Patti Gorsky, president of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin, and Esther Leah Ritz, a full-time volunteer and community activist, have been selected recipients of the 2002 Tempo Mentor Awards.
The recipients will be honored at the 12th Tempo Mentor Awards luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 28, noon to 1:30p.m. at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee.
Gorsky, a recognized and respected leader among Milwaukee area executives, has more than 20 years experience in the communications and community relations field.
"I’ve been blessed by special mentors in my life who have taught me the ropes; it’s now my turn to give back," Gorsky said. "Mentors help validate you."
Gorsky mentors organizations and individuals alike, helping to launch the careers of several young professionals and serves on committees at United Way of Greater Milwaukee, Congregation Shalom and Tempo Milwaukee, among others.
Ritz is the kind of person who gives the concept of grassroots effort its clout, Tempo representatives said. She has long been recognized as a dedicated and daring pathfinder. She has mentored women in a broad range of fields – the arts, human services, peace movement and education.
"All any of us can hope for is that the bit we do, combined with the efforts of many, many others, can add up to solutions which go to the root," said Ritz. "I urge upon all of you the divine discontent — the rage, if you will — that will produce a better world."
Ritz, whose leadership roles are numerous, is one to whom voluntarism is a profession. In board and committee rooms, her ability to grapple with and overcome obstacles, to get at the heart of issues, has established her reputation on local, national and international levels.
Tickets to the luncheon cost $40. Reservations can be made by calling the Tempo office at 414-374-3571.
February 1, 2002 Small Business Times, Milwaukee
