Door County Living - Philanthropy 2026

OUTSTANDING ARTISTS SINCE

Also available for purchase at these Door County businesses: Edgewood Orchard Galleries, Bliss at the Marketplace, Cornucopia, Kick Ash Products, and Main Street Market.

Main Street Market.

Edgewood Orchard Galleries’ third benefit cookbook, An Artist’s Food for Joy, is our latest collection of artwork and favorite recipes from gallery artists, staff, family, and friends. We’ve always donated the full $25 price to non-profit causes benefiting children — the total raised to date from sales of all three Edgewood cookbooks is over $325,000.

Edgewood Orchard Galleries’ third benefit cookbook, An Artist’s Food for Joy, is our latest collection of artwork and favorite recipes from gallery artists, staff, family, and friends. We’ve always donated the full $25 price to non-profit causes benefiting children — the total raised to date from sales of all three Edgewood cookbooks is over $325,000.

We are now expanding its reach by offering copies of the cookbook to qualifying non-profits to sell for your own fundraiser. Contact Nell or J.R. Jarosh at Edgewood for details.

We are now expanding its reach by offering copies of the cookbook to qualifying non-profits to sell for your own fundraiser. Contact Nell or J.R. Jarosh at Edgewood for details.

We are now expanding its reach by offering copies of the cookbook to qualifying non-profits sell for your own fundraiser. Contact Nell or J.R. Jarosh at Edgewood for details.

It Matters Where You Bank

When you bank with Nicolet National Bank you contribute to the local economy and quality of life in Door County. Together, businesses are started, homes are built and families are guided through every stage of life. At Nicolet Bank, we believe we are only as good as the communities we serve. We give back to the community we love by supporting the arts, human services, economic development, education and more. Working together we can make our community the best it can be.

When you bank with Nicolet National Bank you contribute to the local economy and quality of life in Door County. Together, businesses are started, homes are built and families are guided through every stage of life. At Nicolet Bank, we believe we are only as good as the communities we serve. We give back to the community we love by supporting the arts, human services, economic development, education and more. Working together we can make our community the best it can be.

Proud to support Door County, because we work and live here too.

Proud to support Door County, because we work and live here too.

How will history judge us?

or more than 100 years, Door County has been an agricultural community. We’ve welcomed visitors to our shores, and produced a variety of manufactured goods ranging from destroyers and minesweepers to salvage ships and marine equipment.

One hundred years from now, what will Door County look like and what will define it?

Will the Door County of tomorrow be the home to more than 100 art galleries and host world-class theater events and musicians? Will our hospitals have the proper health care facilities and will the citizens of our community be able to afford the care they need? What about education? Will our schools have all the tools and teachers they need to provide education for the stewards of the next century? Will our local governments have the funds and guidance to sustain the infrastructures of roads, bridges and emergency services? What about the environment? Will our descendants have the pleasure of watching the sunrise over Lake Michigan with their toes in the sand of Whitefish Dunes State Park? Will they watch the sunset at Weborg Point and will they have the opportunity to walk along the same trails that we all traverse today? Will there be diverse employment opportunities? What if someone gets very sick? Will the community combine its resources to care for everyone?

There is no crystal ball to look into to see what will transpire over the next century and beyond. We do, however, have many resources at our disposal now to build the infrastructure that will sustain a better tomorrow. The people of Door County – the locals and the visitors – have made our community into something we all should be proud of. It is up to us, today, to ensure generations that follow enjoy a good quality of life as well.

We can always do more to make things better. This issue of Door County Living, our Philanthropy Issue, is produced to highlight some of the people, groups and businesses that have striven and continue to work to make Door County a better place every day.

Thanks for reading.

Enjoy our community.

David Eliot Publisher

editor Myles Dannhausen Jr.

copy editor

Sam Watson

creative director Katie Hohmann

design associate Renee Puccini

sales director

Jess Farley Nielsen

sales managers

Stephen Grutzmacher, Claudia Rudzinski

courier The Paper Boy, LLC

distribution experts

Todd Jahnke, Kevin Lawell, Dan Farrell, Greg Davidson

office manager

Ben Pothast

public notices and digital content coordinator Kait Shanks

chief technology officer

Nate Bell

contributors

Owen Alabado, Bret Bicoy, Remy Carmichael, Craig Charles, Eleanor Corbin, Cynthia Kraack, Ellie Johnson, Kayla Larsen and John Mielke.

publisher David Eliot

owners

David Eliot and Myles Dannhausen Jr.

Door County Living, Inc.

8142 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 920.839.2120 info@doorcountyliving.com doorcountypulse.com

Philanthropy Issue 2026 35,000 copies (18,243 mailed)

Door County Living, celebrating the culture and lifestyle of the Door peninsula, is published five times annually by Peninsula Publishing & Distribution, Inc., 8142 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202.

To order a subscription, please mail a check for $25 to Door County Living, 8142 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202. If you would like to advertise, please visit doorcountymarketing.com.

© 2026 Peninsula Publishing & Distribution, Inc.

All rights reserved. Door County Living is a Peninsula Publishing & Distribution, Inc. company. Locally owned. Locally minded.

CONTRIBUTORS

OWEN ALABADO is the founder and president of Northern Door Pride. He is a photographer, wedding/event planner, the owner of Lola’s Kitchen, and a YMCA instructor.

BRET BICOY, president and CEO of the Door County Community Foundation, writes a philanthropy column for the Peninsula Pulse.

REMY CARMICHAEL is a photography intern at the Peninsula Pulse and a high school senior from Baileys Harbor, where she can often be found in the lake or chasing light with her camera.

CRAIG CHARLES has spent his life wandering amid the cliffs, woodlands and waters of the peninsula. He is the author of Exploring Door County and a retired teacher and a founding board member of Door County Trails.

ELEANOR CORBIN is a reporter at the Peninsula Pulse. She bakes up a storm and jams to riot grrrl tunes at her home in Sturgeon Bay.

Writer and editor MYLES

DANNHAUSEN JR. has been searching out stories for Door County Living since 2005. He lives outside Sister Bay with his wife and three children.

KATIE HOHMANN is the creative director of the Peninsula Pulse and Door County Living. Her time outside the office is spent painting, paddleboarding and laughing in good company.

ELLIE JOHNSON is a graphic designer for the Peninsula Pulse. When she’s not designing, she can be found in the pool, out on a run or spending time with friends.

CYNTHIA KRAACK, and husband Tom, have split time for decades between Fish Creek and Minnesota. She is a founding board member of Write On, Door County.

Photographer KAYLA LARSEN is a Door County native who lives with her husband James outside Sister Bay with their son Beau. She loves to capture images of the people and places in her community.

JOHN MIELKE wrote for the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and at Fortune 500 companies. He and his wife, Patti, live on Rileys Bay and enjoy all Door County has to offer.

SAM WATSON is an editorial assistant for the Peninsula Pulse, living in Baileys Harbor with her spouse and three cats – Desmond, Penny and Kermit.

Those Who Do Hard Things

by MYLES DANNHAUSEN JR.

There’s a saying that “hard things are hard.” It was etched into a plaque that sat on former President Barack Obama’s desk for motivation, a reminder that things worth doing usually require difficult work. But too many leaders mistake hard for impossible.

When Northern Door Children’s Center (NDCC) Board Chair Jen Thompson and a handful of students cut the big red ribbon on the center’s expansion in September of 2025, it marked much more than the completion of a construction project. It marked a celebration of the possible – of what can be achieved when a small group of people sees a hard problem as a challenge to take on, not a reason to give up.

Six years earlier, I was walking around Waterfront Park in Sister Bay when a friend who had recently moved home to Door County told me about his struggle to find a child care slot for his toddler.

“We got on the waiting list as soon as we moved back,” he told me. By then, they had been back in the county for about six months. “We still can’t get a spot, and my wife has job offers, but she can’t go back to work unless we have child care.”

They weren’t the only ones in that boat, and soon, I heard dozens of local families echoing this problem. But it was one of those unique situations where high demand doesn’t make for a good business model. We strive to attract families to our community, but to afford to live here, they need two incomes, and to get two incomes, they need child care, but those incomes can’t support the full cost of market-rate child care. So as demand was growing, existing child providers were looking to get out of the business altogether.

In June of 2020, the YMCA announced it was closing the Barker Child Development Center in Sturgeon Bay. The numbers didn’t add up, and not only was there not enough physical space in the county for all the children who needed care, but there was a shortage of early childhood education workers.

The child care dilemma was met by many with shrugged shoulders and deaf ears, seen as a problem too difficult to solve. “That’s a really complicated issue” is typically political speak for “it’s too difficult for me to do anything about it.”

Decision-makers don’t say that about highways. Roads are extremely expensive, but easy to say yes to. People are hard.

“Roads don’t have to be justified in the way child care does,”

Viava Balčiūnas (kneeling) helps break ground for the home built for her family by the Door County Housing Partnership (DCHP) and Habitat for Humanity. She’s joined by (from left) DCHP co-founder Mariah Goode, Ali Balčiūnas (holding son Luca), Rimvy Balčiūnas, State Rep. Joel Kitchens, and DCHP President Scott Bader. Photo by D.A. Fitzgerald.

The staff of Northern Door Children’s Center worked in makeshift offices amidst construction for nearly two years without interrupting child care services as the center was renovated. Executive Director Cindy Trinkner-Peot works behind a stud wall in the former multi-purpose room. Photo by Kayla Larsen.

said Molly Gary, United Way’s child care community coordinator. “Roads are something everyone can get their head around.”

Fortunately, not everyone shrugged their shoulders.

“Child care is hard to fix, but it’s a lot harder to not have it at all,” said Cindy Trinkner-Peot, executive director of NDCC.

The United Way of Door County spearheaded a multi-year effort to raise funds, pursue grants and seek new solutions to the child care crisis. NDCC launched a $3.6 million capital campaign to expand and reconfigure its space in Sister Bay.

Not everything has worked. In Sturgeon Bay, the first model for the new child care center failed, and a second attempt to resurrect the Barker Center wasn’t sustainable.

The United Way hoped to build a new network of in-home providers, but didn’t find the enthusiasm they hoped for to formalize that niche of providers.

But trial and error is part of finding a solution. Consider the fourlane highway expansion between Sturgeon Bay and Green Bay. Completed about 20 years ago, the Department of Transportation is still fine-tuning it, including the recent redesign of three intersections, each for a cost that could build a small child care center.

Six years after my friend’s panicked call, NDCC has increased its capacity from 112 to 153 children, and the waitlist is nearly gone. Five years after the closure of the Barker

Center, a new center welcomes children on Gordon Road.

“We still have concerns about attracting quality teachers; we still have cost concerns; but we no longer have facility concerns,” Trinkner-Peot said.

“We can fix child care,” Gary said. “We just have to be willing to do it.”

‘You’ll Never Make a Dent’

On Ava Hope Court in Sister Bay, a quarter mile west of state Highway 57, four new homes sit on small lots. They were built through an agreement between the Door County Housing Partnership and Habitat for Humanity. The lots are among 10 purchased from the Village of Sister Bay for just $10,000 each, using funds from the Workforce Innovation Grant for child care that the United Way acquired in 2021.

For Mariah Goode, the construction of the homes is the culmination of 25 years of work on the affordable housing riddle. As a housing advocate and the former director of land use for the County of Door, she spent years tweaking codes to encourage the building of more affordable housing. She researched housing solutions for years before landing on the housing trust model that became the base of the Housing Partnership’s blueprint to keep homes perpetually affordable.

Goode got accustomed to people throwing up their hands at the problem until the Door County Economic Development Corporation released a housing study in 2019.

“By the time that study came out, it was the first time in the 20 years I had been working on this that we didn’t have to convince people there was a problem,” Goode said. “People used to say, ‘You’re never going to make a difference. You’re never going to make a dent.’ And now I don’t hear that as much. We are making a dent.”

Inside one of the Housing Partnership homes, Ali and Rimvydas Balčiūnas are raising their two young children. Before they were connected with the Housing Partnership, the couple was close to leaving the county.

“We had signed our lease for one more year, and I told Rimvy that if we don’t figure anything out, we’re going to go live with my Dad in Green Bay and save some money and buy a house down there,” Ali

said. “We were a year from moving away.”

Though they both worked multiple jobs – Ali primarily as a teacher at NDCC for five years and Rimvydas in local restaurants and as the proprietor of two small businesses – they couldn’t find a home within reach as prices rose with each refresh of listings in Northern Door.

“We wanted to put roots down,” Ali said. “We had our daughter by then and another child on the way. We wanted to give them space we didn’t have in our small apartment.”

They went to showings, but everything in their price range sold by the time they even went to a bank for financing. They got their lucky break when they were able to buy their home through the Housing Partnership for $130,000, thanks to donations to subsidize costs and building help from Habitat volunteers and Tim Halbrook.

Ali is one of three NDCC employees who have purchased homes through Habitat and the Housing Partnership. Three educators filling a vital need and impacting the lives of dozens of children and their families every day, year after year.

“We were so happy to move into this house,” Ali said. “We’ve built relationships, the kids built relationships here. We met here. It’s hard to tell anyone who doesn’t live here, for them to realize how much everyone helps you here.”

Northern Door Children’s Center teacher Marshall Davis (fourth from left) is the second of the school’s teachers to purchase a home through the Door County Housing Partnership in Sister Bay. Photo by Kayla Larsen.

Those homes kept educators in the community, allowing other parents to fill jobs for local businesses.

“It’s years of daycare, of workforce, of someone coaching kids,” Goode said. “If you want to have a community be functional, you need to have the workforce that’s supporting it afford to live there.”

Making Strides

There is certainly much left to do in the realms of housing and child care. But it’s also instructive to acknowledge what has been done, and to look to those who did the work to figure out how to do more.

We built one new daycare center and expanded another. Last year, Habitat for Humanity completed its 50th home build in Door County.

The Housing Partnership has now built eight single-family homes since it was founded in 2019, with more homes and townhomes in the works.

And next door to NDCC, the Village of Sister Bay and the Door County Board chipped in to support infrastructure for the 45 incomerestricted rental units in The Shoals housing complex built by Marissa Downs.

These were all hard projects. But they weren’t as hard as not having child care providers or employees, or watching valuable members of the community lose hope for a future here.

We’re fortunate to have people on our peninsula who don’t shrug at difficult problems.

We invite you to create. To reflect. To inspire. To focus. To engage. To connect.

Welcome to Write On’s Writing Center — in the heart of Door County.

On Juddville Road, just off Highway 42, is a place for writers, readers, and word adventurers of all ages to gather and to explore, to teach and to learn. It’s a quiet retreat with a welcoming library and cozy chairs. It’s a hive of activity for book clubs and events. It’s our Writer’s Walk — winding paths through 59 acres of verdant woods lined with birches and wildflowers.

Discover everything Write On has to offer. Just drop in for some quiet time to write, become a member, or attend a workshop, conference, or other event. It is all made possible by our generous donors whose support brings the joy and magic of creating and sharing writing to so many. We are so very grateful.

“After this experience,

Become a member, donate, and find classes, workshops, and events at writeondoorcounty.org

Golden Hearts

Shine

Annual awards event celebrates volunteers and community spirit

The United Way of Door County’s 2025 Golden Heart Volunteer Awards recognized the work of nine individuals who have dedicated their time to bettering the community in April at Stone Harbor Resort and Conference Center.

Patty

earned the

The more than 300 nonprofit organizations of Door County rely heavily on volunteers in all kinds of roles. The annual ceremony honors volunteers from the wide variety of nonprofits including arts, human services, environment, education and culture.

Photos by Remy Carmichael.

Mark Nelson, a multifaceted volunteer and an active Sturgeon Bay Rotary Club member for more than 40 years, earned the Karl May Lifetime of Service Award.

the Golden Heart Youth Scholarship Award. Andreae is the president of Sevastopol’s National Honor Society and has raised money and collected supplies for various charities. Linnan founded a nonprofit, Wisconsin Initiative for Superior Education, which raised more than $5,000 in the 202425 school year.

Rising to the Challenge

Steve and Jackie Kane are drawn to philanthropy’s tough problems

by MYLES DANNHAUSEN JR.

Steve and Jackie Kane love the boring work – the work that’s not good for photos, fundraising appeals or brochure covers, but that makes an organization go and greases the skids for others to focus on mission. It’s work that a lot of nonprofit boards struggle to get done.

When you talk to the Kanes about their involvement with a long list of nonprofits, both here in Door County and across the country, their first thoughts aren’t about the

final result, but about the process and preparation behind it.

Every nonprofit (and, for that matter, every for-profit) will face moments of upheaval that throw the organization into crisis. A key leader will abruptly leave for a new job, or a large donor will die or find a new passion. A reliable grant program will get cut, or a board member will say or do something that embroils the organization in controversy. These aren’t problems board members sign up for, but they are the moments the Kanes prepare for from the start.

Part of that preparation is figuring out a plan for who comes next.

“You need to be working on succession planning constantly, so people might be able to step up if something happens,” Jackie said.

“It’s hard because no leader wants to think about who is going to succeed me, but you have to develop that way ahead of time.”

It starts with an honest assessment of the organization’s strengths and the talents on staff. When Jackie joined the board of the Door County YMCA, the organization had a lot of dreams, but was struggling to find a path to make them a reality. Executive Director Tonya Felhofer said the Kanes were a big part of finding that path.

“Jackie was a catalyst for change within our organization, and the Y wouldn’t be where it is today without their insights,” Felhofer said from her office in the newly renovated and expanded Sturgeon Bay center. “They got us to think differently about our endowment and our annual campaign. We do business so differently now. She and fellow Y board member and donor Glenn Timmerman led the strategic planning for us, and without that, we would not have built the addition in Sturgeon Bay.”

