The JEK Foundation, in collaboration with the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, is thrilled to announce that Michael J. Castle has been selected as the recipient of this year’s Good Samaritan Award. For several years, these two foundations have recognized individuals who demonstrate the spirit of the Good Samaritan by selflessly serving their community. The Good Samaritan Award was established in 2016 to help the Community Foundation establish an unrestricted fund, providing support to organizations with unexpected or unmet needs. With matching contributions, the fund has grown to over $1,450,000.
In honoring Michael J. Castle with the Good Samaritan Award, Courtney Lasky, JEK Foundation Trustee, emphasized his exceptional philanthropy and service. Castle has devoted his time and energy to numerous organizations, including the JEK Foundation, Nova Counseling Services, the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh Foundation, the YMCA Camp Manitowish, Lourdes High School, the Friends of the Fox, the Wisconsin Waterways Commission, the Paine Art Center and Gardens, and the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. Additionally, Castle proudly served his country in the United States Navy.
Castle’s enduring commitment to the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation and the Paine Art Center and Gardens is particularly noteworthy. As a trustee of the Paine for an impressive 30 years, Castle holds the record for serving the longest tenure in the history of the organization. Aaron Sherer, the Executive Director of the Paine, expressed the immense impact Castle has had on the institution, stating, “Beyond Nathan and Jessie Paine themselves, perhaps no other individual has had a greater influence on the Paine than Mike. For his manifold contributions and more, Mike is highly deserving of this award.”