The Slawson family believes in active philanthropy, seeking ways to have a positive impact in the communities they call home. That spirit of community support was fostered by founder Don Slawson and his wife, Judy, since the company began in 1957. In addition to generous financial support, Don and Judy contributed their time and talents to a multitude of organizations.
He was appointed to the National Petroleum Council by two presidents. He served as chair of the Kansas Health Foundation investment committee, Wichita/Sedgwick County Partnership for Growth and Wichita Development Committee; as president of the KU Alumni Association, and as a board member of Cessna Aircraft Corporation, Kansas Gas & Electric Company, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Intrust Financial Corporation.
His family supports fundraising for research into Alzheimer’s Disease, complications from which Don Slawson died in 2014.
Don and Judy’s three sons – Todd, Steve and Craig – and Slawson Companies’ employees have followed the tradition of giving back, working with such organizations as Head Start, the Children’s Hospital of Denver, the Junior League and Growing Home.
Slawson Companies’ generosity benefits the residents of the Williston Basin, where Slawson has been a community partner for more than 40 years. Recent donations include $300,000 to the North Dakota Housing Incentive Fund, to create housing for low- and moderate-income families, and $80,000 for medical equipment to the New Town Ambulance Service.
Don and Judy Slawson’s approach to giving was to do it quietly and let the good work speak for itself, an approach the family and company maintain today.