Spotlight on Philanthropy
Masons Named 2020 Outstanding Philanthropic Group
Since the early 80’s, the Mid-Columbia Health Foundation has worked
to support: our local medical system and its patients, scholarships for
youth & nursing students, training for medical professionals and our
broader community through grants. It is in that spirit that we present
the philanthropy awards each year.
Philanthropy is defined
as good will to fellow members of the human race. That definition goes a long way to describe the winner of the 2020 Outstanding
Philanthropic Group, the Wasco Masonic Lodge, better know as the Masons.
The history of the Masons spans decades and is built on the values of brotherly
love, relief and truth. Under these principals the local chapter of the
Masons provides programing support for The Dalles Art Center and the SMART
program. They help fund the Community Backpack Program, putting food in
the hands of children and families. They provide grant funding for teachers
in our local schools sharing the burden of educating today’s youth.
They sponsor contests and volunteer their time in the community. They
provide $6,000 worth of scholarships to graduating seniors in the Columbia
Gorge each year. They ask nothing in return. Congratulations, and thank
you to the Masons.
Dr. Peter & Mrs. Karen Peruzzo Named 2020 Outstanding Philanthropists
Compassion, kindness, good will and generosity. These are just a few of
the words that come to mind when we think of the winner of the 2020 Outstanding
Philanthropist Award, Dr. Peter and Mrs. Karen Peruzzo.
The Peruzzos started donating to the Mid-Columbia Health Foundation in
2001 and they have been yearly donors ever since. As a retired physician
and medical office assistant, they both have a deep understanding of what
it means to truly care for people. Among their other community involvement,
they have show particular interest in supporting the Chaplain’s
Fund, which helps patients of MCMC’s medical system facing emergency
situations. The Peruzzo's support of the Chaplain’s Fund over
the years has made it possible for our most vulnerable community members
to have the medications and supplies they need as they are discharged
from the hospital. Their support has helped to provide gift cards for
the hungry, and temporary shelter for those in need. They have provided
handmade quilts as raffle prizes, and volunteered their time for various
community projects. All of this has been done quietly. Not in secret,
but without any expectation for praise or acknowledgment.
For these reasons and many more we congratulate Dr. Peter and Mrs. Karen
Peruzzo on receiving the Outstanding Philanthropist Award.
