2 minute read
Hometown Hero
by JES Media
—Amy Kazma
This page is a tribute to community citizens who have demonstrated exemplary service and leadership to the city of Boca Raton and is in memory of John E. Shuff.
Amy and Mike Kazma
The Kazmas’ giving is just part of how they celebrate their community
Written by MARIE SPEED
Mike and Amy Kazma came to Boca Raton in 1996 from Chicago to capitalize on its proximity to the Caribbean and Latin American markets, where the family business was building TV cable systems. Mike, president and CEO of Amzak Capital Management with a 28-year history at the company, told Amy it was a temporary move. But that was before the couple met Boca.
Amy says it was a “successful move on all fronts,” and the couple has become a force in the philanthropic community, from their involvement with the Junior League, Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, Boca Raton Historical Society, Boca Raton Regional Hospital (they are chairing the ball this year), George Snow Scholarship Fund, Place of Hope and more. The couple has two children, aged 21 and 24.
WHY BOCA: “[Aside from the business rationale,] we just loved the weather, loved how beautiful and dynamic the community was. We met some amazing people and formed wonderful friendships. We just have made a really beautiful life for ourselves here.”
CAUSES ESPECIALLY DEAR TO THEIR HEARTS:
“We typically focus on things that have to do with children and education. Mike has long given scholarships to Don Bosco University in El Salvador. Here, in Boca Raton, when they improved the west Florence Fuller campus and built the new building out there, we helped get that building completed. Right now, I have to say Place of Hope is an amazing organization that I have such an affinity for. They not only do amazing work here at their Boca Raton campus for children in need, but throughout Palm Beach and Martin County.”
WHY GIVING IS IMPORTANT TO THEM: “Neither Mike nor I grew up very affluent. We grew up very middle class and had hard-working parents. We are fortunate we’ve been able to achieve such great successes that we can’t imagine not giving back. My mother always volunteered her time and her talents but never had the treasure. Now that I’m fortunate enough to have all three, I can’t imagine not giving back to a community that has brought so much to our lives.”
WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON: “I am becoming more involved at Place of Hope, establishing an enrichment endowment there for young men and women on the Boca Raton campus, the kids who have aged out of foster care. We continue to find some really wonderful causes in our community; we’re so fortunate to have so many generous people and so many community organizations here. … People in Boca Raton really focus on the local nonprofits, where the money stays in the community and you can see it in action.”
WARNER-PROKOS PHOTOGRAPHY
Amy and Mike Kazma
