Heart of
Gold
2023 Recipient: Karen Ek Karen Ek is a remarkable individual who has played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant art community in Rusk County, WI. Her leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on various aspects of the arts, music, and enrichment programs in the region. As the Past President of the Flambeau Valley Arts Association (FVAA), Karen brought world-class music, theater, and dance to Ladysmith. Another significant accomplishment under Karen’s leadership was the arrival of the Art Train, a traveling railroad exhibition featuring 60 renowned Native American artists. This event fostered cultural exchange, drawing 4,000 visitors and ranking as the fifth highest Art Train attendance in the United States. Karen also played a crucial role in establishing the School District of Ladysmith Enrichment Endowment Fund (LEEF), which supports student enrichment projects. Through her leadership, the fund has grown significantly, nearing a million-dollar endowment goal. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karen has made a profound impact on countless students, teaching them how to play the piano and nurturing their artistic and musical talents. Her ability to recognize and channel the creative potential in others has resulted in lasting contributions, such as the Ek Fund for Musical Arts, which will continue to support students’ musical talents in the District. In summary, Karen’s story is a testament to the transformative power of one individual’s passion, leadership, and commitment to the arts. She has not only enriched the cultural landscape of Rusk County but has also touched the lives of numerous students and community members, leaving a lasting legacy of creativity and community engagement.
Charitable Fund Options
A Personal Approach Donor Advised Fund
Recommend grants for charitable causes that have special meaning to you
We will work with you to establish the type of fund that best suits your charitable goals
A Targeted Approach
To learn more about RCCF and its Funds, or to donate, visit www.rccfwi.org.
Designated Fund
Choose one or more charitable organizations to receive ongoing support
A Flexible Approach
A Focused Approach
Unrestricted Fund
Field of Interest Fund
This fund will give to the greatest ever-changing needs in our community forever
Support a broad charitable area of interest by choosing areas that you are most passionate about
A Starter Approach
A Educational Approach
A fund that will slowly grow over time. When the minimum balance has been reached, your fund can begin issuing grants
Support the future education of students through awards to postsecondary technical schools and colleges
Designated Scholarship Fund
Acorn Fund
Year at a Glance
*Ending 6/30/2023
The opportunity for up to a $100,000 tax-free transfer from an IRA occurs annually and can support your charitable goals in many ways:
$703,800
grants awarded since inception*
$3,768,174 in total assets*
38
Legacy Circle Members
Did You Know?
40 Funds
Charitable Funds • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Donors can give more for less by reducing the income tax either personally or to heirs.
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Gifts can be permanently endowed with RCCF, providing a lasting legacy for the donor and family.
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The best vehicle for IRA distributions is a designated, field of interest, or unrestricted Fund.
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Or a 4th option is to establish a designated pass-through fund, designated to several charities, at the time the gift is received.
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Anita and George Lawrence Covenant Fund Bartig Family Scholarship 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 Ek Fund for Musical Arts Flambeau Forever Foundation - Academics Flambeau Forever Foundation - Athletics Flambeau Forever Foundation - Activities 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 Educational Enrichment Fund (LEEF) Ladysmith Christian Church Endowment Fund Larry and Shirley Dukerschein RCCF Fund Lorkowski Scholarship Fund Norda, Inc. Non-traditional Scholarship Fund Partners of Marshfield Medical Center – Ladysmith Fund Raising Highly Capable Kids Fund RCCF Community Grants Fund Culture/Music; Theater & Arts; Environment; Recreation & Wildlife; Social Service; and Education RCCF Operations for Tomorrow Fund RCCF Operations Fund Rusk County Advancing Innovation/Economic Development Funds (2) Rusk County Animal Shelter Building Sustainability and 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 *New Funds