The life journey of Alice Erickson Cox has been long and far and wonderful – 97 years, thousands and thousands of miles traveled, and, though she demurs at praise, filled with countless contributions to make our world a better place.

The Willmar Area Community Foundation will honor Alice and her late husband, Joe, with the 2011 Award in Philanthropy Oct. 6 at its annual dinner at the Holiday Inn.

From her beginnings in Lake Lillian, Minnesota, to her many travels across almost every continent to her return to Willmar in 2004, Alice has embodied an adventurous spirit and a generous heart.

Both she shared with Joe. They married after meeting in a supper club. It was while working in the logging industry that Joe wondered how a simple beetle could cut through wood so fast. Joe viewed a beetle under a microscope and invented and patented the chain for chain saws, based on the beetle’s technique.

After Joe’s death, Alice moved back to the Willmar area to be close to relatives and friends. Alice remains committed to the community, calling it her “motherland.”

She is a contributor to many organizations, including Rice Memorial Hospital, Safe Avenues, YMCA, Lake Lillian United Lutheran Church, Calvary Lutheran Church, and Community Christian School.

She feels blessed with good fortune and says, “The Lord and I are partners.”