Author Archives

$1 million fund means Gresham grads can get a $3,250 scholarship

Posted on Apr 13, 2021, by Community Foundation FV

When the Gresham Scholarship Fund was founded 20 years ago, who would have dreamed a small tight-knit community of 565 very generous souls could grow that fund to $1 million to help their youngest pay for secondary education? These caring, hardworking folks did it along with help from friends, graduates, the surrounding community and the […]

Refugees find vital services, dreams coming true

Posted on Apr 12, 2021, by Community Foundation FV

Amadi and his family fled the Democratic Republic of Congo and were able to build a new life in our area, thanks to World Relief Fox Valley. By Tami McLaughlin, Director, World Relief Fox Valley In August 2020, World Relief Fox Valley welcomed our 1,000th refugee since our beginning in 2012. While this special arrival […]

Generosity impacts Shawano children’s lives

Posted on Apr 5, 2021, by Community Foundation FV

Competence, usefulness, belonging, and influence. That’s what the Boys & Girls Club of Shawano instills in children who don’t have access to a stable, positive after-school environment. In the era of virtual learning, the need might look different, but the mission is still as critical as ever. “For the children who come to Club multiple […]

New book shares caregivers’ stories

Posted on Mar 16, 2021, by Community Foundation FV

A Not So Lonely Journey is a new resource for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s, thanks to the Aline Zerrenner Dementia-Friendly Fund within the Community Foundation. After Aline Zerrenner was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2009, her husband Walt began caring for her on a nearly full-time basis. But finding resources for help, or even insight, […]

Menasha Neighbors Helping Neighbors through the pandemic 

Posted on Mar 9, 2021, by Community Foundation FV

By Julie Filapek, Neighborhood Partners program of Goodwill NCW What is the purpose of an organized, connected neighborhood? The Jefferson Park Neighborhood (JPN) in Menasha has written their own answer through the pandemic. In 2019, JPN Connector Vicki Bokelman knocked on hundreds of doors to learn about neighbors’ knowledge, skills and interests. Because the JPN […]

“A wonderful place to put your time and treasure”

Posted on Mar 4, 2021, by Community Foundation FV

Mame Heaney of Neenah at the Community Foundation with our receptionist, Betty Van Den Broek. Mame is a fourth-generation member of a family who has been philanthropic in the Fox Cities for many years. By Mame Heaney, Neenah As a past board member, volunteer and one of the Members of the Community Foundation for the […]

Food on the Table

Posted on Mar 3, 2021, by Community Foundation FV

Clintonville Food Pantry president Dave Schmidt fills an order. We’re coming up on one year since the impact of the pandemic on our communities, and one year since we, United Way Fox Cities and other community partners established the Covid-19 Community Response Fund to help people affected by the pandemic in the Fox Valley Region. […]

“That’s the ticket!” Shawano man makes an impact

Posted on Mar 1, 2021, by Community Foundation FV

“Give me two inches.” If you’ve sold raffle tickets at a community event in Shawano County, there’s a good chance you’ve heard Charlie Harvey’s no-fuss manner of purchasing his preferred quantity of tickets as a way to give back to his community. Charlie learned early that when people are in need, you help each other. […]

Make an Impact and Inspire Others to Give

Posted on Feb 23, 2021, by Community Foundation FV

Laura Meronk with her family By Laura Meronk, attorney and shareholder, Godfrey & Kahn – Appleton As a board member and volunteer with the Community Foundation, I’m honored to help donors invest in the community that has given them so much. This work is personal. I’ve benefited from growing up and now raising my own […]

Grant helps Brillion Public Library explore renovation options

Posted on Feb 22, 2021, by Community Foundation FV

Thanks to support from a $1,500 grant from the Brillion Area Family of Funds, Brillion Public Library retained the services of Short, Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH) last year to perform a feasibility study at the library this year. SEH created a digital model of the building, although further progress has been delayed by the COVID-19 […]