<< Return to Foundation Focus Page A True "Power Lunch" Joseph R. Schulze Recipient of the Patricia B. Johnson Award The 2005 Community Foundation for Muskegon County Annual Meeting gave new meaning to the phrase "power lunch." The luncheon held June 24 was attended by more than 250 donors and friends of the Foundation. The program focused on "power" following the Foundation's Annual Report theme "The Power of You." "We have come to this luncheon to celebrate the power of you", noted Mike Bozym, chair of the Community Foundation Board of Trustees. "Together, through our Foundation, we have collectively made a difference, had a lasting impact by any metric you may use to measure success . . . and by your generosity and giving spirits made this a better place for all who will follow us." Attendees at the luncheon learned that the Foundation in 2004 reached a significant milestone -- surpassing $50 million in grants awarded to projects and organizations throughout greater Muskegon . A feature of the Annual Lunch is the presentation of the Patricia B. Johnson Award for Innovative Community Leadership & Innovative Grantmaking. This year's recipient was Joseph Schulze, Ph.D., Superintendent of Muskegon Public Schools. Johnson, CFFMC President Emeritus, praised Schultze for his early civil rights work and life-long devotion to social justice, his advocacy for urban children as well as for "walking the walk of diversity and opportunity for all students." Johnson went on to say that "Joe encourages debate, considers widely divergent opinions and has deeply held passions. He has been called by one colleague the quiet calm in the eye of the storm. I consider him one of Muskegon 's unsung heroes" Luncheon attendees also said goodbye and shared their appreciation for outgoing Foundation Trustee David Bliss, who served as a trustee for nine years, three of which were as Board Chairperson. Nancy Crandall, Mayor of Norton Shores, was welcomed as a new Foundation Trustee. New Trustee Nancy L. Crandall Bozym summarized the year for luncheon attendees, noting that in 2004 eighteen individuals named the Foundation as a beneficiary in their wills and that thirty-three new funds were established. He went on to cite numerous examples of collaboration and partnerships led by or supported by the Community Foundation that are "making magic happen." Community Foundation projects, he added, "involve hundreds of people in this community and are born of the inspiration and desire in each case of one person, or a small group, who want to make a difference. That is the magic of philanthropy made possible through your Community Foundation." The Community Foundation for Muskegon County Annual Luncheon was generously sponsored by the Muskegon Chronicle and R.C. Productions. << Return to Foundation Focus Page