Greatest Person: San Marino Resident Carl Schuster to be Honored For Public Service

With a long list of accomplishments, not only as Wolfgang Puck’s CEO and President or father of two but as a local active hero, Carl Schuster, 52, has proved through his selfless gallantry to be nothing short of a one-man band.

Schuster is armed with a generous spirit. The man behind the chef has donated thousands of elaborate Wolfgang Puck meals to an uncountable amount of school functions in the past decade including events held at and , , , and .

Board President Nam Jack is thrilled that the generous work this school district's longtime supporter has done is finally starting to gain notable recognition.

“There are so many special people in our community," said Jack. "Carl, however, is extra special. He is always ready and willing to help. ‘Yes! What can I do? How can I help? What do you need?’ That’s all you hear from him!”

Although Schuster still prides himself in keeping a down-to-earth and humble attitude, many who have met him have nothing but honorable things to say and strongly admire Carl's commitment to the San Marino community.

Labeling the St. Louis Park native as someone we can admire without apology, said Carl is one of those people she does not have a problem bragging about.

As San Marino Titans Girls Varsity Soccer Team dad, Schuster offers his services in any way, shape or form. “I’ve seen him on the softball field", Fadley said, illustrating Carl's versatility. "One minute he’s sitting watching the game, and the next he’s on third base filling in for a coach."

Defining wealth in charitable terms, while Birgit Gabig was Carver Elementary's PTA president, Carl enabled the school to host their annual Parent Party at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre two years in a row, which then doubled their profit. "The doubled revenue allowed us to totally revamp the Carver entrance and install the gorgeous fence that adorns the school without compromising PTA's academic program support," Gabig said.

Huntington Middle School PTA Executive VP Michelle Lee credits Carl's generosity as not only unending and instrumental to the continued success of San Marino's Unified School District, but genuinely unmatched. "Even when one of his children aren't enrolled in a particular San Marino school, he continues to provide exceedingly generous support," Lee said.

His story is unarguably one of a man whose selfless acts have helped him forge many friendships and truly gain the respect of many.

9th Annual Camp Del Corazon Gala Del Sol

After reaching great heights of personal achievement, Schuster will be honored as the 2012 honoree at the 9th Annual Camp Del Corazon Gala Del Sol. Camp del Corazon, a non profit who provides opportunities for children living with life-threatening heart effects, will be recognizing Schuster's outstanding contribution and ongoing commitment to the organization. The event will be held at the Globe Theater at Universal Studios Hollywood on Saturday, April 21, and will be co-hosted by Tom Arnold and Joel McHale.

Quite a heart connection for Schuster, Camp Del Corazon's Executive Director Lisa Knight believes that Schuster has done the most to harness support for Camp Del Corazon and has been more than prolific amongst the non-profit organization and pediatric electrophysiology service.

His affiliation with Camp Del Corazon tells a lot about a man who has found the strength in spite of his own family’s personal encounter with heart disease to persevere and put his industry life second and charity work first.

Marked By Modesty

Spiritual Care Guild and Charity Matters founder, Heidi Johnson, has known Schuster for many years since their sons attended first grade at Valentine Elementary School together.

According to Johnson, Schuster's work is not an exercise in image building; he aspires to truly be a hero rather than merely appear one.

"He never asks for any attention or any form of advertising. He is beyond selfless and just a lovely man who wants to bring no attention to himself while going against the grain of industry that he lives in," Johnson said.

Calling him a pillar among San Marino, Johnson is convinced that the honor couldn't be any more well-deserved. She can rest assured that his life are his children, the San Marino community and his work, and that no one deserves it more.

Remnant of his humility, Schuster couldn't help but boast about the city he's a part of while claiming that he's benefited more from the neighborhood's association.

“San Marino, I feel is a wonderful place. I feel lucky to be part of such a supportive community, the way people pitch in, the way we all know each other, it’s a great place to live," Schuster said. "I just want and hope to do my part to contribute.”

His strong and personal convictions and the community's praises prove Carl Schuster will continue to be quite the role model around the community.

How has Carl affected you? Tell us in the comments.