John Rupena Receives Award

Friday, 20 April 2007

By Gerise LaSpisa On April 18, 2007, C.G. Schmidt recognized the efforts of John Rupena of Rupena's Fine Foods with an honorable mention award for the 2007 C.G. Schmidt Ovation Award for Volunteerism. John W. Rupena received this award because of his lifelong commitment to helping those less fortunate than himself, and instilling this sense of service, philanthropy, and humble grace into the lives of his children and employees. Company Profile Rupena’s Fine Foods has been a household name in the metropolitan Milwaukee area for 76 years.   In 1927, John S. Rupena opened a grocery and produce store on Holton Street in Milwaukee.  In 1984, the business moved to 76th and Beloit in West Allis.  Today, Rupena’s has expanded its business to include quality-catering services, custom cut meats, and homemade deli products, in-house bakery. Additionally, in 2005, Rupena’s opened a freestanding restaurant called Summit Café in the Whitnall Summit Building, formerly Allis Chalmers in West Allis. Since moving to West Allis, Rupena’s has been an active member in our Chamber of Commerce.  Rupena’s has helped the mission of the Chamber – promoting business and economic development of our communities since moving here.  Not only have they donated goods, but John and the entire Rupena family have given time, talent, and monetary support to the Chamber and many, many other not for profits.  Examples of Kindness In the spring of 2006, two City of West Allis public works employees were tragically and seriously injured on National Avenue while working in the street.  A short time after the accident, I got a call from John.  He explained to me that he wanted to do something to help out their families – people he did not know.  John and a local nationally-known artist, Tim Leonardelli organized a benefit evening for the workers.   On behalf of the Chamber and its business members, I immediately offered our support and help as John had done so many times for us in the past. John and Tim called friends, business associates and family and rounded up thousands of dollars worth of goods that they then auctioned and raffled off.  John also donated thousands of dollars worth of goods and services.  Rupena’s catered the event at a loss.  Hundreds of people showed up.  Thousands of dollars were raised and donated to the two men. Over the years, Rupena’s has helped many in need.  One of John’s grown children, Maria related that on numerous occasions throughout her life, she saw her father help families who were customers of their Holton Street grocery store by allowing them to run a tab for food and to pay back as they could.  Today, some of these people still come to Rupena’s and express thanks and gratitude for John’s generosity and humanity. Over the years, the Rupena’s have owned residential rental property.  The Rupena boys told me of numerous times over the years their father would allow tenants to pay what they could when they fell upon hard times. In particular, John A. spoke of an elderly infirm tenant who due to changes in the social security/welfare laws could no longer pay rent.  John not only let her live in the apartment but also regularly took groceries to her.  Similarly, I witnessed John help a young couple that were moving and could not afford to pay for damage that they had accidentally done to the carpeting of an apartment.  Because John knew that the family could not afford to pay for the carpeting, he not only returned their security deposit but also forgave most of the repair cost.  These are a few examples of John’s consistent acts of kindness which demonstrate his lifelong commitment to bettering the lives of those around him.  Not only has he touched the lives of many in the community, but also his children have taken on the same commitment to others and continue John’s work graciously and humbly.  John’s commitment to bettering our community has helped our Chamber of Commerce, our business community, and our residents to grow.  What is your company or another doing to make our community better?  Drop us a line, we want to know!

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 29 May 2007 )

 

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