“An organization has to have a clear vision,” Jackie said. “What do we want to build here? You need that clarity of purpose and focus,

and the whole board needs to be focused on that. Without that, you lose your way pretty quickly. You need to be able to come back to that, especially when you’re waffling.”

At the Y, finding that path required an honest assessment of the staff. Felhofer was happy as a dance and pilates instructor at the Y when Jackie came on board, but the Kanes immediately identified her as a potential leader.

“They saw something in me that I didn’t see,” Felhofer said. “They wanted to get staff realigned, looking at, ‘Are they the right

person on the bus, and are they in the right seat on the bus?’”

When former CEO Heidi Erickson left in 2022 to become the branch manager for the Fox West Y in Greenville, the Kanes pushed Felhofer to consider the job. She demurred, but the search eventually circled back to her, and when it did, she was ready.

Felhofer helped steward the Y through the final phases of its $10.2 million capital campaign and expansion, and the growth into its new space. The Kanes contributed $2.5 million to the effort, but Felhofer said their insights were equally important.

“They are some of the most thoughtprovoking philanthropists I’ve met across 20 years,” Felhofer said.

This year, their work has earned them the Richard D. Egan Philanthropic Leadership Award from the Door County Community Foundation, formerly known as the Philanthropist of the Year Award. In announcing the new name for the award, Foundation CEO Bret Bicoy wrote that “a philanthropist doesn’t simply react to requests for help. A philanthropist seeks out opportunities to make a difference, to plant seeds that will grow far beyond any single individual’s lifetime.”

That description could have been written about the Kanes, who seek to join organizations where their lifetime of expertise from the corporate world can make a meaningful difference. They seek to make contributions where they are most needed.

A Simple Giving Philosophy

Jackie and Steve each grew up in middle-class homes, Steve in

Milwaukee, Jackie in Tinley Park, Illinois. They each went on to careers in the corporate world that gave them the tools and experience in management and human resources that would help them serve nonprofits in Oakland, California; Reno, Nevada; and Door County.

Jackie was an executive for the Clorox Company, Hewlett-Packard and Bank of America. Steve spent the heart of his career with Baxter International, a multinational medical technology company, before working with another online healthcare company.

When they lived in Chicago, they began bringing their family to Door County every Fourth of July, and though they wouldn’t call the peninsula home until many years later, a seed was planted. Their philanthropic work began when they moved to San Francisco, where Jackie served on the Oakland Museum of California board, and Steve chaired an $84 million capital campaign for the Oakland Zoo, among several other endeavors. Eventually, they wanted to find a seasonal foothold in the Midwest,

bringing them to their home in Egg Harbor in 2012.

Throughout their successful careers, they lived by a simple philosophy.

“We don’t have to spend as much money as we can,” Jackie said. “There are things we don’t need. I just love where we are. We want for nothing. We have a frugal life. As long as we’ve been together, we always thought we had a moral duty to help others.”

“You can’t take it with you,” Steve said. “You can only consume so much. How much do you really need to consume?”

So they serve and give – but why so generously to a place they only recently called home?

“The need is different here,” Steve said. “We give to those organizations where our contributions of time, talent and money will make a difference. We want to make sure their history, goals and strategic plan are in line. And you give where you spend your time. We felt we had an obligation

The Richard D. Egan Philanthropic Leadership Award

For 19 years the Door County Community Foundation has recognized great leaders in local philanthropy with its Philanthropist of the Year Award. This year the honor has a new name – The Richard D. Egan Philanthropic Leadership Award.

The new name recognizes Richard and Anne Egan’s remarkable commitment to Door County, and in particular Dick’s incredible leadership at the Community Foundation. Richard Egan died in late 2024 at age 85.

“When we honor a philanthropist in our community, it is more than a celebration of generosity. It is a recognition of purpose,” wrote foundation CEO Bret Bicoy in announcing the new name. “A true philanthropist doesn’t wait to be asked to help – they look for places where their involvement can change the trajectory of an issue or an organization. They bring their curiosity, their intellect, and their compassion to the table.”

to give here if we were going to partake in all the things we love about this place.”

The Value of Vision

The Kanes’ work with the Y is just one of many philanthropic efforts the Kanes have been involved in. Their expertise and financial support has been crucial for Birch Creek Music Performance Center, the restructured Doorway to Learning child care center, Door County Auditorium, Door Shakespeare, Third Avenue PlayWorks and the Boys & Girls Club. Their names adorn buildings, stages and endowed positions that have helped forge stability in each organization.

“When we get involved in a board, the question for both of us is, ‘Can we make a difference?’” Steve said.

And when it’s time to give financially, they aim to close the deal.

“We aren’t the first in; we come in when something won’t happen unless we do something,” Jackie said.

When the Y’s campaign nearly stalled because building material costs skyrocketed after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kanes –who had already pledged $500,000 to the campaign – donated an additional $2 million to keep construction on time.

When two Sturgeon Bay area child care centers merged, Steve joined the board of the new Doorway to Learning child care center to help guide its restructuring. And at the Boys & Girls Club, Steve was a steadying presence who even stepped in as acting CEO as the club navigated the sudden death of its CEO and its transition to operations under the larger Bay and Lakes Boys & Girls Club.

“We both were in very large corporate jobs,” where upheaval was

constant in mergers, acquisitions and leadership changes, Steve said. “That’s where you learn how to handle these things.”

From that experience, they bring skills to the table that are rare on the peninsula, and they actually enjoy the hard work of finance, audits and board governance.

“When those come up, I’m the first to raise my hand,” Steve said. “It feels good to be able to bring those skills.”

They also bring a community vision to their work, which they had in mind when they worked to bridge a divide between the Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA. Today, the organizations have a strong partnership that benefits the hundreds of kids and families they serve.

“Steve has a grounded approach, but he also brings humor into situations,” said Johana Wicklund, executive director of the Club. “I love that he can always soften the mood and bring humor into some of the less fun conversations and topics, can make it more enjoyable in those types of conversations.”

Though the Kanes now spend the majority of the year in Reno, they say Door County provides them a unique opportunity to give.

“I see people in the community who use these services,” Steve said. “They don’t know who we are, but I’ll overhear them talking about a program or facility at the Y or a theater we support, and that is the reward.”

“In a bigger market, they have the ability to have an impact with their contemporaries,” Felhofer said. “Here, they could come into this community and make a difference overnight with their philanthropy. They can do things that can be lifechanging in this community.”

The Door County YMCA where families and individuals of all ages learn and grow together!

At the Y, we know we aren’t simply in the community, but a part of it, and when we strengthen others we strengthen ourselves. This is Y.

At the YMCA...

• Parents find a safe, nurturing environment for their children to stay active, be engaged, and learn positive values.

• Children and teens play and develop self-confidence while feeling accepted and supported.

• Adults connect with friends, pursue interests, and learn how to live healthier.

• All people are supported on their health and wellness journey.

• People from all backgrounds and walks of life come together to volunteer and help strengthen their community.

The Door County Y - a non-profit organization that strengthens the foundations of our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Thank you to all our generous donors and volunteers who help us move our mission forward!

is Y.

Make an impact today! Scan the QR code or visit ridgessanctuary.org/donate

PRESERVATION

Protecting and maintaining 1,700 acres in and around Baileys Harbor through acquisition and stewardship, ensuring that people can enjoy it forever.

EDUCATION

Creating deep, personal connections to the natural world through lifelong learning about stewardship for adults, children, and families. learning

RESEARCH

Rooted in science, providing insights into biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and their connections to larger landscapes and watersheds.

Tby BRET BICOY

here is a kind of map deep within each of us, not just one of streets and sidewalks, but one etched with meaning and memories. It’s a map of the places that helped make us who we are, the settings for the most important moments of our story.

Each of us is shaped by this kind of emotional geography, but for those of us who came to Door County from somewhere else, this internal map holds a special complexity. We belong to more than one home.

I was born and raised in ‘Aiea, Hawai’i, a place that is still central to my being. You can hear echoes of it in the cadence of my speech, see it clearly in the foods I favor, and experience it in the ways the spirit of Aloha permeates my life as well as my work at the Door County Community Foundation.

I will always be from Hawai’i, yet Door County has become the most important place in the world to me. If I’m being honest, that was not something I ever envisioned or imagined.

My guess is that if you’re from somewhere else but have chosen to call Door County home for several years now, you’ll hear echoes of your own story in mine.

When you talk with people who moved here to build a life, retired to the peninsula in search of a quieter existence, or just come back seasonally year after year, you find that Door County has a way of claiming you. It gently, and without much fanfare, becomes more deeply

embedded within you than you ever expected.

Maybe it took root when you saw the Cana Island Lighthouse for the first time, towering majestically over the shoreline. Or perhaps it began with your family exploring the trails at the Kangaroo Lake Nature Preserve, the original Door County Land Trust property. Maybe it started while watching the sunset over a glass of wine with friends before a Peninsula Players show.

Regardless of how it began, slowly, but almost inevitably, this peninsula rewrites the emotional map inside of you. That’s the power of this place.

What makes Door County so unique is that it doesn’t just offer beautiful places; it offers us belonging. For as much as people joke about what it takes to be “local,” the truth is that I’ve never once felt any real divide between those who were born here and those who have chosen later in life to make it their home. Folks in Door County are used to newcomers. If you come to our community with an appreciation for what we have and a desire to protect it, you are always welcomed with open arms.

Belonging, I’ve learned, is what truly transforms a place into a home.

Then, once that sense of belonging takes root, Door County offers you purpose. Our community is well populated with charitable groups and volunteer opportunities that give you the chance to give back to the home you have grown to love.

“Hawai’i

remains central to who I am. Yet it is Door County that has become the home I cannot imagine leaving, this peninsula the place that has carved the

deepest grooves into the emotional map of my mind.”

Statistically speaking, Door County has about three times the number of charitable organizations as you would expect to find in a community of our size. That’s not by accident. It’s because ours is a place that is so deeply loved by those who have chosen to live here that they actively work to preserve, protect and enhance our quality of life.

That’s why, in a community of a little more than 30,000 residents, we have multiple performing arts venues and an art school. It’s the reason we have countless “friends” groups working to protect our environmental treasures. It’s why music and art surround us, not only during the summer season, but all year long. The generosity of the people who call Door County home provides us with the amenities that we love and enjoy.

When I reflect on the geography of my own life, there are places in Hawai’i that spring forth with surprising clarity even after nearly four decades have passed. I clearly remember the little ice cream shop in Mō‘ili‘ili where I’d gather with my closest friends after school ostensibly to hang out, but really to support one another through our respective teenage trials and family dysfunctions. There was

Room 10 at ‘Iolani School where I learned lessons about friendship and life that still resonate with me today. The experiences at these places shaped me in ways I didn’t appreciate when I was growing up.

Hawai’i remains central to who I am. Yet it is Door County that has become the home I cannot imagine leaving, this peninsula the place that has carved the deepest grooves into the emotional map of my mind.

This is perhaps Door County’s greatest gift to us. It doesn’t demand that you leave behind the map of the places you once called home. Instead, it welcomes your story and intertwines it with so many others who have made the same decision to live on this peninsula and the surrounding islands.

We arrive in Door County expecting a pleasant place to live. We stay because we discover we’ve found a home.

Bret Bicoy is president and CEO of the Door County Community Foundation. Contact him at bret@ givedoorcounty.org.

by Katie

You can help protect the land you love by planning a gift that will last forever. The Legacy Circle is a group of members who have included a planned gift to the Land Trust in their will, trust, retirement accounts, or life insurance.

Including Door County Land Trust in your planned giving creates a lasting legacy to safeguard these lands, keeping them wild and thriving for generations to come.

Join the Legacy Circle. When you notify us of your plans to include the Land Trust in your future giving, $1,000 will be donated in your honor. Your legacy benefits Door County lands and waters today and forever.

Door County Land Tr ust

Door County’s Exceptional Lands and Waters Forever

UNITED IS THE WAY

UNITED IS THE WAY TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY

Bookmobile spreads joy of reading

by CYNTHIA FRISQUE KRAACK

The Door County Bookmobile story I remember is very personal,” said Lauren Ward, Gibraltar Area Schools Elementary Principal and 4K Director. “My 4-year-old son climbed on the bookmobile and immediately saw The Gruffalo, a book his grandparents read to him that we do not own. When I got home from school, he was at the door, waving the book and wanting to sit down immediately to read it together. It was magical.”

“Magical” is a word that pops up often in conversations about the Door County Bookmobile, both in reference to the experience of walking inside as a student and to the transformation of the vehicle itself, which returned to the road last year. Door County wore out its first bookmobile, but through donations and grants, it has

returned to road condition after decades of sitting unused.

Approximately 6,500 free books were distributed to children across Door County during 2025. More than 571 volunteer hours made it possible for the bookmobile to hold 22 school visits and participate in 24 community events, plus nine private ones.

Whether parked in a school playground or at the Door County Fair or driving in a parade, the brown-and-chrome 1964 Gerstenslager truck grabs attention. Four-year-olds through 70-somethings express excitement when the doors open.

John Sawyer and Carey Bertschinger felt the bookmobile’s magnetic pull as first graders in the Egg Harbor Schoolhouse

decades ago. Books were scarce in the one or two-room schools dotting the peninsula in the 1950s and 1960s. Beyond Sturgeon Bay, some communities had small public libraries, but no easy transportation. For decades, many of Door County’s approximately 20,800 residents were scattered across 492 square miles, many far away from their nearest neighbor.

The state of Wisconsin funded a program in 1950 to improve literacy in rural areas. Supporting Kewaunee and Door counties were two shiny brown bookmobiles that brought books and educational materials to each school from Washington Island to southern Door County. When state funds dried up two years later, Door County residents approved taxes to support one of the bookmobiles.

The program promoted literacy for all ages from the 1950s through 1989, when today’s restored bookmobile had its last run. Residents remember how books, magazines and albums enlarged their worlds, providing entertainment, education or both. Seeing the big brown Door County Bookmobile today brings up memories for older generations while introducing younger community members to reading as a shared value.

Initially, the bookmobile was a conduit to the outside world for kids in Door County, Sawyer said. He and Vice President Bertchinger see a different role for today’s organization. It exists to provide educational and historical resources to Door County residents and visitors, preserve the county’s history and build a stronger sense

of community. Another major difference is in how it operates.

“We are a gifting library, not a lending library,” Sawyer said. “Every child picks a book to keep.”

And the free books don’t end there. Through a partnership with the United Way of Door County, the bookmobile signs up children younger than five for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which gifts books to young children.

Both a driver and docent, Sawyer cherishes one stop where two of his grandchildren had their first visits, and another singing “The Wheels on the Bus” with kids at Sturgeon Bay Lutheran.

The bookmobile was originally saved and owned by the Egg Harbor Historical Society in 2013. The group worked for years to develop plans and restore the vehicle before enlisting the help of Sawyer and Bertschinger, who formed an independent, self-funding nonprofit that keeps wheels on the road and makes books available for children aged 4 through grade 6.

Karen Corekin-DeLaMer of the Northern Door Children’s Center said the Bookmobile’s first visit created magical moments for their students.

“If you could only see their eyes,” she said. “Getting to pick one book of their own was such an amazing

event for our kids. They were so thoughtful about their choice. Teachers might have helped, but they made decisions, sometimes because of a picture or a favorite subject. Once they had a book, they left the bookmobile, found a spot to sit and read.”

Thanks to the internet and expanded collections at public and school libraries, books are easier to access than ever in Door County. Yet the Door County Bookmobile remains relevant, in part, for the experience – kids lining up to enter the truck, then picking out a book the same way their grandparents might have.

“If we can contribute to bring the joy of reading to every corner of Door County, remember what we are as a community and improve that, there is joy in my heart,” Bertchinger said.

To learn more about programs, volunteer opportunities or to donate visit bookmobiledoorcounty.

Strength in Numbers

100+ Women Who Care pools impact

by JUSTIN SKIBA

Sometimes it seems pointless to give money to a cause when you don’t have much to offer. After all, how far can $100 go when you’re trying to tackle some of your community’s biggest challenges?

One organization has shown that $100 can go farther than you’d think.

In July of 2018, $7,600 was donated to the Door County STRIDE program. Three months later, $11,000 was donated to the Sunshine House. And three months after that, $13,000 was given to HELP of Door County.

And so it went, quarter after quarter, year after year, until seven years later, moe than $800,000 had been donated to Door County nonprofits not from a single donor, but a collective.

The members of the 100+ Women Who Care – Door County organization are driven by the belief that change starts with a small group of like-minded individuals who care deeply.

The 100+ Women Who Care movement began in 2006 when

Karen Dunigan of Jackson, Michigan, sought to raise money for local mothers who lacked safe cribs for their newborns, according to the organization’s website, 100whocarealliance.org.

Instead of approaching a single donor, Dunigan asked 100 women

the next donation.

Three local nonprofits are randomly selected from a list of vetted, member-nominated

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

– Margaret Mead, anthropologist and author

about their organization,” Morgan said. “We know this awareness translates to additional community donations and volunteer time.”

The members are indeed the heart of the 100+ Women Who Care organization, because without them, the donation model could not work.

Friends and Neighbors helping Friends and Neighbors

One member, Jennie Bexell, the owner of Spot, a clothing and accessories store in Sister Bay and Egg Harbor, has supported the organization since it began. Bexell covers all of the administrative expenses, which in turn allows 100% of donations to go directly to nonprofit awards.

“[Our members] want to make an impact, connect and learn more about the nonprofit organizations in Door County,” Morgan said. “Committing just one hour a quarter and $100 collectively turns into $120,000 a year for local nonprofits – that’s a compelling and attractive philanthropic model.”

It’s also a model that lets members invest in Door County’s future generations. In April 2023, the Boys & Girls Club of Door County received $14,183 from the 100+ Women Who Care – Door County,

plus an additional $5,000 from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, which offers grantmatching opportunities for qualifying nonprofits nationwide.

