The Stan Black Award is named for one of the founders of The Community Foundation. Stan is retired now, but continues to be an active participant in a number of causes, both in the Boulder area and overseas. We present this award annually with the sponsorship of the law firm of Hutchinson, Black & Cook and the additional support individual donors. The award is intended to honor an individual who, like Stan Black, has given a lifetime of "time, treasure and talent" to the community.

The 2003 Stan Black Award honoree is Gerald Lee

Jerry Lee knows what it means to share. Coming from a large family with fifteen children and not a lot of money, Jerry grew up watching his parents give of their time and effort. After moving to Boulder in 1979 and achieving success, Jerry started donating money to causes he and his wife Donna and their two children care about. But Jerry also began to desire something more satisfying in his giving.

Not sure at first what he had to offer, Jerry began working five years ago with Community Food Share. Jerry and Donna also started a family foundation so a legacy of giving can continue for generations in their family.

Jerry has been the board chair and title sponsor of Community Food Share’s Harvest Fest Dinner the last two years and was the title sponsor for Blue Sky Bridges Moveable Feast last year. He provides free office space for the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless and uses his vast real estate development and business experience on the Board of Directors for Thistle Community Housing, Boulder Community Hospital Foundation, Boulder Urban Renewal Authority, and the Citizens for Community Rail Board.

"I believe there are three basic needs that need to be met for an individual to have a quality of life---medical, shelter, and food. That is why I've been drawn to these organizations and they will remain the core of my giving even as I expand into other areas," says Jerry.

As a kid Jerry used to drive by a local Psych hospital on his way home from baseball games. It was not until he was older that he realized the beautiful brick building housed individuals who were struggling with mental health and addiction issues and that it was becoming more of society’s practice to turn such individuals out onto the streets. Jerry believes those who are not in need should help those who are and that doing so is a duty and privilege. He also sees all the unsung heroes amongst nonprofit volunteers and staffs.

"When I semi-retire, I hope to spend more time volunteering," says Jerry, "It sounds better than only playing golf!"