works of art by artists with physical disabilities are showcased in the Mary Free Bed Fine Arts Exhibition sponsored annually by the Mary Free Bed Guild.
The event is an extension of Mary Free Bed’s efforts to incorporate art into the inpatient and outpatient environments throughout campus to help with the healing process. Several works on display are by former patients and West Michigan residents with disabilities who participated in the exhibition.
The Guild purchases selected works each year for permanent display on campus. The remaining works may be available for sale at the artists’ discretion.
This year, the 42nd annual event will be held April 28 – June 25 in the hospital’s main lobby for patients and their visitors.
Apply For Fine Arts Exhibition Entry
Email the completed form to MFBArtCommittee@gmail.com or mail it to: Susan Steketee, 5680 Forest Glen, Ada, MI 49301