Medina County Community Fund creates new Founders Award

The Medina County Community Fund Advisory Board established the new Founders Award in honor of its two founders, John "Jack" Holland and Norbert "Nobby" Lewandowski. Mr. Holland and Mr. Lewandowski were named the first recipients of the award. The two Medina County business leaders created the endowment fund in 1994 to provide a lasting source of support for nonprofit organizations serving Medina County residents. The fund has since grown to approximately $1 million and awarded grants totaling more than $680,000.

The new award was announced at Spark Hope, the fund’s annual meeting, in June 2022. Going forward, this award will be presented annually to a Medina County individual who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment above and beyond their employment, career responsibilities, and general volunteer service to improving life in Medina County for those less fortunate.

The following criteria have been established to serve as a guide in the nomination and selection of future recipients.

The MCCF Founders Award will recognize an individual:

• Who has shown that they care for others through philanthropic activities in Medina County;
• Who, through the use of their time, talent and treasure, has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to improving life for others less fortunate in Medina County;
• Who has given freely of volunteer service and financial commitment to Medina County;
• Who has collaborated with others to create a vision for the future, and then motivated others within the community to take action in the pursuit of that vision; and
• Who has served as a role model for others related to charitable activities and community projects.