Lee and Joan Schoenherr Philanthropy
In addition to building up the community through FloraCraft, Owner and Chairman Lee Schoenherr and his wife, Joan, are active philanthropists, privately giving to several community initiatives. A native son of Ludington, Lee cherishes the community that has been instrumental in his life.
“When I was young, the community was very, very generous to me. I had a great time growing up here. I was a taker then as our community did a lot for the kids. I am glad I got to a point where it was my turn to be a giver. I owe this community a great deal.”
FloraCraft, Chairman Lee Schoenherr
Through the Lee and Joan Schoenherr Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County, the Schoenherrs have supported several community initiatives over the years.
Community Spaces
Lee and Joan’s philanthropy helped develop several spaces in the greater Ludington area to enrich the lives of people of all ages. Major gifts from Lee and Joan to construction projects include the Schoenherr Campus Center at Westshore Community College, the Schoenherr Tennis Center in Ludington, Mason County Maritime Museum, Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters and the Women’s Imaging Center at Memorial Medical Center.
The Gift
Lee made international headlines in 2018 when he announced he would share nearly $4 million in cash bonuses and 401(k) retirement contributions with FloraCraft’s more than 200 full-time team members. News of the unexpected holiday surprise, dubbed “The Gift,” quickly spread worldwide after being picked up by major media organizations. In the following month, the story prompted other CEOs to make generous gifts to their employees, a ripple effect that pleased Lee to no end.
Robotics Equipment
Through their gift, Lee and Joan helped purchase new heavy-duty machining equipment for the students in the Ludington Robotics Team. The team has won several awards since being created in 2017. The team continues to build out its infrastructure as they participate in competitions that inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM, or science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Community Spaces
Lee and Joan’s philanthropy helped develop several spaces in the greater Ludington area to enrich the lives of people of all ages. Major gifts from Lee and Joan to construction projects include the Schoenherr Campus Center at Westshore Community College, the Schoenherr Tennis Center in Ludington, Mason County Maritime Museum, Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters and the Women’s Imaging Center at Memorial Medical Center.
The Gift
Lee made international headlines in 2018 when he announced he would share nearly $4 million in cash bonuses and 401(k) retirement contributions with FloraCraft’s more than 200 full-time team members. News of the unexpected holiday surprise, dubbed “The Gift,” quickly spread worldwide after being picked up by major media organizations. In the following month, the story prompted other CEOs to make generous gifts to their employees, a ripple effect that pleased Lee to no end.
Robotics Equipment
Through their gift, Lee and Joan helped purchase new heavy-duty machining equipment for the students in the Ludington Robotics Team. The team has won several awards since being created in 2017. The team continues to build out its infrastructure as they participate in competitions that inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM, or science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Organizations Supported by FloraCraft
- Blue Hat Ministries – Rides for Advocates program
- Mason County Reformed Church – Hand2Hand program
- St. John’s Lutheran Church – John’s Place after-school program
- Mason County Historical Society – Banners and mounting systems
- Ludington Area Schools – Machining equipment for the Ludington Robotics program
- Lakeshore Food Club – Fresh Futures program
- West Michigan Community Mental Health – Support for suicide awareness
Do you want to learn about other philanthropy efforts? Read more about FloraCraft's Corporate Community Involvement.