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History of the Foundation
| Accomplishments of the Foundation | Honorary
Life Members
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Mission Statement
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| Uncommon Friends Foundation is a character education foundation whose mission is to instill ethics, moral values, and a sense of purpose in tomorrow's leaders. |
Vision Statement
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| The vision of the Uncommon Friends Foundation is to educate people of all ages to develop certain personal traits- a spirit of adventure, a sense of purpose, unending personal growth and commitment to helping friends- that James D. Newton observed in the lives of his five uncommon friends, and to understand the historical significance of the uncommon friends in shaping the modern world. |
Mission Overview |
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| The inspiration for the Uncommon Friends Foundation is the book Uncommon Friends,by Jim Newton, a longtime resident of the Fort Myers area. Mr. Newton emphasizes not the accomplishments of these noted gentlemen and their wives -- that has been well documented by others -- but the exceptional character and high ethical standards that made them what they were and allowed them to accomplish what they did. Jim & Ellie Newton were in the unique positions of being close personal friends with the giants who shaped the twentieth century -- Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Dr. Alexis Carrel, and Charles Lindbergh, and their wives -- friendships never asked for or sought. These great men and women imparted much wisdom to their friend "Jimmie," who relates it to us in his writings. The Foundation seeks to continue Jim Newton's legacy by promoting efforts to encourage this and future generations to strive to achieve the high ethical standards and positive character traits characteristic of these great men. |
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History of the Foundation |
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The Uncommon Friends Foundation and name evolved from James D. Newton's book, Uncommon Friends. His writing relates his experiences with and observations of five most inspiring men, men who were influential in shaping the twentieth century -- Thomas A. Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Dr. Alexis Carrel, Charles Lindbergh, and their wives.
An historic partnership was formed between the City of Fort Myers and Lee County, Florida in December 1993, as the creation of the Uncommon Friends Foundation was announced. Shortly afterwards, the School District of Lee County joined the partnership. The co-founders of the Foundation were John Albion and Fran Myers. The Foundation works closely with local, state, and national business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, government leaders, and benefactors whose interests are similarly aligned. The Foundation's influence can be felt through Uncommon Friends of the Twentieth Century (a documentary presentation), educational projects, scholarship awards, historical preservation, and various curriculum programs.
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Accomplishments of the Foundation 1993 - 2003 |
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Developed, produced, & distributed Lessons Learned from the Uncommon Friends - a 20 lesson curriculum for grades four through eight. |
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Funded an Uncommon Friends electronic kiosk installed at the Edison-Ford Winter Estates. |
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Filmed eight hours of conversation with Jim & Ellie Newton & Reeve Lindbergh discussing their relationships with the uncommon friends. |
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Hold in trust historical artifacts & memorabilia of Jim and Ellie Newton. |
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Produced award-winning documentary Uncommon Friends of the Twentieth Century, narrated by Walter Cronkite. |
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Instrumental in the establishment of the Uncommon Friends Eminent Scholar of Ethics chair at Florida Gulf Coast University. |
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Funded and built the Uncommon Friends Pavilion at Fort Myers Beach Elementary School |
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Awarded 21 Honorary Lifetime Awards to distinguished individuals. |
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Provided over 120 scholarships to deserving individuals. |
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Conducted teacher workshops and seminars to familiarize teachers with the Lessons Learned from the Uncommon Friends elementary and adult curricula. |
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Conducted Annual Luncheons to award scholarships, present awards, & inspire the community on lessons learned from the uncommon friends. |
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Developed a new adult educational curriculum targeted to high school, college students and all adults. |
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Established endowment fund called Uncommon Friends Legacy Fund. |
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Developed a traveling exhibit about the Uncommon Friends with interactive DVD Kiosk. |
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Established Uncommon Friends Curriculum Stakeholders at elementary, middle, high, and technical schools, as well as Florida Gulf Coast University. |
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Honorary Life Members |
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James D. Newton
Eleanor Forde Newton
Anne Morrow Lindbergh |
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Berne Davis
Meryl Eriksson
Vernon Eriksson
George Sanders
His Majesty, King Michael of Romania |
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Walter Cronkite
Paul Bush
The City of Fort Myers
Fran Myers
John Albion |
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| Congressman Porter Goss |
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Sam Galloway, Jr.
John W. Sheppard
Connie Mack |
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Connie McCormick
David C. Robinson |
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Jody Hendry
Reverend Israel Suarez |
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Reeve Lindbergh |
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Robert & Linda Taylor |
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