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
In the past year, RCCF took a significant step forward by affiliating with ECCF. This partnership has played a pivotal role in enhancing our foundation’s effectiveness and efficiency. By leveraging ECCF’s expertise and resources, we have been able to streamline our operations, focus on strategic planning, and improve our ability to make a difference in Rusk County. RCCF is on an upward trajectory, growing in funds, contributions, and most importantly, the vision for a greater and more sustainable impact on Rusk County. We are committed to identifying and supporting projects that align with our community’s needs and values. Our focus remains on nurturing collaboration and innovation, driving positive change for years to come. None of this progress would have been possible without the tremendous support and dedication of our donors, community partners, and volunteers. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has played a role in the affiliation with ECCF and supported our mission to make Rusk County a better place. As we reflect on our accomplishments and the strides we have taken, we are filled with hope for the future. RCCF is committed to building upon these achievements and making an even greater impact in Rusk County. Together, we can continue to create positive change, address critical needs, and support our community’s growth. NOW IS THE TIME TO GROW GENEROUSLY.
P.O. Box 54 Ladysmith, WI 54848 • info@rccfwi.org 715.210.4446 • www.rccfwi.org
Bob Lecheler, Chairperson Rusk County Community Foundation
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.
RCCF Advisory Board of Directors Robert Lecheler, Chair Debra Klein, Vice-Chair Aileen Tauchen, Secretary Kevin Smith, Treasurer Bill Dyson
Kyle Jeffress Ronda Johnson Jackie Pederson Joni Weinert Lisa Wicik
Outgoing Director Rick Steckel - 6/30/2023
Legacy Circle Members Anonymous Gordon & Beverly Dukerschein Larry & Shirley Dukerschein Karen Ek Joseph R. Geisler* Wayne & Carol Gullstad William & Dinah Hahn Creighton (Corky) Hoffman Dan & Sue Kempen Dennis B. Kovac Anita & George Lawrence Stewart & Doris Lemke* Tina Lemke
Todd Lemke Bob & Barb Lorkowski Charles McCain Allen Miller & Richard LaBelle Jack & Jackie Pederson Kevin Smith & Rebecca Allen Joanne Spooner Mark Stensvold & Margaret Foss Patrick Sweeny Joel & Sara Taylor Linde Vacho Dennis Van Wey* * Denotes Deceased
ENRICHING OUR COMMUNITIES TOGETHER
Since 2007, RCCF has successfully granted over $600,000 to various groups and organizations throughout Rusk County. These grants have significantly contributed to improving the lives of many residents, supporting critical projects, and fostering positive change within our community. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our donors.
Mission
COMMUNITY
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted to present the Rusk County Community Foundation (RCCF) 2023 Report to the Community. Over the past 16 years, RCCF has been committed to bringing together generous individuals and addressing the needs of Rusk County. Our mission is to make a lasting impact on this region, and we are pleased to share the progress we have made through the support of our donors and our recent affiliation with the Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF).
REPORT TO THE
Dear Community Members,