Chelsea Adams, director of operations for the Boys & Girls Club of Door County, said the funds supported Camp LeVoy, a summer program that provides a safe, enriching environment for youth aged 7 to 16. The grant funded transportation for off-site learning experiences and enabled the club to hire additional staff and expand its capacity to serve more than 170 children in summer 2023.

“Knowing that this compassionate group of local women chose to invest in our mission at such a generous level fills our team with deep gratitude and encouragement,” Adams said. “For the Boys & Girls Club of Door County, this gift was

more than financial support. It was and continues to be a testament that the club truly matters to our community.”

While the original 100+ Who Care model encouraged 100 members to give $100 per quarter, equating to $40,000 a year, the 100+ Women Who Care Door County has grown to triple that amount, awarding $120,000 a year.

Morgan is proud of what the women’s giving circle has accomplished in such a short time and optimistic about its future.

“We intend to keep our positive momentum going, both from a monetary award perspective and to continue providing a platform for nonprofit organizations to spread awareness about the important work they are doing,” she said.

Your Support Brings the World to Our Stage!

The landscape, culture, and creative energy of Door County have attracted artists and art lovers for nearly a century From painters, sculptors, and musicians to actors, poets, and writers, the Door Peninsula has been home to countless creative types, including visionary and museum founder Gerhard CF Miller, and they’ve left more than their mark They’ve created a vibrant and robust art scene that continues to expand with each passing year The Miller Art Museum has, since its inception in 1975, served as a pillar of the artistic community, providing artists and worldwide audiences an accessible platform for the exploration, appreciation, and advancement of the visual arts We are grateful to our community our sustaining members, donors, volunteers, visual artists, patrons, community partners, and corporate and private exhibition sponsors who make our work possible We have much to celebrate and look forward to in the years ahead as we are a stronger organization because of you thank you!

To learn more about the museum, how you can support its future, or to inform us of your intent to include the Miller Art Museum in your estate plans, please contact Elizabeth MeissnerGigstead, executive director, at 920 746 0707 or egigstead@millerartmuseum org The museum is located at 107 S 4th Ave inside

ASimple Shockingly

Defibrillator campaign already saving lives by CRAIG CHARLES

mix of selflessness, training, modern technology and serendipity saved Tim Quick after he suffered cardiac arrest in the midst of the 2025 Door County Triathlon. The crisis also highlighted the power of community, and the capabilities of a portable life-saving device known as an AED – an Automatic External Defibrillator.

To commemorate his 60th birthday, Quick, a Williams Bay, Wisconsin plumber, was competing in what he thought would mark his last sprint triathlon – a .25-mile open water swim, an 18-mile bike ride and a 3.1mile run. Quick was well into the biking section of the event when a cardiac arrest left him crumpled on the asphalt of Bayshore Drive.

Pumping pedals shortly behind Quick was fellow triathlon

competitor Ross Williams, a 17-year veteran paramedic of the Fitch-Rona Emergency Services Department of Fitchburg and Verona, Wisconsin. Williams assumed the scene was a regular bike crash – one of many on the wet pavement during that morning’s race – until he drew closer and realized the victim was unconscious.

Williams’ years of training kicked in, and he began rendering CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Alex Keifter, a fellow competitor and, providentially, another off-duty emergency responder, soon arrived at the scene. The pair began trading reps, manually pumping blood through Quick, buying as much time as they could until someone could reach them with an AED.

Soon, they heard sirens blare, signaling the approach of a Door

County Sheriff’s officer equipped with an AED.

An AED is a portable medical device “designed to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims of ventricular fibrillation to restore the heart rhythm to normal,” according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Using paddles flowing with electricity, the officer delivered a jolt to Quick’s heart, coaxing the organ to begin its duties once again.

Beginning another round of CPR, the rescuers recognized movement, and within seconds, Quick was loaded into an ambulance and headed to the emergency room. By 1 pm that fateful Saturday afternoon, Quick had two heart stents in place, and he was released from a Green Bay hospital two days later.

Thanks to quickacting bystanders and a nearby AED, Tim Quick’s 2025 Door County Triathlon wasn’t his final act. Submitted.

Defibs 4 Door County

It’s incidents like this that Chris Hecht and the Door County Fire Chiefs’ Association had in mind when they embarked on the Defibs 4 Door County campaign to purchase and place more AEDs in key places throughout the peninsula.

Only one in 10 people who experience a cardiac arrest outside the hospital will survive, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Since 1966, the AHA has offered CPR guidance, updating its advanced life support guidelines in October of 2025 to include these simple emergency guidelines: rapidly assess the situation, call 911, initiate CPR, employ an AED.

AEDs are designed to be relatively simple to operate, even without formal training, but timing is

critical. A recent study funded by the AHA indicated successful AED rescues require deployment to a victim within three to five minutes, highlighting the importance of device proximity and rapid deployment.

The Fire Chiefs recognized that simply by deploying 100 AEDs in key locations, they could save lives with a relatively low-cost initiative.

The campaign was jump-started by a $75,000 matching grant provided by an anonymous donor. They have since raised more than $150,000 to provide AEDs to law enforcement, firefighters and EMS responders, and place them in schools, places of worship, businesses and venues that frequently attract large crowds, such as the Kress Pavilion and Door County League baseball fields.

The National Institutes of Health estimates 1,700 lives are saved each year in the U.S. by lay rescuers using AEDs.

Quick is one of them.

“I’m lucky to be here,” said Quick.

“I’ve connected with the guys who came to my aid on Facebook, and I’m hoping to meet with them in person this July, at the Tri,” Quick said.

July 2026 will also mark his 30th wedding anniversary, which he looks forward to celebrating with his wife, family and his one-yearold grandchild.

Referring to the AED device that reset his heart, Quick said, “When you’re in a rural area, having these devices nearby is critical. Without it, I wouldn’t be here today.”

We are a nonprofit dedicated to building a collaborative, supportive community that enhances and respects the aging experience in Door County. Do Good Door County ensures residents can age how they choose, where they choose, while staying connected to the community they love.

Aging in Place:

We focus on developing programs that help residents stay connected and age comfortably in the community they love.

Building a Livable Door County

SAIL - Village Model

Providing services and support to help older adults maintain independence Home for Life Door County

Making homes age-friendly through education, in-home assessments, and modification stipends for income-qualified individuals.

Vitality in Aging

Motivating older adults to actively engage in maintaining and enhancing their social connections, physical activities, and dietary habits

Stronger Together:

We unite businesses, government, and organizations to tackle shared challenges and enhance quality of life for all ages.

When she thrives, we all prosper!

Investing in women and girls is a smart choice for funding long-term solutions to issues that concern us all. We believe when we give women the tools they need to succeed, their families and community will prosper. THANK YOU!

We are proud to grant to community partners around Door County

It is because of the generosity of donors like you that we are able to continue to empower and lift the women and girls in DONATE NOW

BUILDING MORE THAN SCHOOLS

Proud to support community, education, and Gibraltar’s future.

Gibraltar

School District

HOUSE & GARDEN WALK

Our signature fundraising event. This year’s 65th walk will benefit the DCMC Behavioral Health Program.

ANGEL SCHOLARSHIP CAMPAIGN

The major fundraiser for DCMC Auxiliary healthcare scholarships. Over $1 million has been awarded to support our future healthcare professionals.

DOOR WAY GIFT SHOP

Located near the hospital’s main entrance. All profits go back to DCMC for designated needs of the hospital.

To learn more about the Auxiliary go to dcmedical.org/auxiliary or contact Robin Hamm-Jackson at 920-746-3609 or robin.hamm-jackson@dcmedical.org Auxiliary Volunteers Donated More Than 14,800 Hours in 2025 –The Equivalent of

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

Generational Impact

The Door County Medical Center Auxiliary

by MYLES DANNHAUSEN JR.

The Door County House and Garden Walk started as a simple idea back in 1961. Delores Allen, the co-owner of WDOR radio station and president of the Women’s Auxiliary (now known as the Door County Medical Center Auxiliary) came up with an idea for a parade of homes to help Door County Memorial Hospital buy basic supplies and equipment like gurneys.

“In that first year, a lot of the homes were on Utopia Circle [in Sturgeon Bay], and they attracted more than 1,200 people, and it’s been a huge part of our work ever since,” said Wendy Walker, a member of the organizing committee for seven years.

Sixty-five years after that first walk, the event is a fixture on the summer calendar, one of the longest-running and most successful fundraisers on the peninsula, powered by a dedicated team of volunteers that logged over 4,700 volunteer hours for last year’s walk.

For 75 years, Auxiliary members have performed a wide range of tasks that support the hospital –staffing the gift shop, welcoming patients, serving as ambassadors, and lightening the load of nurses and medical staff. They’ve also raised a lot of money to support facility improvements. Since the first House and Garden Walk, the Auxiliary has brought in more than $2 million for Door County Medical Center’s (DCMC) hospice center, cancer center, emergency

department, birthing center and specialized equipment.

After fulfilling a five-year pledge to raise $250,000 for the skilled nursing facility in 2024, the Auxiliary now hopes to fulfill a similar pledge to the behavioral health program in just three years.

the Senior Life Solutions program. Mike Herlache, the executive director of the DCMC Foundation for 30 years, said the current campaign is the first time the foundation has undertaken a campaign to fund services and operations, rather than a capital project.

Their efforts are invaluable to DCMC, Medical Center CEO Brian Stephens said.

“Each year, our Auxiliary members give generously of their time and talent to organize the House and Garden Walk,” Stephens said.

“And then they double down on that generosity by donating the money raised to the highest priority of the hospital foundation. In recent years, their work and their donations have allowed us to triple the size of our behavioral health team. The House and Garden Walk is an amazing tradition, and the proceeds are changing lives in our community.”

Behavioral health program initiatives include expanding behavioral health services to DCMC clinics in Sturgeon Bay, Sister Bay and Algoma; increasing direct therapy hours for students in Door and Kewaunee County schools; and bringing isolated seniors together for therapy and activities through

“This is a need lacking everywhere, but particularly in rural areas,” Herlache said. “In Door County, we have 740 individuals for every one behavioral health provider. Our campaign has already allowed us to recruit a full-time psychiatrist.”

To reach their pledge to the campaign, the Auxiliary must raise nearly $100,000 this year, Walker said. That’s about 30% more than the $67,000 the walk raised last year, an ambitious goal for an ambitious group. To reach it, they’ve added two special events to the walk, including a rare opportunity to visit one of the most architecturally significant buildings in Door County.

In June, just 65 people will get the chance to tour Shadowcliff, the cliffhanging brainchild of renowned Chicago architect Harry Weese and titan of industry Ben Heineman. Attendees will have a rare opportunity to stand in the home office suspended from the cliff’s edge 100 feet above the water.

Since 1926, the Door County Historical Society has preserved the places, stories, and artifacts that def ine this peninsula.

100 Years. One Community. A Shared Legacy. 00 Community.

From historic sites to educational programs, we connect past to present— because of the support of a community that values its history.

As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we invite you to be part of what comes next.

doorcountyhistoricalsociety org | 920 421 2332

h a n k !

Thank you for 91 years of unwavering support! Your countless volunteer hours, ticket purchases and financial contributions help sustain and enhance the Peninsula Players Theatre experience and nourish critical educational and community programming, including the newly piloted social-prescription program, in partnership with Door County Medical Center

“This collaboration underscores what Peninsula Players Theatre has known intuitively for decades: the arts heal. They create purpose, spark joy, and help people rebuild emotional resilience. For 91 years, Peninsula Players Theatre has strengthened the social fabric of Door County. Its successes are not merely counted, they are felt. And for generations to come, that impact will continue to grow, one performance, one gathering, and one meaningful human moment at a time.”

Brian Kelsey Managing Director

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

Walking the Walk

Walker spends about 20 hours a week volunteering for the Auxiliary, a typical commitment for the core organizers. An additional 150 people assist in all aspects of the House and Garden Walk. Volunteer coordinator Robin Hamm-Jackson said some of today’s volunteers are second and thirdgeneration contributors to the fundraiser. In total, the Auxiliary relies on a pool of about 350 throughout the year.

“It’s about giving back to the community, and we all realize how important healthcare is to the community,” Walker said. “It just gets in your blood when you join the Auxiliary.”

The walk’s benefits are more than just financial, Herlache said.

“They [the volunteers] make it more of a community event that helps get the word out for our different initiatives,” he said.

Homes are selected by a committee that tries to include a mix of old favorites and new builds. Sometimes people come forward and volunteer their home for the walk, while other ideas come from curious committee members or contractors. But the walk isn’t just about scale and grandeur, Walker said.

“People love the big new homes, but when they come to the cozy, more traditional homes, they are often more interested in the quirky little places,” Walker said.

65th House and Garden Walk

Saturday, July 28, 2026

Tickets on sale June 1

doorcountyhouseandgardenwalk.com

Featured Homes and Locations

This year’s event will return to the Björklunden Chapel and grounds in Baileys Harbor, which hosted the very first House and Garden Walk in 1961, and the studio and galleries of the late artist, James Ingwersen, in Sister Bay. The Hillside Waterfront Hotel, portions of which date to 1866, will offer a picturesque view in Ephraim.

There will also be a tour of The Garden Door, maintained by the Door County Master Gardeners Association, and a meticulously planned and maintained private garden at a location to be revealed closer to the event.

Finally, three private homes will offer rare tours. Harvest Moon is a “mountain modern” home filled with natural light in three stories; The Cottage and Cabin is a newly remodeled home with a sophisticated cottage style; and Meadow Bluff Farm offers dramatic views of the bay and expansive outdoor living spaces from atop the bluff.

In addition to the tour in July, two preview fundraising events will give a limited number of guests a chance to visit two other beautiful homes. On July 16, the Carlisles will offer food, drinks, music and home tours for just 100 people at their home on Bayshore Drive south of Egg Harbor.

And in June, just 65 people will get the chance to tour one of the most famous and architecturally significant structures on the peninsula. Shadowcliff, the cliffhanging brainchild of renowned Chicago architect Harry Weese and titan of industry Ben Heinemann, will offer visitors a rare chance to stand in a home office suspended from a cliff’s edge 100 feet above the water.

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

The Man Who Has it All Greg “Fuzzy” Sunstrom

W hen you’ve got a vexing problem, sometimes it helps to know a guy, and there are few guys better to know than Greg “Fuzzy” Sunstrom.

Need a grill big enough to cook for several hundred people? Call Fuzzy. Need a tractor – or two, or three –to pull a float in the parade? Call Fuzzy. A wood chipper, ski groomer, derby car scale, random tools, you name it – Fuzzy either has it or he’ll know someone who does.

“I’m known to hold onto things for a little while,” Fuzzy said. “All of us hoarders seem to know each other.”

That’s what happens when you’ve been running a resort and volunteering in your hometown community for decades. In 2025,

Fuzzy was named the Volunteer of the Year by the Sister Bay Advancement Association. Typically, the honoree is driven through the Fall Fest parade in a convertible, but not Fuzzy. He was too busy volunteering, driving the tractor to pull the Sister Bay Historical Society float through the parade, so they put the banner on his tractor.

The next day, Fuzzy was up early to prep riders and assemble the ramps for the Fall Fest Derby, the event he helped bring back to the festival five years ago. It’s not like he needed more to do, but he said the outcome makes the effort worthwhile.

“You look down there, and it is all these local people out there to

watch their kids or someone else’s kids,” Fuzzy said. “It’s special.”

He’s been a trail groomer, an integral voice for the village’s marina committee for 30 years, a big-wheel driving instructor, an inventive float-maker, and most famously, a maker of memories at Fred and Fuzzy’s and Inn at Little Sister Resort.

Speaking of memories, Fuzzy also keeps a local character alive every June, when he leads the loosely organized Freddie Kodanko Tractor Ride in memory of the late Polka King of Northern Door. And it shouldn’t take long to guess who has Freddie K’s famous tractor.

– Myles Dannhausen Jr.

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

A Grateful Life: Helga Bobb

Helga Bobb knows hunger. As a toddler in post-World War II Poland, she and her five German siblings survived on food scraps, foraged food and watered down soups as they bounced around the hay lofts and barns of the Polish citizens who were rebuilding their country. Their mother was in a Russian prison camp; their soldier father a prisoner of war in West Germany.

Eventually, her family reunited and made their way to America, settling in Sturgeon Bay and building

successful lives in Wisconsin, Michigan and New York. But long after her nightmare of a childhood, Bobb never forgot the hunger she and her siblings felt in Poland, and she never stopped being grateful for everything she had, even every meal.

“We were given so much when we came to this country,” she said. “I never even had to think about giving back. I just did.”

She worked 11 years in special education, and in retirement she took in a young adult with special

needs. Now 84, she continues to volunteer at Lakeshore CAP’s food pantry.

“I volunteer because there are people who can’t do it, or have no interest in doing it,” Bobb said as she leaned forward in her chair at her home on Erie Street in Sturgeon Bay, a decades-old photo of her family over her right shoulder. “I have always been for the underdog, and I want to give something because I was given all of these privileges when I got here.”

– Myles Dannhausen

Jr.

Northern Sky Theater’s One Act of Kindness Society

Northern Sky’s One Act of Kindness Society celebrates those who have chosen to create a lasting legacy by including Northern Sky in their will, trust, or estate plan. The phrase “one act of kindness” comes from the title of a song in Boxcar, by Laurie Flanigan Hegge and James Valcq. The song insists that one act of kindness often ripples out into many others, opening “doors that were shut” by reminding us “there is good in the world.”

