Johnson donation totaling $75K supports 18 organizations
Alan and Georgana Johnson talk with Elkader Chamber President Amanda Schneider during the presentation, when the Johnsons presented checks totaling $75,000 to 18 local organizations.
Alan Johnson laughs about a bumpy ambulance during the check presentation to MercyOne Ambulance representatives Christ Dahlstrom, Brooke Kensingerr and Jon Sylvester.
Carolin Phippen and Mallory Kuhse accept a check from Alan Johnson for the Elkader Fitness Center, one of 18 organizations that received a donation.
Principal Aaron Reinhart accepts a check from Alan Johnson on behalf of Central Community School.
Members of Elkader American Legion Post 106 receive a donation check from Alan Johnson.
Tom Chandler, board president of the George Maier Rural Heritage Center, shakes hands with Alan Johnson.
Alan and Georgana Johnson last week presented checks totaling $75,000 to several local organizations. Prior to handing out the checks in Elkader’s CSB Community Room, Alan spoke about the donations, explaining the money was from a recent sale of a portion of the industrial park owned by the Johnsons. They wanted to share those proceeds within the community.
In the letter sent out to chosen recipients, the Johnsons stated it was “very difficult to determine who to give this money to,” while noting the “many worthy causes within” the community.
The list of organizations included Art in the Park, the Carter House Museum, Central Hospital Foundation, Central Community Schools, American Legion Post 106, Elkader Chamber of Commerce, Elkader Fire Department, Elkader Fitness Center, Elkader Golf and Country Club, Elkader Public Library, Elkader Veterans Memorial, George Maier Rural Heritage Center, Main Street Elkader, MercyOne Ambulance, Milwaukee Road Depot Museum, Opera House Players, Sweet Corn Days and Warrior Little League.
During the presentations, Alan engaged in conversation with many recipients, highlighting his membership in the Legion post as a veteran who served in the Airborne, making 86 total jumps.
Elkader Fire Chief Scott Marmann mentioning it was Alan who provided the piece of property where the fire house now sits.
That isn’t Alan’s only connection to the recipients. He also commented on how all of the organizations do a great job serving the community, joked about an ambulance ride with MercyOne representatives, talked about growing up when the Milwaukee Railroad still passed through Elkader and the delight the Opera House Players bring to the community.
The organizations were chosen for their history and impact they have had on Elkader over the years—a history the Johnsons, who are lifelong Elkader residents, want to continue and keep alive. As for organizations that weren’t selected this time, the Johnsons indicated this likely won’t to be the last time such presentations occur.
When it was all over, the Johnsons were greeted with a standing ovation from those in attendance, showing appreciation for the lifelong dedication the Johnson family has shown to Elkader.
