Performing a Julius
the fomotor fellowship foundation
So what does “Performing a Julius” mean?
A message from Julius S.
It was sometime mid-December of 2006 when I was contemplating what to say at my father’s (Julius W. Fomotor) upcoming funeral. That week I received many phone calls, letters and emails stating how kind my dad was and how he’d do anything for anyone. Being his son for 46 years I already knew this.
I had a special relationship with my dad. From sharing his knowledge of cameras to teaching lessons from his bible, my dad was always there for me. He was an awesome role model and a great friend. As a Christian man, he would always let his light shine bright with everything he did. I don’t believe a day ever went by without him extending a helping hand to someone in need. My mom was much the same.
I’ve always admired my parents for escaping the turmoil from the country they loved. In 1956 they left Budapest with only a backpack on their backs. They set out to explore and find new opportunity in the land of the free. For fifty-some years they lived life together to it’s fullest while inspiring all those who crossed their paths. As I spoke to family and friends from the podium that cold night in December of 2006, I reflected back on the great life my father enjoyed so much. I encouraged the attendees to go out of their way to be kind and gentle, to lend a helping hand or just go put a smile on someone’s face, all in honor of my father. More fittingly, I asked them to go out and to “perform a Julius.”
It was shortly after my dad’s passing that the idea of establishing a Foundation came to mind. After my mom passed in 2013, I decided the time was right. Lending a hand, giving back and helping to spread the word of God is something my parents always did with a passion, and now, it will become their legacy. I’m proud to be called their son and it’s with great honor I dedicate our Foundation and this web site to their memory.
The Fomotor Fellowship Foundation
Our mission is to help Christian based non-profit companies spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and to help those in need. 100% of the proceeds donated to the Fomotor Fellowship Foundation goes directly to Christian non-profit organizations (mostly) located in Waukesha County. It’s our goal to establish a permanent endowment and give grant support to various Christian based organizations.
What We Stand For
FAMILY – Julius W. and Edith grew up in Budapest Hungary, met, fell in love, got married and escaped to the United States. They worked hard, had three children, made many friends and lived the American dream. Their family here in Wisconsin consisted of children Csilla, Julius S., Anita and two Grandchildren Robert and Zachary. All the rest or their relatives still live in Hungary.
FAITH – “Let you light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This was one of Julius W.’s favorite Bible verses and he lived by it everyday. In 1979, Julius W. was invited by a friend to attend a Billy Graham Crusade. This event changed his life. From that point on, Julius W. dedicated his life to serving the Lord and bringing the good news of the Gospels of Jesus Christ to all he knew and met. Julius W. and Edith had a passion for serving our Lord and helping others. In this same spirit of faith and helping others, Julius S. and his wife Barb founded the Fomotor Family Foundation in honor of Julius W. and Edith.
A MESSAGE OF HOPE
This is a story well-told by a man, the son of Julius and Edith, whose career has been telling stories through the lenses of cameras. Julius S. Fomotor is a good friend with whom I’ve had the pleasure of producing stories on film. His loving tribute to his parents, Julius and Edith, is vivid and compelling. And purposeful. This book amplifies Edith’s post-it note declaration. “I have hope.” We all want to live there, and we need to live there, with the help of God.
– Mel Lawrenz,
Author and former Senior Pastor at Elmbrook Church
I Have Hope
The story of the life and courageous cancer battle of Edith Fomotor
by Julius S. Fomotor (with a little help from Mom)
When I thought about writing a story about my mom’s life journey and the storms she fought through, I knew right away that the word “hope” had to be in the title. It’s how she lived her life — through faith and hope. Whether it was surviving in the war-torn streets of Budapest, raising a family in a foreign land, catering to the most discriminating customers at Marshall Field’s, or fighting the battlefields of the Wisconsin cancer facilities, Mom always lived her life with hope. I know this because of the words she spoke and from the notes she wrote—literally thousands of them. So, I decided to write a book about Mom’s life incorporating some of these inspirational notes she wrote to share with you.
My mom led a fascinating life, and this book is her story of victory. I’m forever grateful for the impact she and my dad had on my life, especially my faith in God, a faith that my wife, Barb, shares. I hope this book and my mom’s story will inspire your heart, mind, soul, and spirit, bringing you peace today, with hope and encouragement for your future.
Three ways to order I Have Hope:
- Purchase from the Elmbrook Church Bookstore at 777 S. Barker Rd, Brookfield, WI 53045.
- Order from Amazon.com at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GJG24R94
- Send us a donation of any amount via a check (make checks out to The Fomotor Fellowship Foundation, and send to Fomotor Media, PO Box 486, Pewaukee, WI 53072). Please indicate if you would prefer a printed book sent to you or provide your email address and we will provide an electronic PDF version.
How the Foundation Works
The Fomotor Fellowship Foundation was founded in 2013. After careful research, we decided to establish and partner with the Waukesha County Community Foundation (WCCF) of Waukesha, Wisconsin.
The WCCF is a pool of permanent endowment and project funds created primarily by and for the people of Waukesha County to provide grant support to charitable organizations. The intent of the Foundation is to serve a broad spectrum of community needs. Currently there are over 250 foundations / funds providing grant support to charitable organizations through the WCCF. The WCCF’s assets exceeded over 32 million dollars with over two million dollars in grants given out in 2014.
The Fomotor Fellowship Foundation is designated as a Donor Advised Fund, which means we, as donors, select and support (Christian-based) charitable organizations recommended and chosen each year by the Fomotor family. 100 percent of every donation we receive goes back out to our community each and every year.
If you’re interested in supporting our cause, please be advised, you will need to use the WCCF payment portal at: WCCF Donations
Please make sure to identify that your donation is designated to the Fomotor Fellowship Foundation. Thank you!