Jim Caldwell created one such ripple when he named Northern Sky in his estate plans. When Jim passed away in 2018, we asked his wife, Susan, how Jim would like to be recognized for his generous gift. Susan said, “Well, Jim’s the kind of guy who would love to have his name on all the practical stuff.” And so now we have the Jim Caldwell Production Building as part of our creative campus where we keep all the “practical stuff” that allows us to make theater magic. Susan Caldwell, now a member of Northern Sky’s Board of Directors, would like to encourage others to join Jim in our One Act of Kindness Society.

To notify us of your plans, or to learn more about what including Northern Sky in your estate plans might look like, please contact Holly Feldman at holly@northernskytheater.com or 920-633-3228. 9058 County Rd A | Fish Creek, WI 54212 | 920.854.6117 |

For

years, Northern Door Children’s

For 40 years, Northern Door Children’s

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

The Vincentians of Sturgeon Bay

Each of the 10 members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sturgeon Bay chapter brings a unique perspective to the group.

Charlene Wilding, for instance, has experience working in health and human services abroad, while Mary Delchambre’s expertise comes from closer to home, developed through many years as a teacher in the Sturgeon Bay School District.

The 10 members are united in their goal of addressing the pressing, short-term needs of their community.

On any given day, two of the Vincentians are “on call” for the organization’s phone line (920.388.9644), where they field calls from residents looking for a little extra help. The Vincentians use donated funds and grant money to meet people where

they’re at, whether they need rental assistance, help with a utility bill or some gas cards.

“With this money comes not judgment, but discernment to be good stewards and responsible,” Vincentian Deanna Martin said. “We take that responsibility seriously, of using the donated funds that we receive.”

Members work with clients individually to help in the short term, but also to set them up for long-term success.

“They have a need; we want to work to get that need met so that they can move forward,” Wilding said. “Our goal is to help them move forward.”

Oftentimes, this process involves in-person home visits. Some allow Vincentians to provide emotional as well as fiscal support for those in need of a listening ear.

“We always offer to pray with people if they’d like to pray,” Delchambre said. “We have to always remind ourselves that what we’re bringing to people isn’t just material needs.”

This chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is hosted by St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay, though the 10 members themselves come from different denominations.

Most of the current members were encouraged to join the group by other members as a way to give back and make a difference.

“I actually had my arm twisted by Mary [Delchambre], but the shoulder’s healed pretty well,” Vincentian Dave Holzinger said with a laugh.

– Eleanor Corbin

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

Performing for a Cause: Cathy Grier

Years ago, at the Door County Land Trust annual gathering, local musician Cathy Grier learned she could help her community by leveraging her talents as a performer.

Grier had been hired to play the event, which featured a live auction. Late in the planning process, she decided to add her own item to the docket – a private house concert. It sold for $1,200.

“I cannot write a $1,200 check to the land trust,” she said. “But I can certainly give a party in someone’s home who did give $1,200 to the land trust.”

Since then, Grier has donated house concerts as an item in several nonprofit auctions, such as the Door County Auditorium’s

Annex fundraiser, the Miller Art Museum and benefits for fellow musician Jay Whitney. Grier estimates that she has performed nine or 10 of these private shows for charity.

Sometimes, if the price tag gets high enough during the auction, she will even offer shows to both top bidders to double the funds raised. She’s also known to perform as part of the Open Door Pride Festival in Sturgeon Bay, organized by the nonprofit she runs.

Grier started performing house concerts for people she met in New York City as a subway musician.

“Sometimes, people would say, ‘Hey, would you play in my apartment?’ and ‘Hey, would you like to sing at my wedding?’ or ‘Or

would you sing in my loft?” she said. “That’s how I started doing house concerts in New York City.”

She enjoys the intimate, social energy of house concerts, she said, and usually gets something out of the experience herself. Inspired by the artists she grew up listening to, like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, Grier cares deeply about the environment she performs in and makes an effort to match the vibes of each party, she said.

To encourage potential donors, Grier also brings some of her shows’ theatricality to the auction itself, sometimes grabbing the microphone and singing a capella during the bidding.

– Eleanor Corbin

We are your starting point for exploring the people, places, and events that have shaped the past of Ellison Bay, Gills Rock, and the surrounding area. The former Johnson-Hanson Century Farm is a collection of carefully maintained historic structures and features connected by walking paths overlooking beautiful Ellison Bay.

The Liberty Grove Historical Society, founded in 2000, has preserved one of Northern Door County’s most beautiful spots. We have the great honor of partnering with the Door County Land Trust and the Town of Liberty Grove to preserve the ‘Grand View’. Our property provides the entrance and parking to the scenic overlook and the Grandview Town Park

Liberty Grove Historical Society, preserving the history of Northern Door one story, one artifact, one building at a time.

Share the places you love with your family, friends & guests.

Posters, Gift Cards, Postcards, Greeting Cards and Collections, Books,and More.

com/shop or visit us at 8142 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor.

CAUSES TO CELEBRATE

to

October. The 2025 tournament raised a record $70,000 for mental health programs in

More than 400 walkers took part in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Sturgeon Bay in September. Photo by KR Photography.

Participants in the 2025 Fall Fest Derby gather for a post-competition photo. All racers received derby race caps sponsored by the Peninsula Pulse. Photo by Myles Dannhausen Jr.

Chapman holds her son, Alden, at an event Sept. 4 marking the completion of their new home in Sister Bay. The home was built by Habitat for Humanity volunteers for the Door County Housing Partnership. Photo by Myles Dannhausen Jr.

CAUSES TO CELEBRATE

(From left) Jess Reinke and Lucy Reinke plant a tree at the Big Plant at The Ridges Logan Creek. In 2025 the Big Plant put 9,500 trees into the ground around the peninsula.

Christkindlmarkt, the annual Christmas market held at the grounds of the Corner of the Past Museum in Sister Bay, is organized by the Sister Bay Historical Society as a fundraiser and showcase for the museum. Photo

Sister Bay celebrated Marina Fest over Labor Day Weekend with a long list of activities for families and revelers on the shoreline. The event is the major fundraiser of the year for the Sister Bay/ Liberty Grove Fire Department. Photo by Remy Carmichael.

Phyllis Fitzgerald got a star turn as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Ellison Bay Day Parade in June. The festival returned with a day of free activities for kids at the Ellison Bay Beach, food, a dog show and a day full of local family fun at the beach.

A free family day at the Teresa

Ice

drew hundreds of people and kids to the rink in February for a day of free rentals, food and fun.

Fuzzy Sunstrom was named the Volunteer of the Year by the Sister Bay Advancement Association during the 2025 Fall Fest Parade. Submitted photo.

The

raised more than $11,000 for area nonprofits.

Children from Doorway to Learning’s Badger Classroom glide across the snow on kick sleds during weekly outdoor enrichment programs at Crossroads at Big Creek. Submitted

Crossroads at Big Creek Interpretive Naturalist Coggin Heeringa introduces a family to macroinvertebrates from Big Creek during a weekly, hands-on environmental education session. Submitted.

It takes hundreds of volunteers to put on the Door County Triathlon each July at Murphy Park in Egg Harbor.

Photo courtesy of Focal Flame Photography.

Jen Thompson, president of Northern Door Children’s Center, cuts the ribbon with five of the center’s students.

Jay Whitney enjoys music from Dorothy Scott and the Peacemakers during a benefit concert for Whitney at the Kress Pavilion. Whitney, a local music legend who has long played with Big Mouth, among other bands, is recovering from a stroke he suffered in 2023. File photo.

(From left) Sunrise Elementary student Malaysia sits with her reading buddy, Mary Williams, who has been a part of the program for over a decade. At Sunrise Elementary in Sturgeon Bay, students who need a little help with reading skills connect with adult volunteers through the Reading Buddies program. Submitted.

Chef Matt Poole grills up a huge pan of shishito peppers for the Dinner in the Vineyard in August. The dinner benefits the nonprofit Gathering Ground farm on Washington Island. Submitted.

Alzheimer's Association

SE WI Chapter

Alzheimer's Association

American Cancer Society

American Folklore Theatre/ Northern Sky Theater

American Heart Association

Badger Honor Flight

Bay Area Humane Society

Big Brother Big Sisters

Big Brother Big Sister of Dane County

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Common Threads

Cranio Care Bears

Diabetes Research Institute

Door Cancer

Door County Auditorium

Door County Boys & Girls Club

Door County Cancer Center

Door County Community

Foundation

Door County Green Fund

Door County Habitat for Humanity

Door County Humane Society

Door County Kinetic Arts

Door County Land Trust

Door County Medical

Center Brighter Day Fund

for Mental Health

Door County Ministry Fund

Door County Silent

Sports Alliance

Door County Medical Center

Skilled Nursing Facility

Center Dental Clinic

Door County YMCA

Door County YMCA

Strong Kids Campaign

Door Shakespeare, Inc.

Door Tran

Ed Strege Family Memorial Fund

Ellie Helm Foundation

Family Centers of Door County

Family Services of Northeastern Wisconsin

Feed My People

Feith Family Livestrong Program

Fermilab Friends for Science Education

Friends of Peninsula State Park

Friends of Plum & Pilot Island

Gibraltar Fire & Rescue

Gibraltar Girls Track Team

Goodwill Industries of SE Wisconsin

Great Lakes Hemophilia

Foundation

Hardy Gallery

HELP of Door County

International Justice Mission

Isadoora Theatre Company

Katie's Fund

Kenan Bunda Cancer Fund

Lakeshore Natural

Resource Partnership

Leukemia Research Foundation

Liberty Grove Fire Department

Macc Fund

Make A Wish

Mikayla Onken's Leukemia Benefit

Milwaukee RiverKeepers

Ministry Door County

Medical Center Foundation

Cancer Center

Mission22

My Team Triumph - WI Chapter

NAMI/Jak's Place

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill

Door County Inc.

NEW Curative's Adult

Day Program

Northern Door Children's Center

Oneida Humane Society

Ounce of Prevention

Pancreatic Cancer

Action Network

Peninsula Preschool

Peninsula School of Art

Prevent Suicide Door County

Nathan Wilson Coalition

Progeria Foundation

Ridges Sanctuary

Riding on Insulin

Ronald McDonald House

Runners Against Childhood Cancer

Scandia Village Good Samaritan

Sheboygan Public

Education Foundation

Spread the Love Fund

Stray Animal Fund Endeavor

Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church

Sue Baldwin Fund

Sunshine House

Super Heroes Fighting Cancer

The Clearing

The Community's Garden

The Progeria Foundation

United Way of Door County

VETS Roll

We Are Hope

Wellness Center of Door County

WEP, Inc

Wilson Disease Association

Women's Fund of Door County

Write On, Door County

MAY 1, 2027

The Door County Half Marathon’s Run for a Cause program has helped runners raise more than $259,455 for area charities since 2010. To join the effort, email register@peninsulapacers.com. Runners receive a free entry to the Door County Half Marathon or Nicolet Bay 5K when they raise at least $250 for an area charity of their choice. Find more information at doorcountyhalfmarathon.com.

GIVING GUIDE

TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS IN DOOR COUNTY

Door County is a special place. There is a spirit that keeps us here — or draws us back each year. It’s no surprise then that this special place is home to so many dedicated individuals working tirelessly to sustain our unparalleled quality of life. This comprehensive list of over 350 local charities, associations, and citizen groups was carefully compiled to connect passionate people with the local causes that truly matter.

The list was compiled through a good-faith search of tax returns filed with the Internal Revenue Service and a review of other publicly available documents. Of course, given the difficulty of maintaining such a comprehensive database, it is inevitable that there will be the occasional oversight. If you discover one, please accept our sincerest apologies and send additions and corrections to webmaster@givedoorcounty.org.

TAX-EXEMPT CLASSIFICATION

Although there are many Door County organizations that are “tax-exempt” under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, not all of them are considered charitable by the IRS Generally speaking, a contribution to an organization classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity earns the maximum tax deduction allowed by law. The tax deductibility to other types of 501(c) organizations varies depending on a number of factors. Please contact the organizations directly to confirm their tax status and the deductibility of any gift you may choose to make. Visit the IRS website at irs.gov to see a complete explanation of the different types of exempt organizations.

ARTS ORGANIZATIONS

Art and Nature Center 1799 Main Road Washington Island, WI 54246

wianc.org

Birch Creek Music Center, Inc.

PO Box 230 Egg Harbor, WI 54209 (920) 868-3763

birchcreek.org

Colin & Friends Concerts Inc. PO Box 248 Ephraim, WI 54211 colinandfriendsconcerts. org

Door County Auditorium

3926 Hwy 42 PO Box 397 Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 868-2728

dcauditorium.org

Door County Folk Alliance Ltd. PO Box 276

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 dcfolk.com

Door County Jazz Foundation, Inc.

DoorCountyJazzFestival. com

Door Shakespeare, Inc. 10038 Hwy 57

Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 839-1500 doorshakespeare.com

Francis Hardy Gallery, Inc. of Door County PO Box 394 Ephraim, WI 54211 (920) 854-2210 thehardy.org

Gunderson Denardo Foundation W2996 Gibraltar Road Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 839-2925

Isadoora Theatre Company (920) 495-5940 isadooratheatrecompany. com

Island Players, Inc. PO Box 160 Washington Island, WI 54246

islandplayers.org

Midsummer’s Music Ltd. 10568 Country Walk Lane, Unit 43 Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-7088 midsummersmusic.com

Midwest Institute for Theater Arts of Oshkosh 11158 N. Sand Bay Lane Sister Bay, WI 54234

Miller Art Museum Foundation, Inc. 107 S. 4th Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-8450 millerartmuseum.org

MUSE Sturgeon Bay 330 Jefferson Street Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 920-333-2859 musesturgeonbay.org

Northern Sky Theater 9058 County Road A Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 854-6117

northernskytheater.com

Peninsula Arts Association PO Box 21 Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 peninsulaartsassociation.com

Peninsula School of Art 3900 Cty F PO Box 304 Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 868-3455 peninsulaschoolofart.org

Peninsula Belgian and American Club, Inc. c/o Kim Potier Davis 1255 N. 12th Place Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 belgianamerican.org

The Peninsula Singers PO Box 611 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 thepeninsulasingers.org

Peninsula Music Festival, Inc. PO Box 340 Ephraim, WI 54211 (920) 854-4060 musicfestival.com

Peninsula Players Theatre Foundation, Inc.

W4351 Peninsula Players Road Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 868-3287 peninsulaplayers.com

Peninsula Symphonic Band, Inc. PO Box 84 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 peninsulasymphonicband.org

Rogue Theater PO Box 782

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 818-0816 roguetheater.org

Third Avenue PlayWorks, Inc. PO Box 843

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-1760 thirdavenueplayworks.com

Thor Johnson Endowment Trust PO Box 340 Ephraim, WI 54211 (920) 854-4060

Too Much Fun Productions DBA: Fishstock 2996 Maple Grove Road E. Fish Creek, WI 54212 (414) 659-1521 fishstockmusic.com

Washington Island Art Association, Inc. PO Box 16

Washington Island, WI 54246

washingtonislandarts.com

Washington Island Music Festival  PO Box 235 Washington Island, WI 54246 (406) 239-6802 washingtonislandmusic festival.com

Wilson and Carol Trueblood Performing Arts Center PO Box 136 Washington Island, WI 54246 (920) 847-2528 truebloodpac.com

BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS

Baileys Harbor Community Association 8061 Hwy 57 PO Box 31 Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 (920) 839-2366 doorcounty.com/ baileys-harbor

Clark Lake Advancement Association, Inc. c/o Robert Kufrin, 5558 Quiet Cove Lane, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 clarklakewi.com

Destination Door County 1015 Green Bay Road PO Box 406 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-4456 doorcounty.com

Door County Bar Association, Inc. c/o Richard Hauser PO Box 89 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-6505

Door County Deputy Sheriffs Association 1201 S. Duluth Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Door County Farm Bureau Cooperative 3030 Park Dr. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-9206

Door County Home Builders, Inc. PO Box 112 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 493-3242 dchba.org

Door County North PO Box 10 Ellison Bay, WI 54210 (920) 854-4450 doorcountynorth.org

Door County Realtors Association PO Box 684 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-9651 dcbr.org

Door County Service Club Coalition of Sturgeon Bay c/o Door County Community Foundation 222 N. Third Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-1786

Egg Harbor Business Association

PO Box 33

Egg Harbor, WI 54209 (920) 868-3717

eggharbordoorcounty.org

Ephraim Business Council PO Box 203 Ephraim, WI 54211 (920) 854-4989 ephraim-doorcounty.com

Fish Creek Civic Association 4097 Hwy 42 PO Box 74 Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 868-2316 visitfishcreek.com

Glidden Drive Association, Inc.

PO Box 261 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Jacksonport Advancement Corporation

6706 Memorial Dr.

Egg Harbor, WI 54209 (920) 823-2800

Jacksonport Area

Business Association

c/o Bob Geitner 5890 Hwy 57 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54236 jacksonport.net

Joint Professional Law Enforcement Association of Door County, Inc.

c/o Tammy Sternard 1201 S. Duluth Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Little Sturgeon Area Property Owners Association, Inc. PO Box 421 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 824-5007

Little Sturgeon Business Owners Association

c/o Becky Hirthe 3605 Cty CC Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Sister Bay Advancement Association, Inc.

PO Box 351 Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-3230 cometosisterbay.com Southeast Jacksonport Neighborhood Association, Inc.

c/o Eric Wickstrom 6706 Memorial Dr. Egg Harbor, WI 54209

Sturgeon Bay Area Advancement Corp

c/o Peter Krauss

PO Box 212 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Destination Sturgeon Bay 36 S. 3rd Ave.

