Mike Blackwell with sons, Andrew and Matthew, and friend, Carolyn Naftel. Michael Blackwell was the recipient of the Philanthropist of the Year award from Juneau Community Foundation. (Courtesy Photo | Michael Penn via Juneau Community Foundation)

Mike Blackwell with sons, Andrew and Matthew, and friend, Carolyn Naftel. Michael Blackwell was the recipient of the Philanthropist of the Year award from Juneau Community Foundation. (Courtesy Photo | Michael Penn via Juneau Community Foundation)

Blackwell named Philanthropist of the Year

Juneau Community Foundation recognizes organizations, individuals at banquet

The Juneau Community Foundation held its annual Philanthropy recognition dinner last Thursday and presented awards to a philanthropist, a philanthropic organization and a nonprofit organization.

Mike Blackwell received the Philanthropist of the Year award, Sealaska Corp. accepted the Philanthropic Business award, and JAMHI Health & Wellness was recognized as Nonprofit Organization of the Year.

The event included a silent auction and stories shared by local donors and grantees highlighting the foundation’s positive role in the community. Guest speakers John Pugh, Alison Browne and Bob Rehfeld’s personal stories provided information on partnering with the foundation, donor perspectives on establishing a fund today and providing a legacy for tomorrow.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Longtime resident Mike Blackwell started one of the first donor-advised funds with the foundation and over the years has contributed to the community. Blackwell has given his time, expertise and money to the Friends of Zach Gordon Youth Center, Discovery Southeast, STEM youth activities, and the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. He provided emergency support to the Glory Hall when building flooding called for additional repairs, and in times of expansion such as creating the rooftop garden.

He used the spotlight to commemorate a longtime Juneau champion, Marie Darlin, by introducing a new endowed fund to provide an award in arts and literature. The Marie Darlin Arts & Literature Prize will be awarded annually by the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. Per Blackwell’s wishes, the evening served as a fundraiser for the fund. A $25,000 challenge match was announced at the event and by the end of the festivities, almost $18,000 had been raised.

Sealaska Corp. has a long history of significant giving in Juneau and Southeast Alaska. It has provided over $2.3 million in scholarships for graduating seniors and is expanding its reach in support of young people. Sealaska is a leader in developing local entrepreneurship through its Spruce Roots program focused on sustainable economies. And, its support for Forget Me Not Manor, a Housing First residence, demonstrates Sealaska’s commitment to building healthy families and communities. Chief Executive Officer Anthony Mallott spoke on behalf of the corporation.

Juneau Alliance for Mental Health, Inc recently merged with the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence Juneau, increasing efficiency and service. In addition, it greatly expanded services by adding physical health to its offerings and opening the Midtown Clinic at the Housing First complex in Lemon Creek. This clinic and main facility in Salmon Creek are open to all.

The Juneau Community Foundation has awarded more than $13 million in grants and scholarships since 2000 and recognized honorees.

More in Neighbors

Just-baked cinnamon rolls ready to serve. (Photo by Patty Schied)
Cooking For Pleasure: Easy cinnamon rolls

My father really loved cinnamon rolls. In his later years I would… Continue reading

The Rev. Tim Harrison is the senior pastor at Chapel by the Lake. (Courtesy photo)
Living and Growing: The numbers tell the story

I love numbers and math. One of my first career aspirations was… Continue reading

Page Bridges of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Juneau. (Photo courtesy of Page Bridges)
Living and Growing: Spiritual self defense

True spiritual power is quiet, under the radar. One beautiful thing about… Continue reading

A bowl of gumbo. (Photo by Patty Schied)
Cooking For Pleasure: Shrimp gumbo for Mardi Gras

I love gumbo. Several years ago I was lucky enough to go… Continue reading

Nuns wait for a seating area to be opened before a recitation of the rosary for Pope Francis’ health at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, on Monday night, Feb. 24, 2025. (James Hill/The New York Times)
Living and Growing: Let us journey together in hope

Friends, we are a little over a week away from the beginning… Continue reading

Fresh rainwater sits on top of the ice at Auke Lake. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Gimme A Smile: Looking for spring in all the wrong places

Is it spring yet? Is it spring yet? We’re through Valentine’s Day,… Continue reading

Tari Stage-Harvey is the pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. (Photo courtesy of Tari Stage-Harvey)
Living and Growing: Seeing is believing

Christians are nearing the time of Lent, 40 days of repentance and… Continue reading

Cooked Chinese-style fried rice. (Photo by Patty Schied)
Cooking for Pleasure: Chinese-style fried rice

At most of the Chinese restaurants I’ve eaten at over the years,… Continue reading

Adam Bauer of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Bahá’ís of Juneau. (Courtesy photo)
Living and Growing: Gathering to share ‘Faith in the Future’

First, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge that we… Continue reading

Guided by generations of traditional knowledge, Indigenous harvesters carefully dry black seaweed along the shoreline, demonstrating how cultural values and sustainable practices ensure these vital marine resources thrive for future generations. (Photo by Bethany Goodrich)
Woven Peoples and Place: A conversation with regional catalysts for economic development and mariculture

A growing contingent of Southeast Alaskans are driving local economic transformation toward… Continue reading

Page Bridges of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Juneau. (Photo courtesy of Page Bridges)
Living and Growing: The light of the world

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the… Continue reading

Orange apricot muffins ready to eat. (Photo by Patty Schied)
Cooking For Pleasure: Orange apricot muffins for breakfast

A few years ago when I had a bag of oranges and… Continue reading