2022 Recipient George Lawrence
George and Anita Lawrence moved to Ladysmith in 1989, with their children Lisa, Joe, and Becky. They soon joined Hope Lutheran Church where George accepted a maintenance position, which he held until 2016. As a member of Hope, George taught Sunday School, Wednesday School, and served on various committees. He helped coordinate fellowship activities and the Hope Farmers’ Market Booth, and is currently a leader of the new GriefShare support program. He also visits the homebound and care center residents to serve communion.
In the community, George has been involved with Kinship, Power House, Raising Highly Capable Kids, the Flambeau Valley Truth Seekers, and the Imago Dei Academy. He looks for ways to help out his friends, neighbors, and strangers with chores, meals, or getting to appointments. George works tirelessly in support of others and is often seen recruiting volunteers or participating in fund-raising activities for various non-profits in the area.
Internationally, George and his family helped fund the drilling of a water well for a Kenyan village. In 2018, the Anita and George Lawrence Covenant Fund was established with the Rusk County Community Foundation as a Designated Endowment Fund (Ladysmith Educational Enrichment Fund). He also donates to many other area nonprofits.
George Lawrence is kind to all, generous with his time and energy, works to create positive change, inspires others to get involved, and looks for opportunities to be of service to others. He is a man of fine mettle and the Foundation is pleased to present him with the Heart of Gold Award.
Vision
The Rusk County Community Foundation is the catalyst for community improvement and development, being a leading local resource promoting our community by providing the Rusk County non-profit community with philanthropic support used to responsibly address community needs.
All volunteer Board of Directors: Robert Lecheler, Chair
Debra Klein, Vice-Chair
Aileen Tauchen, Secretary Kevin Smith, Treasurer DIRECTORS: Bill Dyson, Kyle Jeffress, Ronda Johnson, Jackie Pederson, Rick Steckel, Joni Weinert and Lisa Wicik
Report to the Community
2 • 0 • 2 • 2
P.O. Box 54 Ladysmith, WI 54848
715.532.0772
ruskfoundation.org
info@ruskfoundation.org
A Place Like No Other Rusk County:
Report to the Community
For the last 15 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside our Board of Directors to ensure the excellent stewardship of lasting, charitable funds. You are the reason we exist. Our goal is to craft solutions that represent your charitable intentions and passions. Our donors have great hearts, come from all over our community and beyond, and share a common desire: to make a difference and enrich the community through their gifts. It has been a joy to be involved through the Foundation’s formative years. Because of your generosity, nearly $600,000 in grants has been awarded. The future is bright here in Rusk County thanks to you!
Gratefully,
MAKE A DIFFERENCE. MAKE IT HERE.
Bev Dukerschein, outgoing Chair
HOW CAN I GIVE?
Current Funds Under Management
• Anita and George Lawrence Covenant Fund
• Dan Glaze Memorial Scholarship Fund
• Dennis B. Kovacevich Fund
• Dennis R. Van Wey Legacy Fund
• Dukerschein Scholarship for Flambeau School Fund
• Ek Fund For The Musical Arts
• Flambeau Forever Foundation Fund
Academics; Athletics; and Activities
• Flambeau Valley Arts Association Fund
• Give365Rusk Endowment Fund
• Gordon and Beverly Dukerschein Donor Advised Fund
• Hawkins Forever Fund
• Helping Hands Fund
• Jack and Jackie Pederson Donor Advised Fund
$3,537,829.00
31 FUNDS UNDER MANAGEMENT 6–7 MILLION EXPECTANCIES
The Rusk County Community Foundation provides an easy, secure, and effective way for people to give to the causes which matter to them most, while creating a fund which will assure their legacy. We provide donors the flexibility to donate the following assets in a way that qualifies for the maximum tax advantages under federal law:
• Cash
• Our online cart
• Appreciated securities, bonds and stocks
• Charitable transfer from an IRA in lieu of mandatory minimum distribution
• Annuities
RCCF Equity ................ $2,032,906
RCCF Liabilities ........... $1,504,923 (AGENCY FUNDS)
RCCF Total Assets .... $3,537,829
• Illiquid assets such as real estate, homes, farms or remainder interests
• Beneficiary designations on your IRA, 401(k), 403 (b) pension plan and life insurance
• Testamentary bequest through will or trusts
• Joseph R. Geisler Scholarship Fund
FBO Bruce Graduates
• Kyle Kempen Memorial Scholarship Fund
• Ladysmith Educational Enrichment Fund (LEEF)
• Ladysmith First Church of Christ Endowment Fund
• Larry and Shirley Dukerschein RCCF Fund
• Lorkowski Scholarship Fund
• Norda, Inc. Non-traditional Scholarship Fund
• Partners of Marshfield Medical Center - Ladysmith
• Rusk County Advancing Innovation/Economic Development Fund
• Rusk County Animal Shelter Building Sustainability and Enhancement Fund
• Rusk County Community Endowment Fund
Culture/Music; Theater & Arts; Environment; Recreation & Wildlife; Social Service; and Education
RCCF Endowment ....... $3,467,230
RCCF Local Banks ............ $70,599
RCCF Total Assets .... $3,537,829
• Rusk County Library Endowment Fund
• School District of Ladysmith Scholarship Fund
• Servite Center for Life Advised Fund
• Shane Jenness Special Needs Fund
• Smith-Allen Family Donor Advised Fund
• Women With Courage Endowed Fund
MANAGEMENT: The Foundation is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors, which operates the organization under established By-Laws. The Board is responsible for the establishment of committees that undertake fundraising, investments, grants, marketing etc. The Foundations By-Laws, Annual Reports, and Financial Reports are available to the public.
OF OUR FISCAL YEAR-END (JUNE 30, 2022) IN
AS
FUNDS UNDER MANAGEMENT
$599,383.00 TO DATE, WE HAVE GRANTED A TOTAL OF Future anticipated funds from estates summary