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-6246 sturgeonbay.net

Washington Island Chamber of Commerce

2206 W. Harbor Road

Washington Island, WI 54246 (920) 847-2179 washingtonisland-wi.com

Washington Island Electric Co-op, Inc. 1157 Main Road

Washington Island, WI 54246 (920) 847-2541

Washington Island Town Mutual Insurance Company 1246 Main Road Washington Island, WI 54246 (920) 847-2041

Wisconsin Harbor

Towns Association c/o Stephen A Kase 324 N. 12th Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 wisconsinharbortowns.net

CHURCHES

Bahais of Gibraltar Town 9633 Cty A Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 868-9698

Bay View Lutheran Church 340 W. Maple Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-4705

Bethany Lutheran Parsonage

3051 Cedar St. Ephraim, WI 54211 (920) 854-4065

Bethel Baptist Church 852 Europe Bay Road Ellison Bay, WI 54210 (920) 854-4490

Calvary United Methodist Church 4650 Cty E Egg Harbor, WI 54209 (920) 868-3112 calvaryzionumc.org

Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church 9986 Hwy 57 Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 (920) 743-5155

Christian Science Society

212 S. 7th Ave.

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-8582

Christ the King

Episcopal Church 512 Michigan St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-3286

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 660 N. 18th Avenue Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-4797

Church of the Atonement 9390 Cottage Row Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 868-2700

Church of the Precious Blood 9696 Cty C Brussels, WI 54204 (920) 824-5061

Community Church of Fish Creek P.O. Box 70 9420 Cottage Row Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 868-3811 P www.ccfishcreek.org

Corpus Christi

Catholic Church 25 N. Elgin Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-4716

Door Bible Baptist Church 1607 S. Stevenson Pier Road Sturgeon Bay WI 54235

Door County Family Fellowship-TNT Ministries, Inc.

3821 Gibraltar Road Fish Creek, WI 54212

Door of Life Christian Church 2731 Hwy 42 Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 421-1525

dooroflife.org

Emanuel Lutheran Church 8612 Cty Road D Forestville, WI 54213

Emanuel Lutheran Church of Kolberg 8612 Cty Road D Forestville, WI 54213 (920) 743-6683

Ephraim Moravian Church 9970 Moravia Ephraim, WI 54211 (920) 854-2804

Episcopal Church of Christ the King and Holy Nativity PO Box 828 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-3286

Family Educational Broadcasting Corporation of Door County Wisconsin 1715 Michigan St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-6065

Family Worship Center Assembly of God 1715 Michigan Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-6065

First Baptist Church

2622 S. Bay Shore Dr. Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-2544

First Baptist Church of Sturgeon Bay 610 N. 5th Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-5058

Friends Community Church

204 W. Maple St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-2714

Full Gospel Churches

International 4285 Cherry Road Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Hainesville Lutheran Church PO Box 259 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-9806 hainesvillelc.com

Holy Name of Mary Rectory 7491 County Road H Sturgeon Bay WI 54235 920-856-6440

Holy Nativity

Episcopal Church 3434 Cty V Jacksonport, WI 54235 (920) 743-3286

Holy Trinity Eastern Orthodox Mission Sister Bay, WI 54234 (900) 622-8000

Hope United Church of Christ 141 S. 12th Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-2701

hopechurchdc.org

House of Praise Ministries c/o Rev Rodney Johnson PO Box 56 Brussels, WI 54204

Immanuel Lutheran Church 7973 Hwy 57 PO Box 115 Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 (920) 839-2224

Iowa Yearly Meeting of Friends 204 W. Maple St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 iaym.org

Jacksonport United Methodist Church 6154 Cave Point Dr. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 868-3112 jacksonportmethodist.org

Lighthouse Gospel Fellowship Ltd. 11339 Homestead Dr. Ellison Bay, WI 54210

Living Word Full Gospel Fellowship, Inc. 83 W. Maple St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Peninsula Baptist Church 3486 N 20th Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-2969

Prince of Peace 1756 Michigan St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-7750

Saints Peter & Paul Church 4767 E. Dunn Road Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-4842

Salem Lutheran Church 3339 Cty MM Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-6683

Seventh Day Adventist Church 9402 Hill St. Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 868-3925

Seventh Day

Adventist Church 6121 Gordon Road Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-9511

Shepherd of the Bay

Lutheran Church PO Box 27 Ellison Bay, WI 54210 shepherdofthebay.org

Sister Bay Moravian Church 10924 Old Stage Road Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-4080

St. Francis & St. Mary’s Catholic Parish 9716 Cemetery Road Brussels, WI 54204 (920) 825-7555

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church 4911 Brauer Road Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-5343

St. Joseph Catholic Church 526 Louisiana Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-2062

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 2336 Canterbury Lane PO Box 559 Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-9600

St. Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church 8013 Hwy 57 Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 (920) 839-2041

St. Paul Lutheran Church W4167 Juddville Road Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 868-2826

St. Peters Lutheran Church 108 W. Maple St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

St. Peters Lutheran Church PO Box 85 Forestville, WI 54213

Stella Maris Catholic Parish

Egg Harbor Location: 7710 Hwy 42

Baileys Harbor Location: 8013 Hwy 57

Fish Creek Location: 4019 Hwy 42

Jacksonport Location: 6236 Hwy 57

Sister Bay Location: 2410 S. Bay Shore Road (920) 868-3241 stellamarisparish.com

2026 SEASON RAPTOR SATURDAYS

April 25, May 23, June 27-Sept 5 Holidays: Nov 19 & Dec 5

RAPTOR CHATS

with resident birds every Raptor Saturday! RAPTOR SATURDAY HOURS 10:30am-4pm Ages 13+: $12 • 5-12: $7 • Under 5: FREE!

Stewards of Grace Ministries 10821 Stage Road Brussels, WI 54204

Sturgeon Bay Community Church PO Box 703 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-9587

The Orchard 7630 Logerquist Road Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 (920) 333-3544 theorchardefca.org Transformation of our Lord Chapel 10762 N. Bay Shore Dr. Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-4215

Trinity Lutheran Church 1765 Town Line Road Washington Island, WI 54246 (920) 847-2341

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Door County 10341 Hwy 42, Ephraim PO Box 859 Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-7559 uufdc.org

United Methodist Church of Sturgeon Bay 836 Michigan St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-3241 sturgeonbay methodist.org

White Star Church 2481 Cty C Brussels, WI 54204 (920) 388-2622

Zion Lutheran Church 6710 Cty T Egg Harbor, WI 54209 (920) 743-5153

Zion United Methodist 8781 Cty F Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 868-3112

CIVIC GROUPS AND SERVICE CLUBS

Altrusa International of Door County, Inc. PO Box 523 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 altrusaofdoor county.org

American Legion Auxiliary 428 N. 7th Place Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

American Association of University Women c/o Peggy Odegaard 337 N. 16th Dr. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, Local 1658 c/o Cheryl Burmeister 151 Leeward St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-2240

American Legion Archie

Lackshire Post 72 692 Tacoma Beach Road Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 823-2109

American Legion 0402 PO Box 143 Washington Island, WI 54246

American Legion 0527

Billy Weiss Post 956 N. Spring Road Sister Bay, WI 54234 legion.org

American Legion Auxiliary 2206 W. Harbor Road Washington Island, WI 54246

American Legion Auxiliary PO Box 305 Forestville, WI 54213 legion-aux.org

American Veterans (AM VETS) of World War II Korea and Vietnam PO Box 183 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Brussels Union Gardener Fire Department Inc. 9952 Cty N Brussels, WI 54204 (920) 493-7110

Catholic Daughters of America 1058 Ct

Pere Marquette 1714 Memorial Dr. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Catholic Order of Foresters 1963 Cty C Brussels, WI 54204 catholicforester.org

Catholic Order of Foresters 9462 Cty D Forestville, WI 54213 catholicforester.org

Catholic Order of Foresters 25 N. Elgin Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 catholicforester.org

Door County Dairy Promotion Committee 421 Nebraska St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Door County Economic Development Corporation 185 E. Walnut St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-3113

doorcountybusiness.com

Ellison Bay Service Club, Inc. PO Box 181 Ellison Bay, WI 54210 (920) 421-1754

Ephraim Men’s Club PO Box 204 Ephraim, WI 54211

Free & Accepted

Mason of Wisconsin

31 S. 3rd Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 493-3727 wisc-freemasonry.org

Friends of EphraimGibraltar Airport

c/o Timothy Halbrook PO Box 61 Fish Creek, WI 54212

friendsofephraim gibraltarairport.com

Friends of Washington Island PO Box 222 Washington Island, WI 54246 (920) 847-2030

Independent Order of Odd Fellows

214 N. Fulton Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

ioof.org

International Association of Fire Fighters

c/o Mike E. Smith 605 Kentucky Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 iaff.org

International Association of Lions Clubs

Jim Noll 1579 Ledge Road Brussels, WI 54204

lionsclubs.org

International Association of Lions Clubs

c/o Robert Erickson  788 Egg Harbor Road Egg Harbor, WI 54209

lionsclubs.org

International Association of Lions Clubs

c/o Ann Schmitz PO Box 126 Forestville WI 54213

lionsclubs.org

International Association of Lions Clubs PO Box 81 Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-7968

lionsclubs.org

International Association of Lions Clubs 137 N. 10th Place Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 lionsclubs.org

International Association of Lions Clubs PO Box 164 Washington Island, WI 54246

Jacksonport Women’s Club 3365 Cty V Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Kiwanis Club of Sturgeon Bay c/o Mike Wagner

4543 E. Shorewood Point Road Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 559-0055 kiwanis.org

Knights of Columbus 692 Tacoma Beach Road Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-1010 kofc.org

Knights of Columbus 2478 Msgr Broens PO Box 533 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-1375 kofc.org

Knights of Columbus 4896

Our Lady of the Bays 8357 Cty F Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 kofc.org

Knights of Columbus 6444 Our Lady of Good Help Council 1003 Pleasant Ridge Road Brussels, WI 54204 kofc.org

Leadership Door County, Inc. PO Box 874 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 leadershipdoorcounty.com

League of Women Voters of Door County PO Box 306 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 lwvdoorcounty.org

Memorial to Door County Fallen Veterans, Inc. PO Box 9 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 doorcountyveterans.com

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association c/o Marilyn Grose 214 Fulton Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 narfe.org

National Association of Letter Carriers c/o Imogene R. Peters 1245 Rhode Island St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 nalc.org

National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution 4840 Country View Road Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (202) 879-3343 dar.org

Northern Door First Responders PO Box 287 Sister Bay, WI 54234

Optimist International c/o William Baudhuin 55 S. Third Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 optimist.org

Order of the Eastern Star of the State of Wisconsin 729 Memorial Dr. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 easternstar.org

Pioneer Fire Company, Inc. 421 Michigan St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Rotary Club of Door County North PO Box 61 Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 doorcountyrotary@ gmail.com

Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay Breakfast, Inc. PO Box 81

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay, Inc. PO Box 81

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 854-2142 sturgeonbayrotary.org

Sister Bay and Liberty Grove Firefighters Association, Inc. PO Box 287

Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-4021 sblgfd.com

Sons of Norway PO Box 231 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 sofn.com

Southern Door Fire Dept, Inc. PO Box 158 Forestville, WI 54213 (920) 856-6264

Sturgeon Bay Breakfast Rotary Charitable Trust PO Box 81 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-5272

Sturgeon Bay Optimist Door County Foundation PO Box 9 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Sturgeon Bay Rotary Club Charitable Trust PO Box 9 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-5551

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans 6572 Memorial Dr. Egg Harbor, WI 54209 thrivent.com

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans 160 S. Madison Avenue Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

United States Coast

Guard Chief Petty Officers Association 4520 Weber Road Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 uscgcpoa.org

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8337 United States Dept of Wis PO Box 201 Ellison Bay, WI 54210 (920) 746-0357 vfw.org

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3088

United States Dept of Wis c/o Raymond Hogan 902 Alabama Place Apt 3 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-8709 vfw.org

Veterans of Foreign Wars

United States Dept of Wis 112 Woodcrest Road Sister Bay, WI 54234 vfwwi.org

Washington Island Fire and Rescue, Inc. PO Box 250 Washington Island, WI 54246

Wisconsin Jaycees, Inc. PO Box 284 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 sturgeonbayjaycees.com

COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS

Door County Community Foundation, Inc.

222 N. Third Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-1786 givedoorcounty.org

Southern Door Community Foundation

1610 Orchard View Ln, Brussels, WI 54204 sdcommunity.wix. com/sdcf-try-2

Washington Island Community Foundation PO Box 68 Washington Island, WI 54246

EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Björklunden vid Sjön Lawrence University of Wisconsin PO Box 10 Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 (920) 839-2216 lawrence.edu/dept/bjork/ Bordui Foundation PO Box 9 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Catholic Schools of Door County, Inc. PO Box 541

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Clearing Endowment Trust PO Box 65

LISTEN LIKE A LOCAL.

Ellison Bay, WI 54210 (920) 854-4088 theclearing.org

Clearing Folk School PO Box 65 Ellison Bay, WI 54210 (920) 854-4088 theclearing.org

Door County Library Foundation, Inc. 107 S. 4th Ave.

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-6578

Door Peninsula Astronomical Society 2041 Michigan St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 doorastronomy.org

Education Association of Gibraltar Area 3924 Hwy 42 PO Box 670 Fish Creek, WI 54212

Friends of Door County

Libraries Association

107 S. 4th Ave.

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Gibraltar Area Educational Endowment Fund c/o DCCF

222 N. Third Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-1786

Literacy Door County, Inc. PO Box 473

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 literacydoorcounty.org

Miss Door County Scholarship Program PO Box 202 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 missdoorcounty.org

NWTC Education Foundation

2740 W. Mason St. PO Box 19042 Green Bay, WI 54303 (920) 498-5444

Philanthropic Educational Organization

P.E.O. Executive Office/ Treasurer’s Dept.

Helen Schreiber Allen Scholarship #8347 3700 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50312

Sevastopol Alumni Benefit

c/o Gary Welch 4553 Hwy 57 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Sevastopol Education Association 4550 Hwy 57

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

St. John Bosco Catholic School, Inc.

730 W Maple St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-4144

Sturgeon Bay Education Foundation

c/o Wendy Kase PO Box 191 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-5242

Thomas J. Webb Scholarship Trust

3931 Bay Shore Dr. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-6926

Washington Island Education Association 888 Main Road

Washington Island, WI 54246

Write On, Door County 4177 Juddville Road PO Box 457 Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 868-1457

writeondoorcounty.org

ENVIRONMENT & ANIMAL GROUPS

Climate Change Coalition PO Box 334 Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 (715) 330-4660

climatechange doorcounty.com

Crossroads at Big Creek, Inc. PO Box 608 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-5895 crossroadsatbigcreek.org

Door County Environmental Council, Inc.

10579 Country Walk Drive Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 743-6003 dcec-wi.org

Door County Land Trust 217 N. 4th Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-1359

doorcountylandtrust.org

Door County Quality Market Animal Sale 1419 Rhode Island Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 dcqmas.org

Door County Therapy Dog Teams, Inc. 2292 Hilly Ridge Road Brussels, WI 54204 920-495-2434

doorcounty therapydogteams.com

Friends of Peninsula State Park, Inc. PO Box 502 Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 868-6256 peninsulafriends.org

Friends of Potawatomi State Park, Inc. 3740 Park Dr. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-2890 runwild.org

Friends of Rock Island State Park 1924 Indian Point Rd Washington Island, WI 54246 fori.squarespace.com

Friends of the Door County Park System, Inc. c/o Park Directors Office PO Box 228 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 co.door.wi.gov

Friends of Toft Point, Inc. c/o Charlotte Lukes 3962 Hillside Road Egg Harbor, WI 54209 uwgb.edu/naturalareas/toft-point/ friends-of-toft-point

Friends of Whitefish Dunes 3275 Clark Lake Road Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 823-2400 thefriendsofwhitefish dunes.org

Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership

c/o Jim Kettler PO Box 62 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 304-1919 lnrp.org

The Nature Conservancy 217 N. 4th Ave. Sturgeon Bay WI 54235 nature.org/wisconsin

Newport Wilderness Society, Inc. PO Box 187 Ellison Bay, WI 54210 (920) 854-2500 newportwilderness society.org

Open Door Bird Sanctuary 4114 Cty I Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 opendoorbirdsanctuary.org

Peninsula Pride Farms PO Box 9 Luxemburg, WI 54217 (920) 839-2802 peninsulapridefarmsinc.org

Ridges Sanctuary PO Box 152 Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 (920) 839-2802 ridgessanctuary.org

Sustain Door, Inc.

308 S. 12th Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-9792 sustaindoor.org

The Green Fund

222 N. Third Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-1786

Whitetails Unlimited, Inc. PO Box 720 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-6777 whitetailsunlimited.com

Wild Ones of Door County Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 824-5193 wildones.org

Wisconsin Humane Society Door County Campus 3475 Park Dr. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-1111 doorcountyhumane society.org

GRANTING FOUNDATIONS

100+ Women Who Care Door County c/o DCCF

222 N. Third Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 100WWCDoorCounty.org

Cliff and Clara Herlache Foundation

c/o DCCF

222 N. Third Ave.

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-1786

doorcountycommunity foundation.org

Door County Charities, Inc. c/o Richard Heardon Jr. 5335 Horseshoe Bay Road

Egg Harbor, WI 54209 (800) 761-7070

doorcountycharities.com

Ellsworth and Carla Peterson Charitable Foundation

3797 Bayshore Drive Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-4501

Goldammer Family Foundation, Inc.

PO Box 10 Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 868-2226

Hedeen Foundation, Inc.

218 N. 14th Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-7225

PJ Hedeen & Children Foundation, Inc. 4716 Martin Road Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-6500

Raibrook Foundation, Inc.

30 N. 18th Ave. Suite 4 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-2995

raibrookfoundation.com

Robert A. and Lynn I. Doneff Foundation, Inc. 7833 Dock Road

Egg Harbor, WI 54209 (920) 684-6940

Rosemann Family Foundation, Inc.

