Max Schory: The Heart of Hometown Philanthropy

On September 23, 2024, I had the opportunity to meet a local philanthropist. Meeting with Max Schory was an absolute treat. While speaking with him it was hard to remember that I was speaking with a young man. He presents himself like a grown professional. 

Max Schory

You may know Max from his fundraisers that he has had over the past 4 years benefiting Decatur County Memorial Hospital. With the 2024 fundraiser going towards concussion testing for children. 

Max said that his passion for helping others has always been inside of him, but a friend of his gifted him a rock painting kit he thought about selling the painted rocks. That is when his mother Liz Schory told him that he could get more for his rocks if he ran it as a fundraiser. I asked Max why he chose Decatur County Memorial Hospital as the recipient of the fundraiser. Max replied, “I thought about a group that benefited me. I had been to the hospital and received care before.” He said at first he was not sure how the fundraiser would go but that he was ready for an adventure. He added that during the past four years he has been surprised by the emotional support and the financial contributions.  

During the past four years he has painted rocks, made drawings, painted, and this past auction he did a combination of all of the above. He states that his favorite project has been when he painted a rock with a smiley face. Max said, “This was my first project and that is what makes it special.”

Max’s Fundraiser Facebook Page Profile Picture

I asked Max where his furthest customer was located. He replied we sent an item to Boston. He added that the item that brought the most from the auction was a ladybug rock that brought $13 in the auction. Over the past four years he has been able to raise approximately $2,000.

Max was very thankful for the help and support that he has received from his mother Liz Schory, father Travis Schory, and step-mother Melissa Schory. He also wanted to thank his best friend Dylan Wessel for his support and help. 

Max thanked Annie Swinney, Decatur County Memorial Hospital Employee for giving him a tour of the hospital including a look inside of an Operating Room. He was dressed in scrubs and given the VIP tour July 2024. Max also said, “I want to also thank Mandy Lohrum, (Hospital Foundation Executive Director) because she is the one who made sure this entire process came together.”

Max said that his goal before he graduates high school is to raise $5,000 for the hospital and is hopeful to speak with his school principal to get his entire school involved during the 2025 fundraiser. Max added that during his 3rd year his 3rd grade class became involved and drew pictures to be included in the auction. I asked Max what the 2025 fundraiser and auction will offer, and he said that it is securely under lock and key and we must stay tuned for further information. 

Max proudly announced his dream of becoming a brain surgeon. His mother, Liz, expressed how honored she feels to be raising such an exceptional young man, dedicated to helping others. She added that both she and Max’s father, Travis, often find it hard to believe he’s only 10 years old, as he continually demonstrates leadership, budgeting skills, and confidence in speaking with others.

Max & Liz Schory

As we ended our conversation Max said, “For others that are my age and want to do something like this. I would say go for your dreams.” 

To stay up to date with Max’s fundraiser please check out his Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Max2024fundraiser

Post Ad 2