Family foundation marks milestone
Trending
MARQUETTE -- The Community Foundation of Marquette County is celebrating 25 years of donations from the Nelson Family Foundation.
Over the past 25 years, the Nelson Foundation has distributed $125,000 in scholarships to local graduating seniors. The founders, Jeff and Paula Nelson, created the fund with the Community Foundation of Marquette County in 1999. This year, the fund distributed $13,000 to eight students from Westwood, Ishpeming and Negaunee high schools.
The Nelsons grew up in Ishpeming, and felt inspired by their experiences at Westwood High School to give back to the community. They wanted to recognize the impact that the school and its educators have on students' lives. They named the first scholarship after Gordy Chinn, an educator during Jeff Nelson's time at Westwood High School.
"I wanted to recognize Gordy for the impact he had in my life while I was at Westwood and give something back to the community that Paula and I grew up in," Jeff Nelson said in a press release.
In the 25 years since the first scholarship, the Nelson Family Foundation has expanded to include six scholarships. Each scholarship honors different local educators and influential people.
The act of giving back is a part of the Nelsons' values that extend past their work with Marquette County. They have established more scholarships in their current hometown of Louisville, Colorado, Jeff also volunteers his time supporting the local high school academically and athletically.
In 2001, Paula cofounded the nonprofit Parent Engagement Network. The organization looks at substance abuse and other risky behaviors of young people.
"Wherever you can give a helping hand, you should. Any little act of kindness matters," Paula Nelson said.
Caroline Ray can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 543.