July 7, 2022

Vol. 57 No. 7

Diane Ballweg is known for her philanthropic contributions in the Dane County area. At the July 7 Rotary meeting, she spoke about philanthropy, first asking where Wisconsin rates among the 50 states among charitable giving.

Wisconsin is actually No. 17 among the 50 states, she said, while Minneeosta is No. 1. The worst state in the Midwest is Iowa at No. 41. 

In Wisconsin,m 37 percent of the population volunteers, and Wisconsinites rank No. 7 for the number of hours spent volunteering, 

Churches have often asked members to donate 10% of their income; Wisconsin gives 1.1%, Diane said. She said when the United States was first settled, the biggest philanthropic entity was the church. And as the settlers arrived, the first thing they did was build a church. Those churches took care of people in need within the communities. 

Today, however, 29% of the population make up what Diane called “committed nones,” those without a religious affiliation, and during the COVID pandemic, fewer people attended church. 

Still, in 2019, philanthropic giving exceeded government spending. 

Diane talked about her work with the Madison Community Foundation and asked if Rotarians knew about the Waunakee Community Foundation. She also noted that many do not have a will, and that that is a way to leave some of your legacy to the community. 

Diane is also involved in the Endres Manufacturing Foundation which provides grants to nonprofits each year. During one cycle, as the board reviewed the grant proposals, they received one on a coffee-stained sheet of notebook paper asking for $100 to take children with disabilities fishing. 

The board granted the request and later received a thank you note, written on the same type of paper, with pictures of the children having fun. 

She said we often don’t know the impact of the gift we’re giving and what it will do. 

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Other News:

-Phil Willems reminded the club that the Senior Picnic is July 13 at Centennial park. If you have Nescos or crock pots, bring them. 

-Jim Kattner is continuing to sell raffle tickets with the proceeds going toward the solar light project at the dog park. 

- Bob Klostermann is planning the Betty Lou Cruise for Aug. 24. Also, If anyone is interested in going to a Brewers game, the Senior Center is planning one for Aug. 31 so get on the list. Bob said Tuesday evenings, club members can meet at Village Park where the Live from Park series is going on. 

Guests:??.

Visiting Rotarians: None. 

Birthdays: July 17, Jean Elvekrog.

Anniversaries: July 17, Allan and Lynn Dassow; July 17, Scott and Ann Biba; July 17, Roberta Baumann and Tim Brubaker

Greeters: July 14, Nick Mischler and Sorina Neamtu; July 21, Linda Olson and Danny Paul; July 28, Ken Pesik and Nick Petrulis.