08/02/2026
Gratitude. 🙏🏿
On behalf of Grand Stand Pictures and the (Grand Rapids Media Initiative & Film Incubator (GRMIFI), we extend our deepest appreciation to Chris Sain Jr. and his family for their generous investment in A City Within A City.
Your support is far more than a financial contribution. It is an investment in preserving the Black history of Grand Rapids for future generations. It is an investment in ensuring that the stories of our ancestors, our neighborhoods, our struggles, our resilience, and our triumphs are documented and shared with audiences around the world.
What inspires us most is not simply Chris's success, but what he has chosen to do with it.
God has blessed him tremendously, and rather than walking away to enjoy that success alone, he has chosen to come back home and plant more seeds in the community that helped shape him.
That speaks volumes about his character.
On Thursday, July 30, 2026, Chris distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to grassroots organizations throughout Grand Rapids.
Take a moment to consider what that means.
These were not government grants.
They were not tax dollars.
They were not corporate philanthropy.
They were personal resources that he earned and intentionally chose to reinvest in the people and organizations working every day to strengthen our city.
He could have expanded his personal portfolio.
He could have purchased more luxury.
He could have kept every dollar for himself and future generations of his own family.
Instead, he expanded the definition of family.
He invested in community.
He invested in organizations that have faithfully served others, often with limited resources, relying on creativity, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to keep their missions alive.
That kind of generosity creates lasting impact.
At Grand Stand Pictures, we believe storytelling has the power to preserve history, inspire healing, and transform communities. Because of partners like Chris Sain Jr. and his family, A City Within A City will help ensure that the history of Black Grand Rapids is not forgotten, but remembered, celebrated, and passed forward.
This investment is helping give voice to generations whose stories deserve to be seen and heard.
Chris has demonstrated that true leadership isn't measured by what we accumulate, but by what we build in others.
His generosity, humility, and commitment to his hometown represent the very best of community leadership.
From everyone at Grand Stand Pictures and the Grand Rapids Media Initiative & Film Incubator, thank you for believing in this vision.
Thank you for helping preserve our history.
Thank you for helping tell our story.
Thank you for investing in truth, memory, and legacy.
May God continue to bless Chris Sain Jr., his family, and every seed they continue to plant throughout our community.
With sincere gratitude,
Grand Stand Pictures
Grand Rapids Media Initiative & Film Incubator (GRMIFI)
Help us preserve Black Grand Rapids history.
Support A City Within A City and become part of history by making a contribution today:
[https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-a-city-within-a-city-doc-film-be-part-of-history](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-a-city-within-a-city-doc-film-be-part-of-history)
