A Joint Initiative Between     Heart of Wisconsin     Business & Economic Alliance and     Community Foundation of Greater     South Wood County

Home About Us B2B Club Breaking News Contact Donate Events / Programs Feedback Ideas Incubator Industry Clusters Links / Resources Progess Funds Progress Teams Public Art / Murals Publications		Breaking News December 20, 2004 - Be proud of local philanthropy. Rapids area shows you don't have to be wealthy to make community rich. By Kelly Lucas, President & CEO, Community Foundation of South Wood County The Community Progress Initiative was launched in April, just eight months ago, with the objective of creating a stronger community. Through this effort it has been gratifying to see hundreds of residents come together to identify community assets and opportunities across a broad spectrum of areas. It is apparent that assets are widespread and opportunities abound, and in today's column I'd like to discuss an asset that we all should be particularly proud of: community philanthropy. Webster's Dictionary defines philanthropy as: goodwill to fellow men, especially active effort to promote human welfare. We are fortunate to have a community that is rich in philanthropy, literally serving as a cornerstone for community welfare, development and improvement. The history of philanthropy in this community goes back to our forefathers who established paper mills and related businesses along the Wisconsin River and chose to share their profits by enriching the area with corporate and private philanthropy. However, you need not be a paper baron or even wealthy to be philanthropic. All citizens have the capacity to share their time, treasure and talents on behalf of causes they believe in, and the success of recent projects in the south Wood County area indicates that we are doing just that. Tangible examples of community philanthropy abound and have touched most of our lives - a new award-winning facility to serve our senior citizens; a newly renovated YMCA; a cancer center that provides needed services closer to home; a performing arts center that rivals many in the Midwest; a new facility to support the victims of domestic abuse; a skateboard park for area youth; a growing Boys & Girls Club with satellites to serve disadvantaged youth; a thriving Community Foundation built by thousands of citizens to address current and future needs; new libraries established to serve rural communities; a United Way that has consistently seen a generous outpouring of support from thousands of residents; the Neighborhood Table that has served thousands of free meals with the support of many individuals, families and businesses. The list is long, admirable, and by no means complete. The realization of so many needed facilities and support for charitable programs in this area illustrates that we are a very giving community that holds philanthropy as one of its core values. In fact, the level of charitable giving in our region is measurable and most likely exceeds state and national averages. Community Foundation of South Wood County will gather historical and current data related to charitable giving in our region during the coming year, and I believe the results will validate our informal observation that we are a very philanthropic community. Stay tuned for results. By reflecting on community assets, such as philanthropy, now during the holidays and throughout 2005, we can better share our resources and our sense of responsibility for each other. The future of our community is up to us - which is precisely what the Community Progress Initiative is all about - and it goes beyond just the giving season. On behalf of the board of directors and staff of Community Foundation of South Wood County, please join us in celebrating a community rich in philanthropy and expressing appreciation for the abundance of assets and new opportunities we can share with each other. I extend our best wishes to you for a happy holiday season and healthy New Year. Kelly Lucas is president and chief executive officer of Community Foundation of South Wood County. The foundation can be found online at www.cfswc.org or contacted by phone at 423-3863.
		Copyright © 2004, Community Progress Initiative, South Wood County & Town of Rome