When Augie Spitzberger takes his dog Fritzi for a walk around his Shawano neighborhood, he often thinks about people who don’t have shelter.

“With this winter being so bitter cold, I couldn’t help thinking about those who need warm jackets and a place to stay,” says Spitzberger. Thanks to his relationship with the Shawano Area Community Foundation, our affiliate partner, he can make an immediate impact to help his community.

Four years ago, Spitzberger and his wife Lil started a donor advised charitable fund by gifting shares of appreciated stock, which helped them to establish the Augie and Lil Spitzberger Fund.

Augie, Lil and Fritzi Spitzberger

Through the fund, they make regular grants to Shawano Area Matthew 25 (SAM25), a nonprofit organization that provides temporary shelter for men, women and children who are experiencing homelessness during the winter months. Guests are also provided with personal care items and meals to meet their basic needs.

“Donating our appreciated stock helped us avoid capital gains taxes, and we did that again this year too,” explains Spitzberger. “It’s a great way to strengthen your community and impact lives now and forever.”

The couple built their lives in Shawano 50 years ago. The two met on a double date, but Lil was matched with Augie’s best friend. “I sort of liked her. She said I winked at her. I asked my buddy if I could call her the next evening, and the rest is history!”

The two raised five children and have many grandchildren and great-grandchildren living in the area, so making a difference in their community has long been a passion.

In addition to SAM25, the Spitzbergers use their fund to give to their church and school for continuing education. Spitzberger says the Community Foundation makes giving easy and convenient.

“The Shawano Area Community Foundation gets a lot of local support from donors, and I know many of them. It’s nice to see that our funds can help improve lives locally,” Spitzberger says.

Looking for unique giving ideas to make a difference in your community? Check out these tax-advantageous ways to give now.