Midtown Educational Foundation Honors Hollister

Giving back to the communities where we live and work, including supporting diverse organizations, is part of our history and inherent to who we are as Hollister Incorporated Associates. It exemplifies the Immutable Principles of Service and Dignity of the Person, and demonstrates how our long-term community partnerships go much deeper than financial contributions.

Hollister leaders and Associates consistently donate their time and expertise to help foster growth and prosperity with our partner organizations. For over 25 years, Hollister has supported  the  Midtown Educational Foundation (MEF). The Mission of the MEF is to guide low-income urban youth in Chicago along pathways of success through both intellectual achievement and character formation. MEF programs focus on Hispanic and African American youth, offering after-school and summertime growth opportunities that help students to achieve above-average results.

On Saturday, October 15, 2022, MEF awarded Hollister the coveted Reach for Excellence Award at its 31st Annual Gala. V. George Maliekel, Chairman of the Board and CEO, JDS Inc., has continued a longstanding tradition of serving on the MEF Board of Directors. He follows in the footsteps of former Chairmen and CEOs, the late Michael C. Winn, and Alan F. Herbert.

“A good education is the best gift we can give a young person. That education is not just about test scores and intellectual achievement; it is also equally – even more importantly – about character formation,” said George.

“Hollister was honored this year because of its enduring support of MEF’s after-school and summertime programs — support that has been sustained from the time of Mike Winn’s tenure as CEO, through that of Al Herbert and now under that of George Maliekel. That kind of long-term commitment is rare,” said Glenn Wilke, MEF Executive Director. “With Hollister’s ongoing help, MEF is able to provide programs for at-risk urban youth that are nothing short of life-changing. They strengthen kids in both academics and character in ways to last a lifetime. That is important work, and we’re grateful to Hollister for sharing in it.”

George concluded his acceptance speech with a quote from a great educator, “Goodness without knowledge is weak and feeble, yet knowledge without goodness is dangerous. Both united form the noblest character and lay the surest foundation of usefulness to mankind.” He closed by exhorting the students, “Be Good. Be Strong. Be useful to mankind.”