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For more information, contact: J. J. Keller Foundation, Inc. Mary Harp-Jirschele (920) 720-7872 mharp-jirschele@jjkeller.com jjkellerfoundation@jjkeller.com |
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Kellers Honored by Children's Hospital |
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NEENAH, WI (June 16, 2008) – The Keller family was honored for its commitment to pediatric mental health by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin at a luncheon at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield on Thursday, June 12, 2008. They were presented with the Emelie Vogel Nunnemacher (EVN) Award, named in honor of a woman who, much like Jack and Ethel Keller, worked tirelessly to make this world a better place to live, work and play.
It was the first time in the award's history that a family won the award, and also the first time it was presented to someone outside of the Milwaukee area. Representing the family at the event were Bob and Lynne Keller, Jim and Rosanne Keller, and Marne Keller-Krikava and Alec Krikava. The presentation was unique in that it went beyond the usual remarks by officials and was "a very enjoyable event," Bob remarked. In fact, the Children's Hospital Chorus was brought in to honor the Kellers with three songs, including a finale that "would have amused my father and would have had my mother on the floor dancing!" he said. The chorus had cleverly taken the "Beer Barrel Polka" and modified it with words befitting the Keller family and their contributions to Children's. The family was presented with an artistic rendering of an oak tree, based on Jack Keller's fondness for the statement, "From small acorns great oaks grow." In addition, the 130 luncheon attendees received a bag of custom-made oak leaf and acorn-shaped chocolates that Children's Hospital had done in honor of the Kellers. Larry Duncan, Vice President of Regional Services for Children's, made the official presentation. He said, "The Keller family, for many generations, has believed in helping those less fortunate. They saw the need for mental health services crosses all boundaries... The Kellers saw that the need was great in their community, too, and rolled up their sleeves to make things happen. Their challenge grant of $625,000 spurred the community not just to open their checkbooks, but to come together to create a lasting, sustainable solution to this problem." In accepting the award, Bob Keller emphasized that "Pediatric mental health is a critical need in many communities. It's important to address the issue - no one wants to talk about it, but mental health issues touch virtually everyone in one way or another. Through this project, we are a voice for the children and families in need in the Fox Valley." He continued, "The best thing about this project is its collaborative nature... many different partners coming together in a unique way to make a huge difference in the community. We hope it will become a model for others to follow." |
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