Highlights Archives
Gala to Salute Five Wisconsin History Makers
The Wisconsin Historical Society will salute the lifetime achievements of five distinguished individuals with Wisconsin ties during the Fourth Annual Wisconsin History Makers Gala on Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at The Pfister Hotel, downtown Milwaukee's historic Victorian masterpiece. The event is open to the public and includes a reception, dinner and the awards ceremony. Mary Buestrin of Mequon and Murph Burke of Fox Point are co-chairs of the event committee once again.
Introducing the Class of 2009 History Makers
This year's recipients include professor and professional musician Richard L. Davis, businessman Stephen H. Marcus, sailing champion Harry C. "Buddy" Melges, and philanthropists Pleasant Rowland and Jerry Frautschi.
- Richard L. Davis will receive the Spencer Tracy Award for Distinction in the Performing Arts. Chicago-born Davis is professor of bass, jazz history and combo Improvisation at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. He came to Madison in 1977 after 23 years in New York City, establishing himself as one of the world's premier bass players. For more than 40 years he has drawn enthusiastic audiences in Europe, Russia, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Hong Kong and the West Indies.
- Stephen H. Marcus will receive the Samuel C. Johnson Award for Distinction in Corporate Leadership. Founded by his father, Ben Marcus, Steve Marcus took over as COO in 1980 and CEO in 1988 of The Marcus Corporation and has developed the business into a national leader in the lodging and entertainment industries. Marcus Theaters is the ninth largest theater circuit in the United States, and Marcus Hotels and Resorts own and manage a distinctive portfolio of properties that are leaders in their markets.
- Harry C. "Buddy" Melges will receive the Vince Lombardi Award for Distinction in Sports. A resident of the Geneva Lake area, Melges received medals in both the 1964 and 1972 Olympics for sailing. In 1992 he was the helmsman on the "America3," winning boat in the America's Cup race. He is one of the most honored sailors in the world. Melges is also a master sail maker and boat builder and is chairman of Melges Boat Works.
- Pleasant Rowland and Jerry Frautschi will receive the Jane Bradley Pettit Award for Distinction in Philanthropy. Pleasant Rowland, founder of Pleasant Company (now known as American Girl), and Jerry Frautschi, retired vice chair of Webcrafters, were named to the list of the 50 most generous philanthropists by Business Week in 2005. Their $205 million gift to build the Overture Center in Madison is the single largest charitable gift ever given in the state of Wisconsin.
Gala Details
Last year's Gala was an overwhelming success, and we're certain that history will repeat itself in 2009. More than 450 people enjoyed an evening that was both entertaining and inspirational. Don't miss this opportunity to make history by attending the Fourth Annual Wisconsin History Makers Gala.
Tickets are $150 each. To order tickets by mail, please enclose a check payable to the Wisconsin Historical Foundation for the total amount and send it to:
Wisconsin Historical Foundation
Attn: Jaclyn Mich
P.O. Box 260050
Madison, Wisconsin 53726-0050
For more information or to order by credit card, please contact Jaclyn Mich, Executive Assistant, at 608-261-9364 or jaclyn.mich@wisconsinhistory.org.
For information about sponsorship packages and purchasing tables for 10, please contact Dianne Coopman, Wisconsin Historical Foundation managing director, at 608-261-1378 or via email.
:: Posted March 5, 2009
|
