9-17-15 fdl area foundation celebrates 40 year anniversary

The Fond du Lac Area Foundation recently held its 11th annual “Celebration of Giving” dinner on September 9, 2015.  The event was attended by 200 people and the Foundation also recognized 43 people in attendance who have already established funds to benefit the community.  The Foundation celebrated its 40 years of existence by recognizing its origins, history and many of the people who have helped make the Foundation what it is today.  Each year the Foundation awards its Legacy Award(s) to recognize outstanding philanthropy and significant commitment to the Fond du Lac community.  After looking at all possible recipients from Carl Tonjes, to our Boards of Directors’, to our valued fund holders, to large and small donors and everyone who has played a part in making our ‘community foundation’ all that it is today…the decision became obvious.  This year the recipient of the award was to the entire Fond du Lac Community.  Without the continued support and trust that the community shows year in and year out, the Foundation would not be what it is today.  The Fond du Lac Area Foundation continually strives to further charitable giving and philanthropy in our community…..now and forever.  The Foundation also recognized Patricia A. Miller and Steven G. Millin for their 9 years of meritorious service to the Fond du Lac Area Foundation Board of Directors.    In 2015, 40 years later after our first fund, community members have established over 314 funds and one supporting organization, the Sophia Foundation, Inc., with a combined market value of more than $30,000,000.  Each of those funds represent a unique charitable interest, including support for scholarships, churches, youth activities, the arts, the needy, the environment, etc.  Those endowment funds are now generating more than $850,000 each year that is being returned to the community in the form of charitable grants.