Posted on Apr 14, 2015

In 1988 RCFC began a tradition of honoring a person who has significantly contributed the betterment of life in our Fort Collins community. The person may or may not be a Rotarian but has demonstrated this concept of making things better for others by giving of themselves.

This year we honor Pat Stryker, a philanthropist and community activist, recognized throughout the state of Colorado as a woman of vision and inspiration. She is joined today by her son Chris, and members of the Bohemian Staff...

Pat Stryker is the granddaughter of Homer Stryker, an orthopedic surgeon who invented and patented medical devices and subsequently founded the global company now named the Stryker Corporation. Pat inherited her concern for others from her grandfather Stryker, from her maternal grandparents who were educational missionaries in China, and from her mother, who committed herself to service.

Pat grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and she now lives in Fort Collins and is the owner of Bohemian Companies, a group of firms that include venture capital activities, real estate development, restaurants, and a winery in Sonoma County, California.

Pat Stryker, a philanthropist and community activist, is recognized throughout the state of Colorado as a woman of vision and inspiration. In 1995, Pat founded a private family foundation, later renamed Bohemian Foundation, with a primary focus on youth and public awareness issues. The Foundation’s four program areas include Community Programs, Music Programs, Civic Programs, and Global Programs.

All program areas are dedicated to involving our fellow citizens in the care and improvement of community. As often noted, Pat uses her wealth to have a positive influence on Fort Collins and on the quality of life for Coloradoans. Just a few of the Bohemian Foundation’s many local initiatives include the “Pharos Fund”, “Give 10”, “Bohemian Nights at New West Fest”, and “Little Kids Rock”, the “Thursday Night Live” summer concert series, and the “Pianos About Town” program.

Since 2001, the Foundation’s Pharos Fund has awarded more than $14 million in grants to a variety of nonprofits serving the Fort Collins area, including many we know, such as Project Self-Sufficiency, Child Safe Colorado, Crossroads Safehouse, Food Bank for Larimer County, The Family Center/La Familia, the Little Shop of Physics, the Music and Sound Lab and operating funds for the Fort Collins Museum of Science and Discovery, and various Poudre Schools and CSU programs. Grantees are selected through a competitive application process.

Many Rotarians have served as “Beer Border Patrol” at Fort Collins New West Fest, and most of us know Pat’s love of music. Created over 10 years ago, the Bohemian Foundation’s first Music Program, Bohemian Nights at New West Fest, is the free, three-day community music festival showcasing new, emerging, and established Colorado musicians. The music festival is Bohemian Foundation’s gift to the community. Last year Bohemian Nights at New West Fest featured more than 70 Colorado bands and three national headliners performing across six music stages.

A more recent Bohemian Foundation Music Program is a partnership with “Little Kids Rock”, the nation’s leading nonprofit provider of free music instruction and instruments to public schools. With support from Bohemian Foundation, Little Kids Rock has become part of music programs offered by 56 teachers at 26 schools in Poudre School District. More than 1,500 instruments have been distributed to Poudre School District music programs as a result of the partnership.

All Bohemian Foundation program areas are dedicated to involving our fellow citizens in the care and improvement of community. As often noted, Pat uses her wealth to have a positive influence on Fort Collins and on the quality of life for Coloradoans. Pat’s approach to the culture and operations of Bohemian Companies and Foundation is to serve as an inspiration to her children, staff, the community and all Rotarians.

 
 

Please join me in congratulating our 2014-15 Service Above Self Award, Pat Stryker.