11473 Beach Road

Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-5934

Tatman Foundation

c/o Julia Chomeau PO Box 497 Ephraim, WI 54211

United Way of Door County, Inc.

57 N. 3rd Ave.

Lower Level PO Box 223 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-9645

unitedwaydc.org

Women’s Fund of Door County

c/o DCCF

222 N. Third Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 womensfund doorcounty.org

HEALTH-CARE ORGANIZATIONS

Door County Medical Center

323 S. 18th Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-5566

dcmedical.org

Door County Medical Center Foundation, Inc. PO Box 230 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-1071

dcmedical.org/Giving Island Memorial Medical Fund, Inc. 581 Silver Birch Lane Washington Island, WI 54246

Prevent Suicide

Door County Nathan Wilson Coalition PO Box 491 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 495-2383 preventsuicidedc.org

Sue Baldwin Fund PO Box 383 Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 839-1114

suebaldwinfund.com

Unity Hospice 30 N. 18th Ave.

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-6440 unityhospice.org

Washington Island Community Health Program PO Box 277 Washington Island, WI 54246 (920) 847-2108

HISTORIC PRESERVATIONISTS

Citizens for Our Bridge, Inc. PO Box 653 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 steelbridgesongfest.org

Door County Historical Society PO Box 71 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 doorcountyhistorical society.org/ Door County Maritime Museum & Lighthouse Preservation Society, Inc. 120 N. Madison Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-5958 dcmm.org

Egg Harbor Historical Society, Inc. PO Box 264

Egg Harbor, WI 54209 (920) 868-3297 eggharborhistory.org

Ephraim Foundation Heritage Fund, Inc. PO Box 165 Ephraim, WI 54211 (920) 854-9688 ephraim.org

Ephraim Historical Foundation, Inc. PO Box 165 Ephraim, WI 54211 (920) 854-9688

Friends of Plum & Pilot Islands PO Box 61 Washington Island, WI 54246 (715) 823-6873 plumandpilot.org

Gibraltar Historical Association PO Box 323 Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 868-2091 historicnoble.org

Horseshoe Bay Farms, Inc. c/o DCCF 222 N. Third Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 horseshoebayfarms.org

Jacksonport Historical Society, Inc. 4768 Hwy 57 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-6415

jacksonporthistorical society.org

Liberty Grove Historical Society PO Box 94 Ellison Bay, WI 54210 (920) 839-5022 libertygrovehistorical.org

Namur Belgian Heritage Foundation, Inc.

Belgian Heritage Center Joe Alexander, President PO Box 173 Brussels, WI 54204 (920) 825-7319 belgianheritagecenter.org

Northeastern Wisconsin Antique Power Association Incorporated

5005 Country View Road Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Sister Bay Historical Society, Inc. PO Box 34

Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-7680

sisterbayhistory.org

Sturgeon Bay Historical Society, Inc. PO Box 827

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 493-0572

sturgeonbayhistorical society.org

Washington Island Farm Museum, Inc.

PO Box 127

Washington Island, WI 54246 (920) 847-2156

Washington Island Heritage Conservancy Corp. 1391 Main Road

Washington Island, WI 54246

HUMAN AND SOCIALSERVICE CHARITIES

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Wisconsin 1345 W. Mason St. Green Bay, WI 54303 (920) 498-2227

bbbsnew.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Bay & Lakes Region PO Box 579

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 818-1046

bgcblr.org/door-county

Christ Child Society of Door County PO Box 572

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 823-2200

stellamarisparish.com/ christ-child-society

Community Resource Program of Door County, Inc.

dba Feed My People/ Clothe My People

204 N. 14th Ave. PO Box 741 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-9053

feedmypeopledoor county.com

Door CANcer, Inc. PO Box 423 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 doorcancer.com

Door County Bridges 2622 S. Bay Shore Dr. Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-2544 dcbridges.org

Door County Habitat for Humanity

410 N. 14th Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-2869

doorhabitat.org

Door-Tran 1009 Egg Harbor Road PO Box 181 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-9999

door-tran.org

Doorway to Learning 5617 Gordon Road Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 818-0877

doorway2learning.org

Family Services of Northeastern Wisconsin, Inc. Healthy Families (920) 746-9040

Sexual Assault Center of Door County (920) 746-8996

57 N. 12th Ave. Suite 110 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 familyservicesnew.org

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Inc. 1112 N. Adams St. Suite 101 Green Bay, WI 54301 (888) 747-6945

gsnwgl.org

GO BO Foundation c/o DCCF

222 N. Third Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 gobofoundation.com

HELP of Door County, Inc. 219 Green Bay Road Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-8785

helpofdoorcounty.org

Hispanic Resource Center of Door and Kewaunee Counties, Inc. 1618 Texas Place Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 559-1878

Jak’s Place 1623 Rhode Island St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 818-0525

lakeshorecap.org

Lac Baie Girl Scout Council Inc. Camping Trust PO Box 9 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-5486

Lakeshore CAP

131 S. Third Ave.

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-0192

lakeshorecap.org

Legal Aid Society of Door County, Inc.

131 S. 3rd Ave. PO Box 846

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-3934

dclegalaid.org

Money Management Counselors

57 N. 12th Ave. Suite 104

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-1862

moneymanagement counselors.com

Neighbor to Neighbor: Volunteer Care Givers of Door County, Inc. PO Box 626

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-7800 neighbor-to-neighbor.org

Northern Door Children’s Center 10520 Judith Blazer Dr. Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-4244 northerndoorchildrens center.org

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Inc. PO Box 213 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 421-8814 pflagdoorcounty.org

Peninsula Preschool, Inc. PO Box 171 Ephraim, WI 54211 (920) 854-2112 peninsulapreschool. weebly.com

Senior Citizens Agency of Northern Door, Inc.

290 Smith Dr. Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-9669

Sunshine Resources, Inc. 55 W. Yew St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-7943

sunshineresources.org We Are HOPE, Inc.

1300 Egg Harbor Road Suite 124, Cherry Point Mall Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-7273 wearehopeinc.org

RECREATIONAL GROUPS

Cycling Without Age Door County PO Box 282 Ellison Bay, WI 54210 (920) 421-2204 cwadoorcounty.com

Door County Master Gardeners Association, Inc. PO Box 485 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 dcmga.org

Door County Rod & Gun Club, Inc. PO Box 463 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 doorcountyrodand gunclub.com

Door County Scottie Rally, Inc. PO Box 337 Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 (920) 493-5878

Door County Skate, Inc. 1026 Michigan St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Door County Snowmobile Trails Association, Inc. c/o Steve Sohns 2833 Maple Grove East Fish Creek, WI 54212

Door County Soccer Association 415 N. 12th Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 jtevers@hotmail.com

Door County Trails PO Box 523 Egg Harbor, WI 54209-9564

DoorCountyTrails.org

Door County Toy Library 107 S. 4th Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-6578

Door County YMCA, Inc. 1900 Michigan St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-4949 doorcountyymca.org

Door Devils Motorcycle Club, Inc. c/o Tim Gauphier PO Box 804 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 495-4003 doordevilsmc.com

Ephraim Yacht Club PO Box 331 Ephraim, WI 54211 (920) 854-7107 eyc.org

Kewaunee Door County Salmon Tournament, Inc. PO Box 555 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 883-9792 kdsalmon.com

Northern Door Volleyball Association Incorporated PO Box 454 Fish Creek, WI 54212

Open Door Pride PO Box 792 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 opendoorpride.org

Peninsula Flyers Inc. Chapter 630 PO Box 524 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Peninsula Golf Association, Inc. PO Box 275 Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 854-5791 peninsulagolf.org

Peninsula Gun Club, Inc. 3702 Juddville Road Fish Creek, WI 54212 (920) 868-3509 peninsulagunclub.com

Senior Citizens Agency of Northern Door

PO Box 1037

Sister Bay, WI 54234

bargainsunlimited.org

Soccer Association for Youth 1711 Utah St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 doorsoccer.com

Southern Door Snow Travelers, Inc.

c/o Stanley Laviolette RR4

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Stock Horse of Wisconsin, Inc.

c/o Brandon Schopf PO Box 866

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 495-2280 stockhorseofwisconsin.com

Sturgeon Bay Girls Front Court Club

c/o John R. Asher

180 E. Redwood St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament, Inc. PO Box 242 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 sbobt.org

Sturgeon Bay Sevastopol Wrestling Club, Inc.

c/o Gary Shefchik 1105 S. 19th Place

Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club

600 Nautical Dr. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-6934

sturgeonbayyachtclub.com

Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club Sail Training Foundation, Inc.

600 Nautical Dr. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

sturgeonbayyachtclub.com

The Yoga Womb 58 W. Maple St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 theyogawomb.org

Trillium Quilt Guild

c/o Laurie Moegenburg 11110 Ironwood Road Sister Bay, WI 54234

United States Bowling Congress, Inc.

c/o David Homan 6727 Hwy 42 Egg Harbor, WI 54209 bowl.com

United States Power Squadrons 1609 Texas Place Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 usps.org

Washington Island Sportsman and Conservation Club, Inc. PO Box 100 Washington Island, WI 54246

DOOR COUNTY ESTATE-PLANNING ATTORNEYS

Blazkovec, Blazkovec & Downey

James A. Downey 409 Steele Street PO Box 98

Algoma, WI 54201 (920) 487-5571

Dahl Law Firm, Ltd. Collin J. Dahl 10589 Highland Road Suite 4

Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-7100

Hoyerman Law Office

Richard Hoyerman 10568 Country Walk Lane

Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-6070

Pinkert Law Firm, LLP

Amy Sullivan 454 Kentucky St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-6505 and 350 Sunset Dr. Sister Bay, WI 54234 (920) 854-2616

Pribyl Law Office S.C. Matthew J. Pribyl 30 N. 18th Ave. Building 10A Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-8485 doorcountylaw.com

Nina Martel Law Office SC

Nina H. Martel

508 Jefferson St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-4475

Ross Estate Planning

Robert Ross

55 S. 3rd Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-9117

Stephen P. Johnson

Law Offices

Stephen Johnson

54 E. Oak St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 743-2129

GUIDE TO CHARITABLE FUNDS

at the Door County Community Foundation

The mission of the Door County Community Foundation is to inspire people to give back to sustain and advance the community we love. We do that by serving as a conduit for giving. We’re a charity whose purpose is to make giving simpler, easier, and more tax efficient so you can be as generous as possible to the charities and causes you care about.

We’ve published this Guide to Charitable Funds as a resource to help you with your giving. For a more complete listing of the nearly 400 non-profit and civic groups in Door County, visit us online at www.GiveDoorCounty.org – or just give us a call at (920) 746-1786.

Help us inspire people to give back to sustain and advance the community we love.

Board of Directors

Jim Vander Heiden, Chair of Egg Harbor

Retired Vice President/Principal, HGA Architects and Engineers

Stephen O’Hearn, Vice Chair of Sister Bay

Retired, Partner and Global Insurance Leader, PwC

Vicki Wilson, Secretary of Sturgeon Bay President-Founder, Door County Coffee & Tea Co.

John McGinnis, Treasurer of Sturgeon Bay

Retired Executive, Energy Industry

Jeff Ottum, Past Chair of Sturgeon Bay

Retired Senior Vice President Human Resources, Schreiber Foods, Inc.

Fred Anderson of Sister Bay

Owner, Ashbrooke Hotel, Egg Harbor

Inge Alverson Bacon of Sevastopol

Certified Public Accountant

John Bykowski of Ephraim

Retired President and CEO, SECURA Insurance Companies

Professional Staff

Bret Bicoy President & CEO

Jessica Holland VP of Philanthropic Services

Julie Haen Senior Business Officer

Greg Diltz of Jacksonport Retired Paramedic, Former Owner of Northern Door Communications

Natalie Gorchynsky of Egg Harbor Community Philanthropist

John Hauser of Sturgeon Bay Chaplain, Door County Medical Center

Kristen Jeanquart of Sturgeon Bay Owner, Door County Digital Communications

Keith Mutchler of Sevastopol Retired, Paper and Packaging Manufacturing

Donna Scattergood, RN, PhD of Sister Bay Serial Entrepreneur/Holistic Nursing and Functional Medicine, Healthcare Organizational Behavior Consultant, Educator

Dan Westbrook of Washington Island Retired, Consumer Paper Products Research, Manufacturing and Marketing

John Herlache Emeritus Director

Adam Peronto Philanthropic Services Officer

Jean Gothberg Business Officer

Heidi Copiskey Administrative Assistant

Budgeted Operating Costs as a Percentage of Assets:

COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES

The Door County Community Foundation’s Board of Directors has launched and/or endorsed several community efforts that operate as a project or initiative of the Community Foundation. Please consider supporting these important initiatives. Visit them online to learn more.

Baileys Harbor Open Space Preservation Fund

BaileysHarborOpenSpace.org

Door County Civility Project DoorCountyCivilityProject.org

Door County Scholarship Network DoorCountyScholarships.org

The Ellie Helm Foundation EllieHelmFoundation.org

Community Opportunity Investment Network InvestDoorCounty.org

Door County Food Pantry Coalition FeedDoorCounty.org

Door County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Foundation SafeDoorCounty.org

GO BO! Foundation GoBoFoundation.org

DDC State Parks Challenge Funds DoorCountyStateParks.org

Door County Granary Fund SturgeonBayHistoricalSociety.org/ Granary

DOORWAY TO LEARNING Doorway To Learning Campaign Fund brighterdoorcounty.org

Muse Overture Initiative Campaign Fund musecampaign.org

Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation WilliesCornerstone.org

Northern Door Children’s Center Essential Campaign EssentialDoorCounty.org

Workforce Housing Lending Corporation BuildDoorCounty.org

Grants Awarded from All Funds at the Foundation:

115 Club Ltd.

350.Org

Abington Friends School

ACLU Foundation

Aging & Disability Resource Center of Door County

Agrace HospiceCare Foundation Inc.

Algoma Fire and Rescue Association Inc.

Alliance for the Great Lakes

Altrusa International Foundation, Inc. Door County, WI

Alzheimer’s Association

Alzheimer’s Research Foundation

America Share USA, Inc.

American Cancer Society

American Chemical Society

American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin Foundation Inc.

American Diabetes Association Inc.

American Heart Association

American Lung Association

American Red Cross

American Red CrossNortheast Chapter

American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania

AMIkids Inc.

Amnesty International USA

Andean Health and Development Inc.

Arizona State University

Arm in Arm

Art and Nature Center

Back Roads Church

Baileys Harbor Community Association

Baileys Harbor Fire-Rescue Association Inc

Baileys Harbor Historical Society

Bay View Lutheran Church

Beaufort County Open Land Trust

Bellin College

Best Friends Animal Society

Bethany Kids

Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Educational Foundation Inc

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin Birch Creek Music

Performance Center, Inc.

Board of World Mission

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Bay & Lakes Region

Bradley Jordan Foundation Inc

Bradley University

Bright Focus Foundation

Bryn Mawr Film Institute

BUG Firefighters, Inc.

Calvary and Zion United Methodist Church

Camp Manito-wish YMCA

Campus Crusade for Christ Inc.

Capital Harmony Works

Capuchin Community Services

Carleton College

Carthage College

Casa Alba Melanie Hispanic Community Resource Center

Catholic Extension

Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Green Bay

Catholic Relief Services

Center for Family Services

Central Asia Institute

Centurion Ministries

Development Dept

Children First Development Center Inc.

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Foundation Inc.

Christ the King Lutheran

Church

Church of Atonement

City of Sturgeon Bay

City Relief Inc.

Clapham Education Group

Clean Water Action Council of NE Wisconsin

Clean Wisconsin

Co-Impact Philanthropic Funds Inc.

Inspiring people to give back to sustain and advance the community we love.

Scholarships Awarded to Students Attending the Following Universities:

Arizona State University

Bellin College

Edgewood University

Grinnell College

Harvard College Student Accounts Office

Iowa State University

Lakeland University

Marian University

Martin Luther College

Massachusetts Institute of Technology - MIT

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Northern Michigan University

Purdue University

Queen Margaret University

Ripon College

The University of Alabama

University of Florida

University of Hawai’i

University of Iowa

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

University of Notre Dame

University of Saint Thomas

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse

University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

University of Wisconsin-River Falls

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Washington University in St. Louis

Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary

Yale University

SERVICE CLUBS AND CIVIC GROUPS

100+ Women Who Care Door County Charitable Fund www.100WWCDoorCounty.org

Colin and Friends Concerts Inc.

College Possible Colorado College

Combatting Homelessness and Dependency Inc.

Community Church Fish Creek

Cornell University

Corpus Christi Catholic Church

County of Door

Cross Catholic Outreach Inc.

Crossroads at Big Creek, Inc.

Cycling Without Age

Czech Youth Music Camp

Diabetes Foundation Inc.

Direct Relief

Doctors Without Borders

Door Cancer, Inc.

Door County Auditorium

Door County Bookmobile Inc

Door County Charities, Inc.

Door County Economic Development

Order of the Eastern Star Honor Chapter #1 of the State of Wisconsin Charitable Fund www.sturgeonbayoes.com

Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay Charitable Trust Fund www.sturgeonbayrotaryclub.org

Jacksonport Women’s Club Charitable Fund

Rotary Club of Door County North Charitable Fund www.doorcountynorthrotaryclub.com

Henry S. Baird #174 F. & A.M. Charitable Fund www.HSBaird.com

Sturgeon Bay Breakfast Rotary Charitable Fund www.facebook.com/sbbreakfastrotary

Door County Environmental Council Inc

Door County Fire Chiefs Inc

Door County Habitat for Humanity

Door County Historical Society Inc.

Door County Housing Partnership, Inc.

Door County Jazz Foundation Inc.

Door County Land Trust

Door County Library Foundation, Inc.

