Notes |
From the foundation website: "The Polk Bros. Foundation exists today due to the success of the Polk Bros. chain of retail furniture and appliance stores, a Chicago institution for more than 55 years. While the stores prospered and grew, Sol, Samuel, Harry, Morris and David Polk and their sister Goldie Bachmann remained supportive of the people and neighborhoods they served. Their tradition of local charitable giving evolved into today's Polk Bros. Foundation, which in 1988 became a staffed organization independent from the retail business. The Foundation's endowment increased dramatically when the stores closed in 1992 and all assets were transferred to the Foundation. Although a private independent organization, the Foundation maintains Polk family connections. In 1993, Sandra Guthman, daughter of Samuel Polk, left her career as an IBM executive to serve as the Foundation's president and chief executive officer. Two additional family members, Bruce Bachmann and Howard Polk, serve on the Foundation's board." |