Norm and Karen Carlson Receive Ambassador for Healthcare Award

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Bronson Health Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to recognize Norm and Karen Carlson with the John and Kay Polzin Ambassador for Healthcare Award. The award honors those who work tirelessly to make this region a better place to live, and who do so with no intent or expectation of recognition. In 2016, Norm and Karen approached the Foundation with the idea of having a Farm to Table Dinner to benefit Bronson Children’s Hospital. The dinner has grown year after year, with nearly 500 people attending in 2022, and raising more than $138,000. Proceeds from the event have supported a range of projects selected by the Carlson's including NicView cameras for families with babies in the NICU as well resources and meals, enhancements to the family kitchen and playroom at Bronson Children’s Hospital and Bronson LakeView pediatric spaces, and much more.

“The support Norm and Karen have provided has impacted not only many children, but their families and the employees caring for them,” says Rachel Worgess, chair of Bronson Health Foundation Board of Directors. “We are beyond grateful for all they have done for our youngest patients.”

“It’s impossible to know how many things – both big and small – that the Carlson's do each year to make the farm to table event possible,” says Terry Morrow, president of Bronson Health Foundation. “What we do know is that the passion and enthusiasm they have brings people together in a way that is special and unique and makes them stand out. It’s reflective of John and Kay Polzin’s compassion and generous spirit, which makes bestowing this award on Norm and Karen so fitting.”

The Polzin Ambassador for Healthcare Award was established by Bronson Health Foundation in honor of the late John Polzin and his wife Kay who carries on his legacy. For years, the Polzin's have been dedicated to improving healthcare in the greater Kalamazoo community through their humble generosity and servant leadership. The award recognizes quiet heroes who strengthen the community and whose generosity cannot be measured.

Pictured: Liz Semaan, executive director, Bronson Health Foundation; Norm and Karen Carlson; Terry Morrow, president, Bronson Health Foundation; and Rachel Worgess, Bronson Health Foundation board chair