Donor Stories

Giving Back, Seeing the Impact: Cheryl Vieth’s Designated Fund

January 31, 2025

By La Crosse Community Foundation

Designated fund allows donor to see impact

designated fund holder Cheryl ViethFor 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 of generosity stayed with Cheryl throughout her career in health care at Gundersen Health System and well into her retirement.

Cheryl recently took a meaningful step in her philanthropic journey by creating a designated fund, the Cheryl Vieth Community Giving Fund, her second fund at La Crosse Area Community Foundation.

Unlike her first donor-advised fund, which allowed her to actively direct gifts, the new designated fund takes a “set it and forget it” approach. Cheryl selected five organizations close to her heart, and the fund will provide annual grants to each of them for the next five years.

“I wanted to see the impact while I’m living,” Cheryl said. “There are so many organizations that need support, but these five are especially meaningful to me.”

Supporting what matters most

Each of the five nonprofits Cheryl chose reflects her values, experiences, and passions:

  • La Crosse Community Theatre fuels her love for the arts. “A lot happens behind the scenes to bring productions to life, and I want to support that.”
  • Our Savior’s Lutheran Church serves the community through its Come for Supper program and Women’s Clothes Closet. Cheryl is an active member of the church and admires how these initiatives meet critical needs.
  • The Hunger Task Force of La Crosse focuses on food recovery, ensuring surpluses reach those in need. “They’re a great resource for so many people,” said Cheryl.
  • Coulee Region RSVP engages volunteers in meaningful service projects, including providing transportation for people who can’t drive and crafting items needed in care facilities. As a sewer and crafter herself, Cheryl appreciates their efforts in making items for care facilities and helping those who cannot drive.
  • St. Clare Health Mission’s Rotary Mobile Clinic provides healthcare to underserved populations. “Having been in health care, I knew there were a lot of people who needed it but couldn’t afford to go or had no way to get to St. Clare. But a mobile unit can get to them.”

A legacy of giving

Cheryl’s philanthropy began in 2009 when she established her first fund at the foundation. Her sister Cindy joined the fund a decade later, sharing Cheryl’s commitment to causes that address basic needs, education, and the arts. Though Cindy can no longer participate due to health issues, her influence and shared values remain intertwined with Cheryl’s giving.

When Cheryl began taking IRA distributions last year, she saw an opportunity to create the designated fund. “I had a 401K I didn’t think I needed, and I wanted to put it to good use while I’m living,” she said.

For Cheryl, creating a designated fund was the perfect solution. “I don’t make millions of dollars, but every little bit helps. Nonprofits really count on funding from people like me.”

Advice for future donors

Cheryl hopes her story will inspire others to take action. “Do it when you can,” she said, reminding others that you don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference — just passionate about giving back to the community.

She also encourages potential donors to lean on the expertise of La Crosse Area Community Foundation. “The foundation staff are amazing to work with. They know how to make sure organizations are supported in a way that truly benefits them.”

In the end, for Cheryl, it’s about the community: how we can help make it strong and give back while we can.

“I don’t know what tomorrow’s going to bring, but I want to feel good about what I’m doing today.”