Foundations
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William Marsden and Dwight Parker created legacies for the people of Fennimore in the early twentieth century. Later, major fund drives were conducted for the Good Samaritan Center and Plattner Clinic. The people of Fennimore came through in big ways! MANY other activities have taken place to meet the needs of the people and organizations over the years. All of us, those in and around the area, and those who have enjoyed good years here but now live away can give back to Fennimore with small or large contributions. In addition to giving directly to specific groups or causes, three tax deductible, 501c3 organizations exist in Fennimore as mechanisms for giving and legacies. The Fennimore Area Foundation, Fennimore Scholarship Foundation, and Fennimore Area Health Services Foundation. Fennimore Community Scholarship Foundation The Fennimore Community Scholarship Foundation is entering its 24th year of granting scholarships to the graduates of Fennimore High School. The foundation's purpose is to raise money to establish a permanent endowment fund so aid can be given to deserving students to continue their education. With the granting of the 2008 awards, the foundation has awarded a total of 353 scholarships. The Class of 2009 will receive applications for scholarships in January. The applications must be submitted by March 1, 2009. The foundation hopes all seniors who are planning to continue their formal education beyond high school will apply. The foundation's assets are growing steadily through interest income, memorials, bequests and donations. The foundation's by-laws restrict the money allocated for scholarships to a percentage of income earned from its accounts. Every spring as graduation approaches, the board members determine how many awards can be given. Gifts received by the foundation are placed in the general fund. Donor-designated scholarships continue to be honored. The board has established certain criteria for accepting new gifts for the donor-designated status for distribution through the foundation. The Fennimore community continues to provide strong support through memberships, donations, memorials and bequests. Donations are fully deductible for those who itemize on their tax return, as the foundation is a tax-exempt entity under the IRS regulations. Donations may be sent to Betty Austin, 780 7th Street, Fennimore, WI 53809. All gifts are greatly appreciated. The foundation hopes that continued support will be an investment in the dreams and aspirations of our community's youth. The present Fennimore Community Scholarship Foundation Board includes: Steve Lendosky, President; Brenda Wood, Vice President; Catrice Hunt, Secretary; Betty Austin, Treasurer; Richard Ketterer, Gina Trollop, Gerry Willer, Martin Tollefson and Ann Stenner. Please Consider a Donation! Contact: Mrs. Carl (Judy) Nelson, Fennimore Area Health Services The Fennimore Area Health Services Board was created in 1983 to encourage the availability of quality health care services for the people of Fennimore, WI. The impetus behind its creation was to build a medical/dental clinic and recruit a physician and dentist to the community. A community-wide fund drive was held and in less than two months through private donations from individuals and businesses, the Plattner Clinic was completed in 1983. Dr. Eulogio Aguilar, M.D. and Dr. Richard Lofthouse, D.D.S., were recruited in 1985 and 1983, respectively. In 2002, the land contracts between FAHS and Drs. Aguilar and Lofthouse were paid in full and the title for the clinic passed to them. In 2008 Jeannie Tobin, PA-C also joined Dr. Aguilar at the medical clinic. The fund has been managed continuously by a nine-member board of directors comprised of individuals from the Fennimore community, each serving up to two three-year terms. The fund has been used to recruit health care providers and to create a health and wellness collection at Dwight Parker Library. In 2002, the community of Fennimore lost its pharmacist and the pharmacy closed. Through the efforts of the mayor's office, the city promotions office, and FAHS, a new pharmacist was recruited and opened in Fennimore in April 2003. The pharmacy is now operated by Hartig Drug. This initiative is truly a collaborative effort. FAHS was formed in a prototypic grass roots effort that began in the City Council and spread to concerned citizens serving on the board of a non-profit organization designed to build a clinic and recruit providers. Through the generous donations of local people and businesses, a fund has been created that allows the city of Fennimore to maintain the availability of health care services. This initiative has already demonstrated long term impact by providing Fennimore with a doctor and a dentist for more than two decades. In addition, FAHS made the re-opening of our local pharmacy possible by purchasing the pharmacy building thereby decreasing the capital investment required for a pharmacist to set up shop. FAHS is now working with our new pharmacist and the Chamber of Commerce to promote our newest downtown business. As we look to the future, we are exploring what options are available to us in the current medical climate to replace our current health care providers upon their retirements. The Fennimore community rallied behind securing access to health care in an "if you build it, they will come" model for recruiting providers. This vision has been expanded in our latest effort to secure pharmacy services - making it possible for a pharmacist interested in practicing in a rural community to start his business. Most importantly it is an example of the successful use of a non-profit entity to further community initiatives. FAHS has a proud tradition of encouraging/supporting adequate health care coverage for the area. Donations are always appreciated and will be used to keep the vision alive for future generations. Officers of FAHS include: David Stenner, President; Kevin Dick, Vice President; Jeff Ware Treasurer; Leslie Larson, Secretary. Board members include Jeri Novinska, Jan Lindvedt, Ellen Leuck, Bill Allen, Cheryl Place, Pastor Kevin Dick. The board meets quarterly on the 4th Tuesday of the month, Jan. Apr. July, Oct. For additional information call David Stenner at 608-822-6234. |