Door County Maritime Museum

Door County Master Gardeners Association Inc

Door County Medical Center Foundation

Door County Secret Santa

Door County Sheriff’s Department

Door County Therapy Dog Teams Inc.

Door County Toys for Kids

Door County Trails

Door County Veterans Service Council, Inc.

Door County YMCA

Door Kinetic Arts, Inc.

Door of Life Christian Church

Door Peninsula Astronomical Society

Door Shakespeare, Inc.

Door-Tran Inc.

Ducks Unlimited

EAA Aviation Foundation Inc.

Easter Seals Wisconsin

Edgewood University

Egg Harbor Historical Society

Eland Electric Corporation

Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church

Emmanuel Lutheran Church Environmental Defense Fund

Ephraim Fire-Rescue Association, Inc.

Ephraim Historical Foundation, Inc.

Ephraim Men’s Club

Ephraim Moravian Church

Episcopal Church of Christ the King and Holy Nativity

Family Services of Northeastern WI, Inc.

Father Flanagan’s Boys Home

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin

First Baptist Church

First Tee of Northeast Wisconsin

FISC Consumer Credit Counseling of Door County Inc

Food for the Poor

Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra Association Inc.

Fox Valley Veterans Council Inc.

Francis Hardy Center for the Arts Freedom for Heroes

Friends of Door County Libraries Association

Friends of Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport

Friends of PBS Wisconsin

Friends of Peninsula State Park

Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands

Friends of Potawatomi State Park

Friends of Rock Island State Park

Friends of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Grants Awarded from All Funds at the Foundation Continued:

Friends of the Elisha D. Smith Public Library Inc.

Friends of the Necedah

National Wildlife Refuge

Friends of the Pavilion, Inc.

Friends of the World Food Program Inc

Friends of Whitefish Dunes

State Park

Gathering Ground

Gathering Waters Conservancy

Georgetown University

Germantown School District

Giants of the Earth Heritage Center

Gibraltar Area Schools

Gibraltar Booster Club

Gibraltar Historical Association

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes Inc.

Glacial Community YMCA Inc

Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star

Greater Delafield Community Fund

Greater Green Bay YMCA Inc

Green Bay Botanical Garden

Grinnell College

Guardian Org Foundation

Guest House of Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity

Harvard College Student Accounts Office

Heartland Business Systems, LLC

Heifer International

HELP of Door County, Inc.

Hope for Haiti Inc

Hope United Church of Christ of Sturgeon Bay

Hopeful Horizons

Horseshoe Bay Farms Inc

Hug It Forward

Ice Age Trail Alliance

IEEE Foundation

Immanuel Lutheran Church

Interlochen Center for the Arts

International Crane Foundation Inc.

International Focusing Institute

International Rescue Committee Inc

Iowa State University

JA Worldwide

Jesuit Retreat House

John Hancock Life Insurance Company

Kahilu Theatre Foundation

Kirkwood Historical Society

Knights of Columbus Charities Inc.

Knock Publishing Company

Lakeland University

Lakeshore CAP, Inc.

Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership

Lancaster Public Library Foundation Inc.

Laurel House

Lawrence University

Legal Aid Society of Door County

Lexie Henkel

Literacy Door County

Low Country Habitat for Humanity

Lupus Foundation of Colorado Inc.

Lupus Research Alliance Inc.

Lutheran Social Services

Maine Ski and Snowboard Museum

Marian University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology - MIT

Medical College of Wisconsin

Mental Health America

Lakeshore Inc.

Mequon Nature Preserve Inc

Mercer Street Friends

Metropolitan Opera Association Inc.

Midsummer’s Music Ltd

Midwest Environmental Advocates

Miller Art Museum

Milwaukee Area Technical College FoundationMilwaukee PBS

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre

Milwaukee School of Engineering

Milwaukee Water Commons Inc.

Mission Pre-Born Inc.

Modern Day Missions

Mote Marine Laboratory

Mount Calvary Lutheran Church

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

Mount Washington Observatory

Muse Sturgeon Bay, Inc.

Museum of Wisconsin Art

Music on the Hill

Musk Ox Development Corporation

Namur Belgian Heritage Center

National Audubon Society

National Geographic Society

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

National Park Foundation

National Parks Conservation Association

National Wildlife Federation

Natural Lands Trust, Inc.

Nature Conservancy

Neighbor to Neighbor

New York Public Radio WQXR, WNYC, NJPR, NYPR

Newark School of the Arts

Newport Wilderness Society

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Northeastern Wisconsin Antique Power Association Inc.

Northern Door Children’s Center

Northern Door Pride

Northern Metal and Roofing Company

Northern Michigan University

Northern Sky Theater

Northwoods Wildlife Center, Inc.

Norwegian American Historical Association

Notre Dame de la Baie Academy

Ocean Conservancy

Old Glory Honor Flight Inc

On Broadway Inc.

Open Door Bird Sanctuary

Open Door Pride

Open Wings Learning Community

OXFAM America

Ozaukee Washington Land Trust Inc.

Parker School

Parkinson’s Foundation Inc

Peninsula Chamber Singers Inc.

Peninsula Music Festival, Inc.

Peninsula Players Theatre, Inc.

PFLAG Door County

Philadelphia Orchestra Association

Pillars Inc.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin

Platteville Mainstreet Program

Port Royal Sound Foundation

Prince Dance Company

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

ProHealth Care Foundation, Inc.

Public Arts Initiative of Egg Harbor Inc.

Purdue Foundation

Purdue University

Queen Margaret University

Rawhide Inc.

Ready Readers

Recreational Aviation Foundation

Redeemer Presbyterian Church

Ripon College

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Rogue Theater Inc

Rotary Foundation of Rotary International

Salvation Army New Jersey Division

Salvation Army- Wisconsin & Upper Michigan Division

Search for Common Ground

Senior Citizens Agency of Northern Door Inc

Sevastopol School

Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church

Shriner’s Hospital for Children

Sierra Club Foundation

Sister Bay Historical Society

Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Firefighters Assoc.

Sisters of St Francis of the Holy Cross

Skylight Music Theatre

Smithsonian Institution

Society of St Vincent De Paul Lighthouse Dist Cncl of WI Inc

Southeastern WI Invasive Species Consortium Inc.

Southern Door Community Foundation, Inc.

Southern Door County School District

Southern Poverty Law Center

Southwest Section of the Ninety Nines

Special Olympics

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation

St Anthony on the Lake

St John Bosco Catholic School

St Joseph’s Catholic Church

St Jude Children’s Research Hospital Inc

St Pauls Lutheran Church

St. Joseph Food Program Inc.

St. Joseph’s Indian School

St. Katharine Drexel

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral

St. Norbert College

St. Peters Lutheran Church

StageQ, Inc

Stella Maris Parish

Stephens College

Strong Towns

Sturgeon Bay Girls Front Court Club Inc

Sturgeon Bay Historical Society

Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church

Sturgeon Bay School District

Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church

Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club Sail Training Foundation

Sturgeon Bay Youth Athletic Club Inc.

Sue Baldwin Fund

Sunshine Community Compost

Sunshine House, Inc.

Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Swarthmore College

The Carter Center

The Clearing Folk School

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee

The Fuller Center for Housing, INC.

The Land Institute

The League of Women Voters of Door County

The Libenu Foundation

The Michael J. Fox Foundation

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature ConservancyWisconsin

The Nature Conservancy in PA and DE

The Nature Conservancy of South Carolina

The Naval Institute Foundation Inc.

The Ridges Sanctuary, Inc.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army Philadelphia Corps.

The University of Alabama

The UW Platteville Foundation

The Wilderness Society

The Yoga Womb Inc.

The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project

Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Foundation Inc. GMRP

Third Avenue Playhouse

Town of Brussels

Town of Forestville

Town of Gibraltar

Town of Jacksonport

Town of Nasewaupee

Trenton Area Soup Kitchen

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

Trinity Lutheran Church

Tufts University, The Friedman School of Nutrition Science

Turning Point USA

Ukraine Partnership Foundation

Unbound

Unicef

Union Congregational United Church of Christ

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Door County

Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota

United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO)

United States Association for UNHCR

United Way of Door County

United Way of the Low Country

University Community Social Services

University of Iowa

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

University of Notre Dame

University of Saint Thomas

University of Wisconsin Eau

Claire Foundation

University of Wisconsin Foundation

University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Foundation

University of Wisconsin

Superior Foundation

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Foundation

University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse

University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

University of Wisconsin-River Falls

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Urbanite Theatre Inc.

Valleybrook Church

Vanderbilt University

Veterans Community Project

Vida Inc.

Village of Egg Harbor

Village of Ephraim

Violence Intervention Project, Inc.

Wartburg College

Washington Island Community Health Program

Washington Island Farm Museum Inc.

Washington Island Foundation

Washington Island Government

Washington University

Washington University in St. Louis

Waynflete School

We Are Hope Inc.

Wellesley College

WI Humane Society

Wild Ones Door Peninsula Chapter

Willow Creek Community Church Inc.

Wilson and Carol Trueblood Performing Arts Center Inc.

Wisconsin Eastern Star Foundation

Wisconsin Eye Public Affairs Network

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters

Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary

Wisconsin Public Radio

Wisconsin Public Television

Wisconsin Special Olympics

Wisconsin Wetlands Association

Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp.

Wisconsin’s Green Fire Inc.

Workforce Housing Lending Corporation

World Central Kitchen, Inc.

World Food Program USA

World Vision

World Wildlife Fund

Write On Door County, Inc.

Yale University

Yes Prep Public Schools Inc.

Zion Lutheran Church

Zion United Methodist Church

Friends of the Door County Park System Inc

Martin Luther College

Peninsula School of Art

Peninsula Symphonic Band

Students for Life of America Inc.

University of Florida

University of Hawai’i

CHARITABLE FUNDS SUPPORTING CAUSES IN DOOR COUNTY

Discretionary Endowment Funds offer you the best of both worlds – the opportunity to choose a broad area that interests you (such as children, the arts, or the environment) while relying on the Door County Community Foundation’s volunteer boards and committees to identify the organizations that will make the greatest impact on that issue. Your gift is endowed and will provide a permanent source of income to be granted to those organizations that are truly making a difference in Door County. We can even create a new Fund named in your honor or in memory of a loved one. Please consider donating today, or in your estate plans, to a Discretionary Endowment Fund.

For Good Forever Fund

www.GiveDoorCounty.org

We simply cannot know what issues or opportunities the future will bring, but we can be confident that the Community Foundation will be there to address it because of the For Good Forever Fund – the general unrestricted endowment for Door County. We’re here For Good. And we’re here Forever. This permanent pool of money is a flexible resource to fund our sustainability and advancement grants, invest in community projects, and support future programs of the Community Foundation.

Bargains Unlimited Charitable Fund

Since 1995, Bargains Unlimited has been a resale store with a mission, using its proceeds to support the citizens of Northern Door County. That legacy continues and expands through the Bargains Unlimited Charitable Fund which supports projects that assist working people in Door County or enrich the quality of life for our community’s aging population.

Community Investment Fund

www.CommunityInvestmentFund.org

The Community Investment Fund, created in partnership with Destination Door County, uses a portion of the room tax dollars paid by visitors to offer grants to projects that meaningfully improve the quality of life for those who live and work in Door County. The unique granting program illustrates how tourism can build a better life for the residents of Door County.

Healthy Water Door County

www.HealthyWaterDoorCounty.org

Door County’s unique geography makes our water vulnerable. As a peninsula situated on the Niagara Escarpment, our thin soil layer, combined with the vertical and horizontal fracturing common in our bedrock, makes protecting our water a priority. The mission of Healthy Water Door County is to protect our community’s human, environmental, and economic health by guarding against threats to our water.

Door County Mental Health Support Fund

www.LittleEddieBigCup.org

The Mental Health Support Fund was established in 2015, following the tragic loss of Edward Strege, a beloved community member, to mental illness. Access to behavioral healthcare remains a significant challenge in Door County, and the fund supports projects that strengthen community well-being by promoting mental health awareness, advancing mental health education, and expanding access to mental healthcare services throughout the county.

Women’s Fund of Door County

www.WomensFundDoorCounty.org

The Women’s Fund of Door County builds, enriches, and nurtures the lives of women and girls through collective wisdom and philanthropy. The Women’s Fund invests in educational opportunities for women and girls and supports arts programs which enrich their souls. It makes grants to promote healthy activities for young girls and to provide support for seniors. It supports efforts to improve women’s health and invests in initiatives that promote equality. Because when she thrives, we all prosper.

Door County Green Fund

www.GreenFund.com

Door County is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. From our lakeshore to the wetlands, our orchards to the meadows, the open spaces and our rural roads – there is something about the beauty of this place that keeps us here or calls us back each year. The Green Fund supports land acquisition projects in our community and also invests in environmental education, funds land preservation, eradicates invasive species, and supports other types of “green” projects.

Door County Children & Youth Fund

www.GiveDoorCounty.org/children

If the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams, then there is no greater gift to a child than to nurture their ability to believe in their own potential and promise. The Community Foundation supports charities that are working to ensure a brighter future for the community’s children – whether it be alleviating their burdens today or helping them realize the opportunities of tomorrow.

Door County Education Fund

www.GiveDoorCounty.org/education

Door County Arts Fund

www.GiveDoorCounty.org/arts

The “arts” describe a broad range of creative activities that can stimulate thought and inspire the soul. Therein lies the purpose of the Community Foundation’s Arts Fund. The Community Foundation supports creative charitable activities in Door County that use the arts to enrich the community and touch the lives of the people of Door County.

Education must go beyond traditional schooling and formal education. It should include informal modes of learning and extend beyond traditional settings. It must be integrated into the home and throughout the community – and education is not limited to children. The Community Foundation believes that learning is a lifelong pursuit – and nurtures its incorporation into the many aspects of life in Door County.

Door County Growing Older

As our population ages, many of our residents face unique challenges that impact their health, independence, and overall well-being. The Door County Growing Older Fund invests in initiatives that work to address the diverse issues and opportunities associated with aging, foster intergenerational connections, and help build a supportive community where we can all enjoy growing older together.

Door County Health and Human Needs Fund

www.GiveDoorCounty.org/health

It’s difficult to appreciate the incredible beauty and quality of life here in Door County if the very basic needs of your life are not being met. The Community Foundation supports charities that are working to aid those who live in the shadows of society – those whose health or human service needs are not being adequately addressed.

Door County Historic Preservation Fund

www.GiveDoorCounty.org/history

People have been coming to Door County for generations, each bringing their unique culture and traditions to our community. Working in partnership with the Clifford and Clara Herlache Heritage Foundation, the Community Foundation’s Historic Preservation Fund supports the appreciation, enhancement, and preservation of historical landmarks and the cultural heritage of Door County, Wisconsin.

CHARITABLE FUNDS SUPPORTING INDIVIDUAL CHARITIES

Many charities entrust the administration of their endowments and other funds to the Door County Community Foundation. It’s a safe and responsible way to manage endowed gifts, long-term assets, and operational reserves. The non-profit community also counts on the Community Foundation’s planned giving expertise to facilitate gifts into their funds. By aggregating these assets under the umbrella of the Community Foundation, economies of scale allow for a far more diversified investment portfolio and lower investment fees than any of the charities could achieve on their own.

As a donor, the Community Foundation makes it easy for you to leave a gift in your estate plans (or make a gift today) to as many of these charitable funds as you’d like. Simply name the Door County Community Foundation, Inc. as a beneficiary in your estate plans and designate the specific charitable fund (or multiple funds if you’d like) that should benefit from your generosity. If a charity you care about doesn’t have a fund at the Community Foundation, you can create one for them with your gift, or we can simply pass along your generosity to the charity directly. Our goal is to make it easy for you to give back to sustain and advance the community we love.

All contributions will be used consistent with the terms and conditions of the fund to which it was directed (if applicable). For more information, please contact us.

Bayside Cemetery Association

Bayside Cemetery Charitable Fund www.BaysideCemeteryDC.com

Belgian Heritage Center Fund www.BelgianHeritageCenter.org (920) -825-7319

Building for Tomorrow Fund

Lifetime for Education Fund

Now & Forever Fund

Scholarships Forever Fund

www.BirchCreek.org (920) 868-3763

Boys & Girls Club of Door County Fund

www.BGCBLR.org/door-county (920) 818-1046

Since 1876, Bayside Cemetery has been a spiritual place, possessing a quiet dignity that honors and celebrates the lives of our loved ones. The Cemetery’s tranquil grounds offer not only finely sculpted monuments, but also an abundance of Mother Nature’s artistic handiwork. The natural beauty of these 27 acres imparts a serene feeling in all those who walk in this peaceful park-like setting.

Bayside Cemetery provides families with comprehensive cemetery services of the highest quality. Just north of the Sturgeon Bay city limits, beautiful grave sites and professionally maintained grounds distinguish Bayside as one of the finest cemeteries in Door County.

The Bayside Cemetery Charitable Fund provides an opportunity for the community to support the maintenance of the chapel, grounds, and other facilities of this historic cemetery.

Starting in the 1850s, groups of Belgians left the economic hardship of their homeland and ventured to northeast Wisconsin for better opportunity. Here, they faced the hardships of creating a new home in a harsh woodland. The Belgian Heritage Center aims to share the legacy of those more than 10,000 immigrants and their descendants who greatly influenced the culture of rural Door, Kewaunee and Brown Counties with a farming landscape and customs which included the Walloon language, unique architecture, ethnic Belgian foods and more.

Located in the heart of the Namur National Landmark Historic District that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Belgian Heritage Center offers programs, festivals, events, tours, traditional and interactive exhibits, as well as resources for genealogical and historical research. The campus includes a museum in a historic church, a restored parochial school/convent, a traditional Belgian roadside chapel and a cemetery where some of the earliest settlers in Door County are buried. Oral history videos preserve stories in English and Walloon from Belgian descendants who have kept the language alive in Northeastern Wisconsin for more than 150 years.

