Episode 260. Dick Wilson – Philanthropist & Dream Manager
Dick Wilson’s philanthropic history starts in the late 1980s when he co-founded the Louisville Dream Factory at the request of Jane Eubank & 5 other friends of her:
- BANKER, (CHESTER MISBACH)
- LAWYER (CARSON PORTER)
- HAIR STYLIST (CAROL SANDERS)
- & 3 OTHER FRIENDS INCLUDING DICK
Today they now have over 33 chapters nationally with over 25,000 dreams granted & 1500 locally.
Another local charity which Dick wholly founded was the Robin Hood Project-by taking corporate excesses like computers and voice mailboxes, from motels etc.… and distributing them to the poor through the coalition for the homeless coordinated 24 shelters throughout Louisville.
Dick states he has founded or cofounded dozens of charities with the basic model of BEG-BORROW & SCROUNGE
Dick has also been instrumental in a recovery center @ 25TH & Market that now serves 800+ folks in weekly recovery meetings. In addition to supplying over 1,400 jobs in the last 13 months with MS-IL staffing as a collaborator, as well as, maintaining <2% drug test failures as well. All with a non-paid staff and all expenses are level with self-supporting donations.
Prior to Dick’s philanthropic efforts, he served in the Vietnam War as a combat photographer and graduated from the University of Louisville.
Dick & his lovely wife, Ardi, have a real mission for philanthropy. To show you how passionate they are, here is a list of the several charitable organizations, they have had an instrumental hand in founding or co-founding including:
- The Dream Factory
- The Robin Hood Project
- Drive Cancer Out
- World Sight
- & Ardi’s Bears
In recognition of his dedication to his community, Dick has received numerous awards & distinctions.
A few awards include:
- The Bell Award
- The American Institute of Public Service Jefferson Award
- The AFL-CIO’s Public Service Award
- & The Ron Horvath Community Award.
When he’s not working directly with or guiding the many organizations he supports, you can find Dick spending quality time with friends & family.
His favorite hobbies include collecting cars, art and antiques, and traveling with his wife: the ever-lively & beautiful Ardi Wilson.