In a time when our communities face an uncertain future, there is value in reflecting as an organization and as an individual. Who would have ever guessed that camaraderie through golfing would have such a profound impact on the future of our communities. Who knew an anonymous couple would make such a difference for the area they love. Join us in reflecting on the moments that helped to build United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley’s (UWGCV) Endowment Fund.
In 1989, two individuals had the foresight and commitment to start a tradition that would provide a legacy of caring in our communities. Don Whiting, then Vice President of Manufacturing for Cray Research Inc., and Donna Whiting, then United Way of Chippewa County Board Chair, had the idea of sponsoring an annual golf outing with the intent of placing the net proceeds into a permanent endowment. So the tradition of the annual United Way Golf Outing and the endowment were born.
Through the years, both the success of the Golf Outing and the endowment grew. Sponsorships played a large role in continually making the Golf Outing a success. “Most of the money was made before we even hit a ball,” shared Bob Hogseth, former Chair of the Golf Outing.
The United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley’s Endowment is a separate entity with its own Board of Directors. A portion of the interest accrued from the endowment principal is used each year to help offset UWGCV’s administrative costs so that more dollars raised through the annual workplace campaign can be used to fund program partners.
“The endowment allows moneys to be able to go to administrative costs so that more of our donors’ money is going directly to support the funded programs,” shared Jerry Jacobson, President of Northwestern Bank and Endowment Board Member. “They get a bigger bang out their buck and that’s what makes me feel good about the endowment.”
When United Way of Chippewa County and Eau Claire County United Way merged, each organization’s Endowment was only strengthened. A clause was added to governing documents allowing funds to be targeted for disaster relief in the Chippewa Valley. “When we did join forces with Eau Claire County, discussion happened about what would happen in circumstances such as this [a disaster],” shared Chuck Frenette, former Chair of the Golf Outing. “I think it’s great that we have built up funds and can do something like this to help in an emergency situation.”
While the annual golf outing has played an instrumental role in building the endowment, the generosity of local benefactors to the endowment increased the strength of the fund. Specifically, one large gift of stocks in local companies that was left to UWGCV’s Endowment several years ago by a generous couple.
The decision to extract funds from the endowment was one that both UWGCV’s Board of Directors and Endowment Board did not take lightly. “The situation our community is in right now is extraordinarily rare,” shared Karen Hebert, Interim Executive Director. “Our community is struggling in a way that none of us will probably see in our lives again.”
As we reflect, UWGCV is grateful for the opportunity to partner with other community organizations to recover and make the Chippewa Valley stronger than ever. This opportunity is thanks to so many community members who have come together year after year, trusting UWGCV. We value your trust and hope it will continue for years to come.