Grafton Chamber honors Luft, Food Alliance with awards

Amy Luft is Grafton’s Outstanding Citizen and the Ozaukee Food Alliance  is the Outstanding Community Group, the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce announced last week. 

Luft and the Food Alliance will be recognized during the village’s tree-lighting ceremony and awards reception at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at the Lumberyard Plaza.

The annual awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Grafton community.

Luft was selected for the honor due to her lifelong commitment to service, leadership and stewardship that has positively impacted countless individuals throughout Grafton, Ozaukee County and beyond, according to the Chamber. Known for her unwavering dedication to veterans, older adults and community organizations, she exemplifies what it means to put service above oneself.

“Amy’s contributions reflect the very best of our community,” Chamber Executive Director Elizabeth Mueller said, noting the Chamber received three letters nominating Luft. “I believe this says a lot about who she is. Her passion for service, dedication to veterans and willingness to step forward whenever help is needed has left a lasting legacy. She embodies the spirit of the Outstanding Citizen Award.”

Inspired by her late father’s service as a World War II Army veteran, Luft has spent decades honoring and supporting veterans. A member of the Rose-Harms American Legion Auxiliary Unit 355 since 2007, she rose through leadership positions, serving as president of the Grafton Unit, Ozaukee County Council and Wisconsin’s 2nd District. 

Today, she serves as President of the Wisconsin American Legion Auxiliary, becoming the first member from Grafton’s Auxiliary unit to achieve the role.

Luft’s dedication to veterans is most visible through her work with Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, where she has served as a volunteer guardian, board member, vice president, ambassador and speaker.

As of this fall, she will have participated in almost 60 Honor Flights, helping veterans travel to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

Luft also created the successful Sweat4Vets fundraising event, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support veterans and American Legion programs throughout Wisconsin.

A former Village of Grafton trustee, Luft has also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Interfaith Caregivers, Family Sharing of Ozaukee County and other committees and initiatives. Colleagues and community members consistently describe her as a leader of integrity who combines vision with action and inspires others through her positive attitude and commitment to helping those in need.

The Ozaukee Food Alliance is being honored to recognize its extraordinary efforts to address food insecurity, build community connections and ensure residents facing hardship are treated with dignity and compassion, according to the Chamber.

“The Ozaukee Food Alliance exemplifies what can happen when a community comes together to care for one another,” Mueller said. “Their dedication, leadership and compassion have made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless families. They have transformed community kindness into tangible, lasting support for those who need it most.”

Serving families and individuals throughout Ozaukee County, the organization provides critical support through its client-choice food pantry, allowing households to select foods that meet their unique needs and dietary preferences. This approach not only provides nourishment but also empowers individuals to maintain choice and dignity during difficult circumstances.

Through initiatives such as Backpack Fridays, children receive nutritious food to take home over weekends when school meals are unavailable. The organization also provides holiday meal boxes, school supplies, grocery delivery services for homebound residents, and other programs designed to address gaps that might otherwise leave families without essential resources.

A hallmark of the organization’s success is its ability to bring together volunteers, donors, community organizations, businesses and local leaders to address food insecurity collaboratively. 

By creating opportunities for residents to volunteer, organize food drives, and support neighbors in need, the Ozaukee Food Alliance has fostered a culture of generosity and community engagement throughout Ozaukee County.

The organization’s work is rooted in compassion. Whether providing a bag of groceries to ease a parent’s worry, a warm meal to offer comfort and connection or a welcoming environment where individuals can seek assistance without judgment, the Ozaukee Food Alliance consistently demonstrates a commitment to caring for every person it serves.