The Board of Directors of the Door County Community Foundation unanimously selected Josephine Guenzel as the 2009 Philanthropist of the Year for her many years of giving back to Door County.
At the annual Celebration of Giving luncheon on July 22, 2009, Jo Guenzel was presented the award by Dick Egan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Door County Community Foundation. The following is an excerpt from the event program:
Jo Guenzel believes the seeds for giving back were planted in her heart early in life. Having a brother who suffered brain damage as a child, Jo was raised to be aware of the needs of others and to recognize the gifts each person brings to life. Her parents worked actively to increase community awareness of people with cognitive disabilities. In Jo’s eyes there is no line of separation between us, we are all sharing the gifts we have been given with one another.
Truthfully, Jo found it difficult to accept being singled out for this honor. She feels blessed with the unconditional support of her family and is grateful to live her life in a mindful and meaningful way. She believes this would not have been possible without the love and inspiration of her husband Bill, mother-in-law Betsy, and late father-in-law Paul. This generous family has steadily given to a broad spectrum of needs including the arts, environment, preservation and social services.
Jo fell in love with Door County in the mid-70’s when she worked summers to pay for her education and ultimately settled here permanently. When asked what captured her heart, she mentions the warmth of the people, the surrounding waters and natural beauty. She sees this as a very caring and connected community in which to live a purposeful life. Along with a commitment to primary, mental and integrative healthcare, Jo has worked with Helpline, advocates for the Hispanic community and supports the work of Kimberley House and PFLAG.
Jo shares a wonderful story about community organizing and the development of the first free clinic and women’s health program (Open Door Community Health Center) which at that time was located within the hospital. She talks about the incredible dedication of a core group from a variety of fields that met consistently every two weeks for six months to make it happen. That original creation has since given birth to the Free Dental Clinic, the Wellness Center, the Hispanic Resource Center of Door and Kewaunee Counties, and the Community Clinic of Door County. What is truly inspirational is to hear about the number of people with incredibly busy lives who still find an opportunity to volunteer; a community caring for each other.
Please join us in celebrating Josephine Guenzel and her incredible generosity of spirit.
2009 CELEBRATION OF GIVING SPONSORS
The Celebration of Giving is not a fundraising event. It is a true celebration of those remarkable individuals who best epitomize the spirit of generosity that binds us together in Door County.
There is no cost to attend this luncheon celebratin thanks to the wonderful generosity of the following sponsors:
SILVER LEVEL
Pinkert Law Firm, LLP
Grace & Glen Rossman
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
BRONZE LEVEL
Baylake Bank
SPECIAL DONATIONS
Associated Bank
Bob Starr
Dahl Law Firm, Ltd.
McKeefrey Yeomans Landscaping, LLP
Peninsula Pulse
Woodwalk Galleries
