To improve the quality of life in the Rusk County Community through permanent endowments and grant giving.
MISSION VISION
The Rusk County Community Foundation is the catalyst for community improvement and development, being a leading local resource promoting our community by providing the Rusk County non-profit community with philanthropic support used to responsibly address community needs.
RCCF
ADVISORY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert Lecheler, Chair*
Debra Klein, Vice Chair
Aileen Tauchen, Secretary
Kevin Smith, Treasurer
Bill Dyson
Lori Gorsegner**
Kyle Jeffress
Ronda Johnson
Jackie Pederson
Terry Wedwick**
Joni Weinert
Lisa Wicik
LEGACY CIRCLE MEMBERS
When donors leave charitable contributions to RCCF in their wills, trusts, or estate plans, RCCF recognizes them as members of the Legacy Circle.
Gordon & Beverley Dukerschein
Larry & Shirley Dukerschein
Karen Ek
Joseph R. Geisler
Wayne & Carol Gullstad
William & Dinah Hahn
Creighton (Corky) Hoffman
Dan & Sue Kempen
Dennis B. Kovac
Anita & George Lawrence
Steward & Doris Lemke
Tina Lemke
Todd Lemke
Bob & Barb Lorkowski
Charles McCain
Alan Miller & Richard LaBelle
Jack & Jackie Pederson
Kevin Smith & Rebecca Allen
Joanne Spooner
Mark Stensvold & Margaret Foss
Patrick Sweeney
Joel & Sara Taylor
Linde Vacho
Dennis Van Wey
Jessica Wiles
A lifelong resident of Rusk County, Jessica Wiles epitomizes the essence of public service and integrity through her unwavering dedication to the community. Her commitment is particularly evident in her roles with the Rusk County Fair Board, where her leadership as a volunteer has been instrumental in achieving the fair’s remarkable success. Jessica Wiles’ tireless efforts and multifaceted involvement reflect her deep-rooted dedication to both her profession and community.
Jessica’s exceptional skills extend beyond the fair. As a girls’ softball coach and 4-H leader, she fosters growth and teamwork among youth, while also contributing her expertise as a member of the Our Lady of Sorrows Education Board. Balancing these roles, she is also a devoted wife, mother of three daughters, and Senior Managing Cashier for 14 Chippewa Valley Banks.
Heart of Gold Recipient Charitable Fund Options
Acorn Fund: A Starter Approach
A fund that will slowly grow over time. When the minimum balance has been reached, your fund will become one of the funds listed below.
Unrestricted Fund: A Trusted Approach
Use the RCCF grant comittee’s expertise to address the greatest needs in the community.
Designated Fund: A Targeted Approach
Choose one or more charitable organizations to recieve ongoing support.
Donor Advised Fund: A Personal Approach
Advisors to the fund recommend grants to specific organizations throughout the year.
Field of Interest Fund: A Focused Approach
Support a charitable area of interest that you are most passionate about.
Glance
*Ending 12/31/2023
$4.1 M + In Total Assets
$810 K + Grants Since Inception 38 Legacy Circle Members 40 Funds
Not ready to start a fund but want to support your community? Consider a gift to GIVE 365 Rusk! By donating just a dollar a day or $365 a year, you become a member and make a difference. Your membership supports:
• 60% to your favorite initiatives to improve the quality of life in Rusk County.
• 30% is invested in the GIVE 365 Rusk Endowment Fund, benefiting nonprofits forever
• 10% of your gift supports the annual free event in the spring. The entire community is invited to attend and learn more about the grant-funded initiatives. Year at a
Charitable Funds
Anita and George Lawrence Covenant Fund
Bartig Family Scholarship Fund for Ladysmith High School
Bruce Alumni Scholarship Fund
Dan Glaze Scholarship Fund
Dennis B. Kovac Fund
Dennis R. Van Wey Legacy Fund
Dukerschein Scholarship for Flambeau School
Economic Development Fund for Rusk County
Ek Fund for Musical Arts
Flambeau Forever Foundation - Academics
Flambeau Forever Foundation - Activities
Flambeau Forever Foundation - Athletics
Flambeau Valley Arts Association Fund
GIVE 365 Grants Fund
GIVE 365 Rusk Endowment Fund
Gordon and Beverly Dukerschein Donor Advised Fund
Hawkins Forever Fund
Jack and Jackie Pederson Donor Advised Fund
Joseph R. Geisler Scholarship Fund
Kyle Kempen Memorial Scholarship Fund
Ladysmith Christian Church Endowment Fund
Larry and Shirley Dukerschein Rusk County
Community Foundation Fund
Lorkowski Scholarship Fund
Norda, Inc. Non-traditional Scholarship Fund
Partners of Marshfield Medical Center-Ladysmith Fund
Raising Highly Capable Kids Pass-Through Fund
RCCF Community Grants Fund
RCCF Operations for Tomorrow Fund
RCCF Operations Fund
Rusk County Advancing Innovation Pass-Through Fund
Rusk County Animal Shelter Building Sustainability & Enhancement Fund
Rusk County Helping Hands Fund
School District of Ladysmith Educational Enrichment Fund (LEEF)
School District of Ladysmith Scholarship Fund
Servite Center for Life Advised Fund
Shane Jenness Special Needs Fund
Smith/Allen Family Charitable Fund
Women with Courage Endowment Fund