A collector of art — and curator of good
How Dick Record channels his passion for beauty into community giving Richard “Dick” Record doesn’t just fund the arts; he surrounds himself with them. His home is filled with paintings and sculptures from around the world, including a dining room that proudly showcases his collection of Picassos. “I can look at them whenever I want,” […]
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The sound of kindness
The Bob and Jean Marck Family Fund David Marck jokes that while some people summer in the Hamptons or Tuscany, he summers in La Crosse. A professional jazz pianist based in New York City, Marck returns to his hometown each year for a season that blends gigs, gratitude, and giving back. It’s not just the […]
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More than a game: Honoring Robin Finco
A life of compassion, character, and the game he loved When Fran and Billie Finco lost their son Robin unexpectedly in the summer of 2023, their world stopped. “It was a hemorrhagic stroke — he called 911 himself,” Billie said. “Within 24 hours, he was gone.” In the days that followed, the outpouring of love […]
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Simple genius: The lasting legacy of Roland Beranek
Roland “Rollie” Beranek wasn’t flashy. He didn’t care for fancy clothes or big crowds. In fact, it took him two years to say a word to his neighbor Barb Erickson. But once Rollie decided you were part of his circle, you were in for life — and in for a good laugh, a deep lesson, […]
More »Giving Back, Seeing the Impact: Cheryl Vieth’s Designated Fund
Designated fund allows donor to see impact For Cheryl Vieth, the decision to give back to the community she’s called home for over 50 years was deeply rooted in her upbringing. “Growing up, my parents were farmers, and they gave back — whether it was to a neighbor or the community,” she said. That spirit […]
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Friends’ Forever Gift: The Judy and David Bouffleur Fund
It began with the gift of service For many La Crosse County residents, community service is part of everyday life. Judy and David Bouffleur exemplify such a life. Born and raised in La Crosse, the Bouffleurs have served the community for decades. Judy volunteers her time and talents to various organizations and events, and David […]
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Long-Time Donors Use QCDs to Give More, Gain More
QCDs, or Qualified Charitable Donations, allow Chris Haskell and Bob Carney to give more After giving to La Crosse Area Community Foundation for more than 20 years, retired educators Bob Carney and Chris Haskell came up with a new way to give that would allow them to have greater financial impact while streamlining their giving. […]
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Sandy Castek’s Mission for Mothers
Empathy for struggling single moms stems from experience Sandy Castek’s journey from struggling single mom to founder of the Sandy Castek Fund for Empowering Women is both profound and inspiring. Her story begins with a personal trial that ignited a lifelong mission: to help single mothers navigate the challenges of self-sufficiency and education. “I was […]
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The Uncommon Philanthropy of Marta & Bill
Philanthropy has been a way of life The story of Marta Martinez and Bill Katra illustrates how personal journeys and shared values can intertwine to improve communities. The two met in 1966 during Bill’s two year-service with the Peace Corps in Marta’s small, rural hometown in Uruguay. Their story, marked by separation (of 41 years!) […]
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The Lois Craig Playbook
Much-loved coach’s influence will impact students forever Lois Craig was a coach on and off the field, training students to give their best in the gym, classroom and life. With a career as vibrant as the red lipstick she famously wore, Lois’s path from a young girl in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to an influential educator […]
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