The Juneau Community Foundation (JCF) hosted its third annual philanthropy awards event at the Baranof Hotel Tuesday. Award recipients were chosen for their support of local charities and dedication to a healthy and vibrant community for the long-term future.
Ken Castner, a noted philanthropist from Homer, Alaska, was the featured keynote speaker.
The 2011 Individual Philanthropist of the Year award was presented to Mun Chin Killeen and Keith Whitehead for establishing the Paul Whitehead Memorial Fund. Killeen and Whitehead created the fund to honor the memory of their son’s unique talents and interests by supporting the educational and artistic pursuits of Juneau’s youth.
“Paul would be proud to know that his memorial fund will help the children of Juneau realize their educational dreams,” Whitehead said. “Without the support of the JCF, it would have been extremely difficult to share our son’s generous spirit with others. Mun Chin and I are genuinely grateful that such an incredibly talented group of caring people is here working hard to improve our community.”
Fred Meyer of Juneau was presented with the 2011 Business Philanthropist of Year award. Fred Meyer granted $15,000 to JCF to establish the Youth Sports & Activities Field of Interest Fund. To date, the fund has provided Juneau youth with musical instruments, specialized sports coaching, sailing equipment, team uniforms, adaptive sports equipment, art supplies and assistance with camp fees.
The Juneau Community Foundation was established in 2005 with a mission to promote philanthropy and effectively respond to the needs of our community. With some 30 funds under its management, the foundation awarded more than $155,000 in grants to local charities in 2010 and is well on its way to granting over $200,000 in 2011. For more information, please visit www.juneaucf.org or contact Amy Skilbred, Executive Director, at 523-5450.
