The Metropolitan Family Services DuPage Board of Directors is pleased to honor The Gerald A. and Karen A. Kolschowsky Foundation, Inc. at A Night to Stand up for Families.
Metropolitan Family Services DuPage will be honoring The Gerald A. and Karen A. Kolschowsky Foundation, Inc. at A Night to Stand up for Families on May 1 for their unwavering support of Metropolitan Family Services DuPage and the community for 35 years!
Join the Kolschowsky family in Mpowering DuPage-area families at A Night to Stand Up for Families! Purchase tickets here.
Metropolitan Family Services DuPage A Night to Stand Up for Families
Honoring the Gerald A. and Karen A. Kolschowsky Foundation, Inc.
Metropolitan Family Services DuPage Board Members are honored to recognize the Gerald A. and Karen A. Kolschowsky Foundation for its profound commitment to strengthening communities and empowering families locally and globally.
The Kolschowsky Foundation was established by Gerald A. and Karen A. Kolschowsky, whose family legacy is rooted in hard work, philanthropy, and a deep dedication to helping others. The Kolschowsky family’s entrepreneurial spirit began with Otto Kolschowsky, who emigrated from Germany and, in 1917, founded a small butcher shop in Chicago. Over generations, this business evolved into Kolschowsky Meats, ultimately becoming OSI Group based in Aurora, IL. Jerry retired as the chairman and co-CEO of OSI Industries, LLC, helping to create one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. The company also became the premier global supplier of custom value-added food products to the world’s leading foodservice and retail food brands. The family’s commitment to excellence and innovation in business was matched by its dedication to giving back to the community.
Inspired by a belief in the power of education, opportunity, and social support, Gerald and Karen Kolschowsky created the foundation to make a lasting impact in DuPage County, around the country, and in other parts of the world. Today, the Gerald A. and Karen A. Kolschowsky Foundation continues its mission under the guidance of the next generation of the Kolschowsky family, led by their son, Tim Kolschowsky. His leadership has ensured that the foundation remains a driving force behind initiatives that provide educational access, improve healthcare, and support vital social services. Jackie Kolschowsky has been very involved with Family Shelter Service of Metropolitan DuPage (FSS of MFSD) programs over the years. Jerry and Karen’s granddaughter, Sarah Houberg, serves as the foundation’s Program Officer.
For decades, the foundation has been a steadfast supporter of organizations that create lasting change, and they have supported Metropolitan DuPage for 35 years. Through their multi-year investments, FSS of MFSD staff have been provided opportunities for self-care and support to help ensure they can bring their best to help the many families and clients we serve. Whether by funding educational programs, ensuring access to essential services, or fostering opportunities for those in need, the Gerald A. and Karen A. Kolschowsky Foundation exemplifies the power of philanthropy to transform lives.
We celebrate the Kolschowsky Family and their Foundation’s outstanding contributions, generosity, and unwavering commitment to our mission. The Metropolitan Family Services DuPage Board is honored to present this award, recognizing their remarkable impact on our community.
Marcie joins a distinguished group of Metropolitan Family Services DuPage’s previous honorees:
- 2024- Marcie Peterson
- 2023- Paul and Mary Ann Travers, Mike Skarr and Paul Pyrcik
- 2022- Paul Pyrcik
- 2021- Mike Skarr
- 2020- Mary Ann & Paul Travers
- 2019- Steven & Dina Gonzalez
- 2018- Kim Stapleton
- 2017- John Stitzell
- 2016- Pamela Sharar-Stoppel
- 2015- Dominic & Joyce Imburgia
- 2014- Alexander C. & Rinda Allison
- 2013- Alan & Milly Peterson *
- 2012- Charles B. McKenna
- 2011- Carl Neumann
- 2010- Don Ursin *
- 2009- Dan Schuchardt
* Recipients who have passed