When reflecting on Mr. Dunn’s influence over 100 years, three key areas prominently come to light: family, philanthropy, and building. Mr. Dunn’s genuine commitment to treating others as he would want to be treated has made a bold and lasting impact on the people and communities he has served. From his strong family values and moral fortitude, to building inspired places and serving others, there is so much to be celebrated as Mr. Dunn celebrates his centennial birthday.
The Philanthropist
“It’s a lot more fun giving money away than making money.” -Mr. Dunn
At JE Dunn, we believe in serving others, and that guiding principle stems from Mr. Dunn himself. His genuine dedication to bettering communities and helping those in need is an integral component of what makes his legacy so remarkable. The idea that people are always more important than money has been demonstrated throughout Mr. Dunn’s life.
In his memoir, Building from the Heart, Mr. Dunn writes of his and Jean’s daughter, Mary, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome after her birth. She was a symbol of inspiration for Mr. Dunn to help others facing hardships.
“What appeared to be a major problem for our family turned out to be one of the greatest blessings we have ever received,” Mr. Dunn writes. “It allowed us to become familiar with many issues in our society that needed financial assistance and inspired us to help those in need.”
The Dunn Family Foundation was started in 1981, with the five Dunn brothers serving as directors, driven by the purpose of giving to charitable causes. The Dunn Family Foundation has served countless charities and educational institutions and donated tens of millions of dollars to those in need. The thriving and ongoing work continues today, through JE Dunn’s Community Impact team.
Mr. Dunn has served on numerous boards for various organizations including the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Rockhurst University, St. Mary’s Hospital, United Way, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts, Catholic Charities, and Operation Breakthrough. He has also made substantial contributions to numerous organizations, truly making a difference in the lives of so many people.
Mr. Dunn has humbly received recognition with several awards. These awards include Mr. Kansas City from KC Power & Light, the William Booth Award from the Salvation Army, as well as the Spirit of Caring Award from the Heart of America United Way – just to name a few.
Aligned with Mr. Dunn’s vision, JE Dunn donates 10 percent of net income across the country, impacting over 1,000 non-profits and exceeding $12 million in recent years.
