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. […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Tom and Trudy Kennedy honored with 2024 Forever Friends Award
La Crosse Community Foundation names 2024 Forever Friends When he was 12, Tom Kennedy’s grandfather told him something that has guided his life ever since: “Never forget if you do […]
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Bernard Kriesel flies high “Never give up!” would be a perfect motto for Bernard Kriesel. It was a saying he exemplified throughout his life. Born on the Fourth of July […]
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Transforming Tragedy into Teaching With Kindergarten Fund
Kindergarten fund will help educate young minds in perpetuity As a kindergarten teacher in the La Crosse School District, Sue Blanchar says she never went to work. She went to […]
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Alzheimer’s fund supports caregivers
From supporting caregivers to becoming one Kathy Lucey has always been a caregiver, caring for her elderly parents, mother-in-law, and aunts. She knows it can be onerous, lonely work, made […]
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George and Betty Kruck
From humble beginnings to hopeful futures Signs of George and Betty Kruck’s generosity and deep belief in the life-changing power of education run throughout the Greater La Crosse community. Both […]
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Nicholas Byrne Padesky Scholarship Redefines Traditional Criteria
Channeling Philanthropic Gift Requires Thought Nicholas Padesky had always considered himself fortunate. When his parents, Tim Padesky and Tara Johnson, informed him of their intention to commemorate his Central High […]
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La Crosse Community Champions: Don and Barb Frank receive the 2023 Forever Friends Award
When the La Crosse Community Foundation team was discussing nominations for this year’s Forever Friends Award, the Franks immediately came to mind. They were among the first people to start […]
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