Spirit Award

PELLA, IOWA (April 19, 2018)- Pella Corporation, a premium window and door manufacturer and designer, announces Pella Team Member Jim Walker as the first ever Joan Kuyper Farver Spirit Award recipient for his caring spirit and enthusiasm for community service. Jim is a 42-year Pella team member who is a maintenance technician in the Pella Door Plant. He has had perfect attendance for 35 of those years.

Joan Kuyper Farver was the daughter of Pella founder Pete Kuyper. A selfless leader, Joan filled the role of chair of the board of directors from 1980 – 1995, when she became chair emerita. She was known for giving generously of her resources and unselfishly of her time. Joan understood the importance of quality communities, which was demonstrated through her active membership in the Pella Rolscreen and Kuyper Foundations, her personal foundation, and other community organizations.

“Her generosity and kindness will never be forgotten,” said Karin Peterson, vice president, Human Resources. “Her love of Pella Corporation, our team members, and our communities was evident to all who had the privilege of knowing her. We believe this award program helps to honor her life of service.”

Pella team members nominated Jim as the award recipient. Jim has demonstrated Joan’s caring spirit, generosity, and servant heart through his work with many organizations, including the Mahaska County Community Emergency Response Team, which he has supported for the past decade and is the current deputy chief. Each year, the award will recognize a Pella team member with a grant to an organization of the award recipient’s choice, given in the recipient’s name. The grants will be made based on the merits of Pella team members who have given unselfishly to enrich their communities and who demonstrate servant leadership. Jim has chosen to give $25,000 to the Mahaska County Community Emergency Response Team, which will provide a safe environment to meet the special needs of emergency responders during all types of emergencies.

Pella Team Member David Croft, who nominated Jim, said, “I nominated Jim because he is the only person I know that gives of himself all of the time to others. The characteristics that make Jim, whom I treasure to call a friend, worthy of this award are his quiet patience, his humble service, and his integrity and fortitude.”

The award was presented on April 18, 2018 during National Volunteer Month. Ten other team members were recognized with $2,500 grants to be given to the charities of their choice as part of the annual Joan Kuyper Farver Spirit Award recognition. For more information visit, Pella.com.