Creative Education Foundation

Biographies

Norman Polsky, Hon. FASID, IDEC, IFMA, IIDA, Chair-man and
Elaine Broudy Polsky

Norm was an infantry officer in the US Marine Corps World War II. He graduated UCLA in Business with four years of engineering at Junior College of Kansas City and Purdue University.

Norm and Elaine married July 4th, 1946 and they had a daughter and three sons producing three granddaughters and two grandsons.

Norm was chairman of Fixtures Furniture, which he founded in 1947 and sold 1/16/96 with stipulation of $1 million to the employees. The company manufactures commercial furniture and in cooperation with their German partner, Froescher Sit-Form in June 1983, 1985, and 1987 took each year 100 customers and salespersons on a 10 days German Odyssey.

Joel Polsky, Noman and Elaine’s son, died August 6, 1982 at the age of 26, while serving as a Fixture’s Marketing Director. The Polsky Family established nine substantial endowments in Joel’s memory. In Israel, in the American Independence Park, there is a Sports Complex & Cabin in memory of Joel. Norm believes the benefits in philanthropy are circular, as each individual is a benefactor as well as a beneficiary. Norm’s philosophy and creed, as written, expounds on physical fitness, positive mental attitude, continued learning, ethical conduct and hard work to earn his right to enjoy the benefits of this great country and to put back into society thru giving of his time and other resources.

Norm was a member of the Young President’s Organization (YPO) until 1974. While a member of YPO, he took advantage of their purpose to exchange ideas and through education, with the best resources in the world, to become a better chief executive officer. He attended more seminars than any other individual in YPO history. Through YPO he became involved in Junior Achievement (JA) and served as the first National YPO-JA Chairman. For JA of Kansas City, he was Director of the Year, Vice-President of Special Projects and Public Relations and in 1989 was given the Bronze Leadership Award.

The Polsky Family Supporting Foundation (PFSF) was established December 1990. In the past 9 years, PFSF has granted $3,366,338 to their endowments. Having added 5 new Endowments in 2007, PFSF supports 44 organizations with grants.

Ceremonies and Awards include:

Polskys received top honor as “2006 Johnson Countians of the Year”. The Polsky Theatre was dedicated 12/16/04 with the Polsky Practical Personal Enrichment Series at the Johnson County Community College (JCCC).
On 4/14/05 Bruce Adler entertained over 900 persons at the 9th annual event for Norm’s parents Ray and Iz Polsky.
Polskys were honored 4/17/05 as Kindest Kansas Citizens annual awards dinner for over 600 persons.
Junior Achievement Mid American 6/23/05 awarded Norm the National Free Enterprise Society.
The Humanitarian Award Community Leadership in Philanthropy was presented to the Polskys 02/08/03 by the Medical Mission Foundation.
JCCC Foundation 2nd Board Director’s Leadership Scholarship was named in Norm’s honor 5/21/03.
Polskys attended Truman Library student’s session 10/22/02, to witness the White House Decision Center, which Polskys are major contributors.
The Councel on Philanthropy Greater KC honored the Jewish National Fund’s 100th Anniversary.
Village Shalom dedication was 7/06/00 of Rachel’s Café in memory of their parents Rachel-Isadore Polsky and Rose-Abe Broudy, along with the outdoor sculpture Shalom. Norm received one of the industry’s highest honors when he was inducted August 21, 1993, as the first Honorary Fellow of the American Society of Interior Designers.
Norm was asked to be an Old Master at Purdue University November 1992, to relate to the students his success criteria, which are: organize-fast-long hours; continued learning; networking building relationships, integrity every day of life; and maintain a sense of humor.
Norm was awarded the 1989 Distinguished Alumnus-of-the-year for the Metropolitan Community Colleges of Kansas City Alumni Association and received the 1996 alumni Award from the Missouri Community College Association.
Polskys were awarded the 1990 Design Excellence Hall of Fame award
The 1990 Heart of CASA Award (Court Appointed Special Advocate for children).
National Council of Jewish Women honored the Polskys November 1991, with “The Concern for Children Award”.
Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association (BIFMA) appointed Norm a director from 1978 to 1987
The Chamber of Commerce of the United States appointed him in 1979 to the 30 person Panel on Product Liability.
In December 1994, Elaine was appointed the Co-Chair of the National Conference of Christians and Jews.
The “Polsky Dining Center” was dedicated 12/16/97 at the Menorah Medical Park in Kansas City.
11/21/98 The Jewish Community Center of Greater KC (JCC) honored the Polskys at Sportsnite, with over 1000 persons attending.
7/18/04 the JCC outdoor pool, which had previously been donated by the Polskys had the opening of its $1 million expansion Waterama with the Polskys as honorary chairs.
The 10/23/99 “Crescendo Music and the Silver Screen” of the UMKC Conservatory of Music with Polskys as honorary chairs for “their generosity extends beyong financial resources; they give their time, energy and wisdom as well” was attended by over 600 people.
“Opened with a Kiss” picture appeared in the Jewish Chonicle 6/04/04 commemorating Norm’s surprise donation to the KU Medical new Breast Cancer Center in Elaine’s honor as a survivor and The Independent republished full page 7/10/04.

Work with Museums:The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has 4 major pieces of contemporary art, as the first acquisitions of the Fixtures Furniture Art Collection. December 11, 1991, Polskys were the sponsors of a preview showing of “Design 1935-1965 What Modern Was” exhibit. In April 1993, Norm and Elaine attended the opening of the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington DC, which they are major contributors to the Museum’s exhibits “Daniel Story” and “Assignment Rescue: The Story of Varian Fry”.

Chancellor Ismar Schorsch of the Jewish Theological Seminar of American on 12/11/94 presented them the “Second Century Award”.

Laura R. Hockaday, Society Editor of K. C. Star, on Sunday 1/01/95 published a four column feature article “Polskys still committed to future.”
Interiors & Sources magazine July-August 1997 had Polskys as their cover feature story “Guardian Angel”.

6/24/99 was the first monthly seminar with James E. Stowers, Chairman American-Twentieth Century Investors on “Yes, You Can Achieve Financial Independence” for the “Polsky Practical Personal Enrichment Series” at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) on subjects not taught in school and presented by successful community leaders and open to the public through free tickets. 12/23/03 Polskys endowed forever with JCCC to continue in 2005 the Polsky Enrichment Series in the Polsky Theatre.

This is the information Norman Polsky sends to organizations to which he grants endowment funds. If you would like to receive his quarterly Newsletter send 4 self-addressed stamped envelops to:

Norman Polsky, Hon. FASID, IDEC, IFMA, IIDA
11629 Brookwood Blvd., Leawood, KS 66211

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