2024 Report to Community

MISSION To improve the quality of life in the Rusk County Community through permanent endowments and grant giving.

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.

2023

LEGACY

CIRCLE MEMBERS

REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

When donors leave charitable contributions to RCCF in their wills, trusts, or estate plans, RCCF recognizes them as members of the Legacy Circle.

Enriching our Communities Together

Gordon & Beverley Dukerschein Larry & Shirley Dukerschein Karen Ek Joseph R. Geisler Wayne & Carol Gullstad William & Dinah Hahn Creighton (Corky) Hoffman

RCCF

Dan & Sue Kempen

Robert Lecheler, Chair*

Tina Lemke

Debra Klein, Vice Chair

Todd Lemke

Aileen Tauchen, Secretary

Bob & Barb Lorkowski

Kevin Smith, Treasurer

Charles McCain

Bill Dyson

Alan Miller & Richard LaBelle

Lori Gorsegner**

Jack & Jackie Pederson

Kyle Jeffress

Kevin Smith & Rebecca Allen

Ronda Johnson

Joanne Spooner

Jackie Pederson

Mark Stensvold & Margaret Foss

Terry Wedwick**

Patrick Sweeney

Joni Weinert

Joel & Sara Taylor

Lisa Wicik

Linde Vacho

*Term ended 2023 ** New in 2024

Dennis Van Wey

ADVISORY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dennis B. Kovac Anita & George Lawrence Steward & Doris Lemke

Denotes Deceased RCCF is a regional affiliate fund of the Eau Claire Community Foundation P.O. Box 54 Ladysmith, WI 54848 . info@rccfwi.org 715.210.4446 . www.rccfwi.org

P.O. Box 54 Ladysmith, WI 54848

NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE P A I D PERMIT NO.1557 EAU CLAIRE WI

Heart of Gold Recipient Jessica Wiles

A lifelong resident of Rusk County, Jessica Wiles epitomizes the essence of public service and integrity through her unwavering dedication to the community. Her commitment is particularly evident in her roles with the Rusk County Fair Board, where her leadership as a volunteer has been instrumental in achieving the fair’s remarkable success. Jessica Wiles’ tireless efforts and multifaceted involvement reflect her deep-rooted dedication to both her profession and community.

Jessica’s exceptional skills extend beyond the fair. As a girls’ softball coach and 4-H leader, she fosters growth and teamwork among youth, while also contributing her expertise as a member of the Our Lady of Sorrows Education Board. Balancing these roles, she is also a devoted wife, mother of three daughters, and Senior Managing Cashier for 14 Chippewa Valley Banks.

Year at a Glance

Charitable Funds

*Ending 12/31/2023

$4.1 M + $810 K + 38 40

In Total Assets

Grants Since Inception

Legacy Circle Members

Funds

Charitable Fund Options Acorn Fund: A Starter Approach

A fund that will slowly grow over time. When the minimum balance has been reached, your fund will become one of the funds listed below.

Not ready to start a fund but want to support your community? Consider a gift to GIVE 365 Rusk! By donating just a dollar a day or $365 a year, you become a member and make a difference.

Your membership supports:

Unrestricted Fund: A Trusted Approach

Use the RCCF grant comittee’s expertise to address the greatest needs in the community.

Designated Fund: A Targeted Approach

Choose one or more charitable organizations to recieve ongoing support.

•

60% to your favorite initiatives to improve the quality of life in Rusk County.

Donor Advised Fund: A Personal Approach

•

30% is invested in the GIVE 365 Rusk Endowment Fund, benefiting nonprofits forever

•

10% of your gift supports the annual free event in the spring. The entire community is invited to attend and learn more about the grant-funded initiatives.

Advisors to the fund recommend grants to specific organizations throughout the year.

Field of Interest Fund: A Focused Approach

Support a charitable area of interest that you are most passionate about.

Anita and George Lawrence Covenant Fund Bartig Family Scholarship Fund for Ladysmith High School Bruce Alumni Scholarship Fund Dan Glaze Scholarship Fund Dennis B. Kovac Fund Dennis R. Van Wey Legacy Fund Dukerschein Scholarship for Flambeau School Economic Development Fund for Rusk County Ek Fund for Musical Arts Flambeau Forever Foundation - Academics Flambeau Forever Foundation - Activities Flambeau Forever Foundation - Athletics Flambeau Valley Arts Association Fund GIVE 365 Grants Fund GIVE 365 Rusk Endowment Fund Gordon and Beverly Dukerschein Donor Advised Fund Hawkins Forever Fund Jack and Jackie Pederson Donor Advised Fund Joseph R. Geisler Scholarship Fund Kyle Kempen Memorial Scholarship Fund Ladysmith Christian Church Endowment Fund Larry and Shirley Dukerschein Rusk County Community Foundation Fund Lorkowski Scholarship Fund Norda, Inc. Non-traditional Scholarship Fund Partners of Marshfield Medical Center-Ladysmith Fund Raising Highly Capable Kids Pass-Through Fund RCCF Community Grants Fund RCCF Operations for Tomorrow Fund RCCF Operations Fund Rusk County Advancing Innovation Pass-Through Fund Rusk County Animal Shelter Building Sustainability & Enhancement Fund Rusk County Helping Hands Fund School District of Ladysmith Educational Enrichment Fund (LEEF) School District of Ladysmith Scholarship Fund Servite Center for Life Advised Fund Shane Jenness Special Needs Fund Smith/Allen Family Charitable Fund Women with Courage Endowment Fund