Blog
When trust breaks down: Gen Z and La Crosse’s future
Why rebuilding trust starts with listening, not lecturing Some stories don’t begin with hope; they begin with the hollow feeling of absence. A missing hand at the table. A voice that’s quiet when we need it loud. That’s where we find ourselves today with Generation Z. Not because they aren’t present, but because many are…
Trivia tribute — celebrating 95 years
In celebration of our 95th anniversary, we’re putting your knowledge to the test! This fun and informative quiz delves into the foundation’s rich history, community impact, and role in local philanthropy since its inception. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just getting to know us, see how much you really know — and maybe learn…
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,”…
Making endowments work for the long haul
Smart strategies for spending and stewarding your fund An endowment fund can be one of a nonprofit’s most powerful tools, providing a reliable source of income and building financial resilience. But how and when you use those funds matters just as much as having them in the first place. Whether your organization is navigating its…
The road that led to Bertie
Meet the office mascot In March, as showchoir season was in full swing, we found ourselves heading home from a long, high-energy weekend in Iowa. It was the break of dawn, and the roads were quiet as we wound our way through rural farmland, trying to make it back in time for an early appointment….
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…
Logrolling leader champions sport and connection
World Champion logroller growing a sport and strengthening a community Livi Pappadopolous doesn’t just keep her balance on a log — she’s also mastered the art of building and sustaining a thriving community. As founder and director of Coulee Region Logrolling, and a six-time Logrolling World Champion, Pappadopolous has turned a niche sport into a…
How one La Crosse organization is shaping a greener future
Carrie Thompson and Sustainability Institute connect people, ideas, and action Picture a community where clean air and fresh water aren’t just a dream but a shared goal. The Sustainability Institute, led by Executive Director Carrie Thompson, is on a mission to make that vision a reality. Since 2012, the institute has connected people, ideas, and…
Carol Taebel named 2025 Forever Friends Award recipient
La Crosse Area Community Foundation honors educator and community champion La Crosse Area Community Foundation honored Carol Taebel, a beloved educator, volunteer, and lifelong advocate for community and compassion, with its 2025 Forever Friends Award recipient. A retired elementary teacher and active volunteer, Taebel has quietly and consistently shaped the community through a lifetime of…
Celebrating Juneteenth Through Community Art
Launching a Juneteenth community art project in La Crosse On Juneteenth in 2023, we launched something special. At La Crosse Area Community Foundation, we believe art has the power to bring people together, spark conversation, and reflect the vibrant diversity of our community. To honor Juneteenth and celebrate Black freedom and culture, we kicked off…