Birch Creek Music Performance Center is a residential summer music academy offering advanced student musicians immersive, performance-driven training in a professional, mentoring environment.

Each summer, over 180 students attend their Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music, Symphony, and Big Band Jazz sessions. Students and faculty perform side by side in more than 60 ticketed and free concerts held in our historic concert barn and across Door County, reaching over 10,000 audience members.

They are currently focused on maintaining and enhancing their facilities. Key projects include roof replacement, wall refurbishment, and foundation restoration for the concert barn, as well as updating essential infrastructure such as water heaters, PTAC units, and other critical operational assets. Contributions toward student scholarships, faculty support, and a variety of naming opportunities are always welcome.

At the Boys & Girls Club of Door County, we are many things to the kids we serve because kids today need many things! Club provides caring mentors who meet each child where they are and guide them toward their goals. We offer safe spaces - after school and during summer - where kids can connect and flourish. Club delivers award-winning, high-quality programs that empower youth to excel at school and lead healthy, productive lives. With our experienced staff, safe environment, innovative programs, and distinctive experiences, the Boys & Girls Club of Door County furthers our mission of Inspiring Young People to Explore What’s Possible.

Crossroads at Big Creek Endowment Fund

www.CrossroadsAtBigCreek.org (920) 746-5895

Door County 4-H Leaders Foundation Door.Extension.Wisc.edu/4-H-Youth-Development/ (920)746-2260

Door CANcer, Inc. Fund

www.DoorCancer.com (920) 333-8050

Door County Auditorium Fund

www.DCAuditorium.org (920) 868-2728

Door County Folk Alliance

Door County Folk Alliance Endowment Fund www.DCFolk.com

Door County Habitat for Humanity Assurance Fund www.DoorHabitat.org 920-743-2869

Celebrating 25 years of learning, Crossroads at Big Creek is a 200-acre nature preserve and learning center in the heart of Sturgeon Bay.

Our mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through education, research, land restoration, and outdoor recreation.

Community support fuels our work—helping us restore habitat for wildlife and people alike, and ensuring our hiking and skiing trails remain open every day, all day, at no charge for families, school groups, individuals, and the broader community.

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development and empowerment organization. The 4-H movement is committed to providing youth development opportunities and promoting positive change for young people. 4-H programming aims to engage youth in activities to increase their leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. In Door County, the 4-H program is dedicated to providing Door County youth with opportunities to develop these skills and be involved with their community.

Door CANcer provides financial assistance for everyday essentials, such as gas, utilities, groceries, and rent, to Door County residents in active cancer treatment. Regardless of a person’s age or financial situation, Door CANcer eases the burden of financial stress, so families can focus on healing, not bills.

As a volunteer-run organization, Door CANcer raises what it gives and gives what it raises. To date, more than one million dollars in assistance has been distributed thanks to the generous support of our community.

Door County Auditorium (DCA) is Door County’s year-round, indoor venue for the performing arts, exhibits and community events presented by a diverse mix of professionals, regional performers and student artists. The stage has been graced by Lyle Lovett, Keb’ Mo’, Melissa Etheridge, Ira Glass, Ziggy Marley, Charlie Daniels and Joan Baez.

DCA is recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization and is supported by Door County visitors and residents alike through ticket sales, sponsorship, advertising, membership and volunteer labor. Annually, over 220 performances, events, rehearsals and school assemblies take place within DCA’s walls.

DCA is home to the Peninsula Music Festival which draws professional musicians from all over the country to perform nine symphonic concerts each August. The musicians, hailing from some of the country’s top orchestras, are conducted by Maestro Rune Bergmann.

In 1995 a group of folk musicians and dance enthusiasts, led by Cy Rosenthal of Sturgeon Bay, came together to play music and hold barn dances, bringing together multiple generations for fun and fellowship. Cy saw local folk bands as a way for musicians to play together, support each other, and improve their skills. Cy died in 2010, but the all-volunteer organization he founded continues his goal of building community through music and dance.

The central activity of the alliance is a series of monthly barn dances – all open to the public – with live music provided by the Alliance band, Sugar on the Floor. The Alliance coordinates regular music “sessions” to provide local folk musicians with opportunities to learn new music and hone their skills, as well as supplying music and dance for community and special events. Donations to the Door County Folk Alliance are used to pay for dance callers, rental of the dance hall, the organization’s insurance, equipment, outreach and educational materials.

Since 1994, the mission of Door County Habitat for Humanity has been to provide a hand up to help others acquire and own decent and affordable housing. They work with future homeowners to build new simple, safe, and decent homes to increase the inventory of affordable homes in Door County. They also work with existing homeowners to complete repairs they would otherwise be unable to afford or complete on their own. All projects are done in partnership with the homeowners as they are required to both contribute time during the project and pay for material costs with a mortgage for home builds and a payment plan for home repairs. Door County Habitat for Humanity provides a hand-up, not a hand-out to current and future homeowners.

Door County Historical Society Endowment Fund

www.DoorCountyHistoricalSociety.org (920) 421-2332

Door County Housing Partnership

Door County Housing Partnership Charitable Fund

www.DoorCountyHousingTrust.org (920) 421-5090

Door County Land Trust Conservation Action Fund www.DoorCountyLandTrust.org (920) 746-1359

Door County Library Foundation, Inc. Fund

www.DoorCountyLibrary.org (920) 743-6578

Door County Trails Fund

Founded in 1926, the Door County Historical Society (DCHS) keeps history alive for future generations. The Society operates two interpretive sites: Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Peninsula State Park and the Heritage Village at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay, and hosts several historical programs throughout the year.

Since 1960, the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse consisted of the keeper’s house and tower, oil house, privy, summer kitchen, and barn. The Society will begin another restoration effort to replace the barn and summer kitchen.

Heritage Village at Big Creek demonstrates the story of Door County settlers, their lives and sense of community. The Village includes buildings from the era post-Civil War to pre-World War I including a school, church, granary, blacksmith shop, general store, fish house, privy, period homes, a Norwegian Homestead, and a tool museum.

The Door County Housing Partnership is an independent, nonprofit organization focused on providing permanently affordable home ownership opportunities for working households living year-round in Door County. They use a shared equity home ownership model, and work with the community to provide the subsidy that bridges the gap between what working families can afford and what it costs to purchase a decent home. Homes are priced to be affordable to the working families that stable communities need, representing teachers, nurses, social workers, and municipal workers, to name a few. The DCHP’s unique approach allows the creation of housing solutions that will stay affordable for generations.

Founded in 1986, the Door County Land Trust is dedicated to protecting Door County’s exceptional lands and waters...forever. The Land Trust’s work ensures that life thrives on the Door Peninsula, its islands, and surrounding waters. The Land Trust protects about 10,000 acres which are home to rare and threatened plant and animal species. Through a county-wide network of nature preserves and nearly 30 miles of public hiking trails, these protected lands are a resource for people to experience, research, and connect with the most scenic and ecologically important landscapes that grace Door County. But there is more work to be done!

The Door County Land Trust Conservation Action Fund is the operational backbone of the Door County Land Trust, a nationally accredited and highly respected, not-for-profit, member-supported, local land conservation organization. Your contribution to the Door County Land Trust Conservation Action Fund, enables the Land Trust to apply your donation to the highest and greatest needs in land protection and stewardship throughout Door County.

The Door County Library is an integral, physical, and virtual gateway to access information, ideas, knowledge, and enrichment. Its eight locations provide a welcoming atmosphere and skillfully connect people with the resources they seek.

The libraries provide materials in a variety of media: books, newspapers, magazines, online databases, music, and films, plus the Library of things and toys. Year-round informational programs for adults and youth foster learning and reading. Public access computers and free wireless connections are available at all eight locations.

The Door County Library Foundation supports the Door County libraries in a variety of ways, making its vision possible with funding for important community learning projects. For example, it has recently approved grants for cooking classes at the Baileys Harbor branch and music history lectures at the Sister Bay and Sturgeon Bay branches, along with funding for electronic resource Hoopla and community programs presented as part of Door County Reads..

Door County Trails is leading a once-in-a-generation effort to create a safe, scenic, and connected network of bicycle and pedestrian trails linking our Door County communities. These multi-use trails are not just recreational—they are essential infrastructure that enhance daily life and long-term community well-being.

Trails support healthier communities, access for all, stronger local economies, and environmental stewardship. They connect people to work, school, and vital services. They provide safe, active transportation for residents of all ages and abilities, reduce car dependence, and help preserve the natural beauty that defines Door County.

Your gift to the Door County Trails Fund supports trail planning, design, and construction—along with the essential tools and coordination needed to keep this effort strong and sustained. Together, we can build something lasting—connecting people and places for generations to come.

Door-Tran Operating Fund www.Door-Tran.org (920) 743-9999

www.ESIEmpowers.com (920) 487-3541

Egg Harbor Historical Society Endowment Fund www.EggHarborWI.com

Ellie’s Fund Endowment www.ElliesFund.org (920) 497-8463

Ephraim Yacht Club

Charitable Fund • Endowment Fund

Aaron R. Moore Sailing Scholarship Fund www.EYC.org (920) 854-7107

Door-Tran is dedicated to connecting people to transportation services that are affordable, available, and accessible. In our aging community, reliable transportation is essential to help residents remain independent. They offer a variety of programs to meet local transportation needs, including Volunteer Transportation, Half-Price Travel and Fuel Vouchers, No-Interest Vehicle Purchase and Repair Loans, Vehicle Repair Grants, Referrals and Personalized Transportation Planning. Door-Tran also provides in-person, phone, online, and print support through our Transportation Resource Guide, helping individuals and families find the best transportation solutions available.

Collaboration is at the heart of what they do. They lead a 60-member Transportation Resource Improvement Partner (TRIP) committee and work with more than 40 dedicated volunteers to ensure transportation resources are shared efficiently and that more trips are provided across the county.

For over 50 years, ESI has served individuals with disabilities to obtain their personal independence and employment goals. ESI offers unique programs and services designed to meet the specific needs of each client.  From employment opportunities to day services, the programs and services at ESI focus on developing life skills and fostering independence, allowing each individual the opportunity to contribute to his or her own well-being and the community in which they live.

Support from the community goes directly back into the programs and services offered to the individuals served, making a difference and changing lives.

The mission of the Egg Harbor Historical Society is to make Egg Harbor history come alive for future generations through the collection, preservation, and sharing of Egg Harbor’s heritage. The community’s history is available to residents and visitors through the use of historical manuscripts, advocacy, historical presentations, and family history collections as mediums to facilitate bringing history to the greater community. Information and items of historical interest, in addition to onsite displays and CD programs, are available at the Kress Community Center in Egg Harbor. The center is open year-round. A tour of the historic and culturally significant sites within the Village of Egg Harbor is available online.

Although she was just shy of two years old, Ellie was an incredible source of happiness for all who knew her. She was such a blessing to her family that they felt an obligation to carry on her legacy by spreading joy into the lives of others. That was the impetus for the creation of Ellie’s Fund, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity. The Fund provides grants to worthy projects to benefit the people of Northeast Wisconsin.

First, it provides assistance and opportunities to young people in Ellie’s memory. Whether it be providing enrichment activities or meeting human needs, Ellie’s Fund hopes to help. Second, celebrating Ellie’s love for the outdoors, Ellie’s Fund provides assistance to initiatives which celebrate and preserve the remarkable natural beauty of Northeast Wisconsin.

The Ephraim Yacht Club’s mission is to provide outreach programs, equipment, facilities, and funding for sailing education, training, and competition to help students learn the life skills and values important in being productive and active members of the community.

The Ephraim Yacht Club (EYC) was founded in 1906 and operates one of the oldest and largest sailing schools in the Midwest. EYC’s U.S. Sailing certified staff provides instruction to students from youngsters all the way up through senior citizens. Lessons are held mornings and afternoons, and races are held evenings and weekends so students can test and demonstrate their skills. Students learn teamwork and independence by sailing small and large boats. Instructors emphasize proper behavior, sportsmanship, racing etiquette and a Corinthian spirit during all activities. Since 1906, thousands of students have learned the sport of sailing at EYC as well as skills and behavior that will benefit them and their communities the rest of their lives.

The Friends of the Pavilion raises funds to strengthen and support the Kress Pavilion and Egg Harbor Community Center located in the heart of Door County. This year-round facility hosts free and low-cost programming for all ages. Since it opened in 2018, the facility has hosted over 500 free and open-to-the-public programs and nearly 200 non-profit fundraisers. It is also home to the Egg Harbor Seed Library, Egg Harbor Branch of the Door County Library and Egg Harbor Historical Society. Funds raised by the Friends of the Pavilion help to support the building’s programs and continue to offer a space for the Egg Harbor library and Egg Harbor Historical Society.

Although tax dollars and private event rentals are the main source of revenue, the extra funding from the Door County Community Foundation account will support the level of services offered to all of Door County in perpetuity.

For Now and for the Future Fund

Peninsula State Park Research Grant Fund

www.PeninsulaStatePark.org

(920) 868-6256

The Friends of Potawatomi State Park Endowment Fund www.RunWild.org (920) 746-2890

Fund for Nature and Learning www.TheFriendsofWhitefishDunes.org

Gathering Ground Charitable Fund www. GatheringGroundWI.org

Gibraltar Area School District

Gibraltar Area Educational Endowment Fund (920) 868-3284 x231

The Friends of Peninsula State Park are committed to preserving and enhancing Wisconsin’s most complete state park so visitors of all interests, backgrounds, and abilities can enjoy its natural beauty. The Friends support programs focused on interpretation, history, education, and visitor services. Over 1.2 million visitors annually explore the 3,776-acre park, and all donations go directly towards park enhancements. The Friends recently funded 21 miles of new mountain bike trails at the park. Funds are now being raised for improvements at the Highland Trailhead, including a gathering space and an all-season shelter. Past projects include the new Eagle Tower and canopy walk, the Nature Center remodel, an outdoor amphitheater, and an all-inclusive playground at Nicolet Beach. Profits from merchandise sales support a summer naturalist, educational programs, and the purchase of essential equipment.

The Friends of Potawatomi State Park is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1995 to host the Run Wild event in the park. The Friends group has grown to include all aspects of preserving, protecting, promoting, and providing to make Potawatomi State Park a gem of the Wisconsin State Parks system! Friends members volunteer their time and talents to aid in maintaining and improving Sturgeon Bay’s largest park’s programs and equipment. Projects that the Friends Group have recently accomplished include: the installation of a universal kayak launch, park and trail clean up, installation of two new playground diggers, resurfacing the playground areas with wood fiber, assisting the Park Staff in maintaining the ski trails, funding the Park Naturalist and providing educational programs in the park, and much more!

The Friends are now fundraising for a new Open-Air Shelter at the Old Ski Hill Overlook as well as adding more parking spaces to that area.

The Friends of Whitefish Dunes, Inc. established the Carl Scholz Fund for Nature and Learning in memory of founding member and Sevastopol educator Carl Scholz. His love of Door County was evident in all that he did. His advocacy was paramount in establishing Whitefish Dunes State Park. Education and environmental issues were his passion and he guided the Friends group in the supporting themes of preserving the Park’s unique dunes habitat and the need to engage residents and visitors in learning about these habitats. This fund will be used for efforts to preserve and protect the Park’s unique environment and to aid visitors in learning about it through various Friends projects, including the support of an on-site naturalist and related programming.

Gathering Ground blends agriculture and conservation on its 40-acre working and teaching farm. With a vision for thriving communities connected to the environment and their food through work and play, we focus on sustainable farming practices with our diverse fruit and nut orchards, vineyards, and grazing sheep. We promote biodiversity, community composting, and support our local farms through our farmers market.

Gathering Ground offers an educational internship, Ground School, for young people interested in agriculture, conservation, and environmentalism, as well as programs for all ages, including our annual Dinner in the Vineyard, a celebration of local food and drink among our vines. The Grounds are open for walking tours and picnics. Join us in Planting for the Future!

The purpose of the Gibraltar Area Educational Endowment Fund is to provide a source of funding for Gibraltar Area School District. The intent of establishing this Fund was to provide an avenue for donors to make a tax deductible contribution to the district. Funds can then be used to support playground upgrades, technology upgrades, and grants that support the innovative, creative, entrepreneurial ideas of teachers. Funding can also be used to assist children and families in the district that are experiencing difficulty purchasing things like coats, hats, mittens, eyeglasses and school lunches. This list is not all inclusive, and consideration is given to where the funds are needed most.

As budgets get tighter and costs continue to increase, the need for a Fund such as this becomes extremely important. There is a need for this type of Fund to fill the gaps not provided by traditional funding.

Gibraltar Historical Association Endowment Fund

Gibraltar Historical Association Flagship Fund

Gibraltar Historical Association Operating Fund

www.HistoricNoble.org (920) 868-2091

Francis Hardy Center for the Arts Fund www.TheHardy.org (920) 854-2210

Harry Purinton Youth Sailing Fund www.SturgeonBayYachtClub.com/learntosail stf@sailtrainingfoundation.org  (920)743-6934

Domestic Abuse Transitional Living Fund

Eliminating Domestic Abuse Endowment Endowment Fund Established by Connie & Bob Erickson

Thelma Windhauser Endowment Fund

Katie McConkey Memorial Fund www.HELPofDoorCounty.org (920) 743-8785

Hope United Church of Christ Fund

Hope Memorial Gardens Foundation www.HopeChurchDC.org (920) 743-2701

The Gibraltar Historical Association was established in 1984 to collect, research and preserve objects and archival materials which directly reflect or illustrate Gibraltar Township history; to pass on from person to person, to advance history, and to educate residents and visitors about this history; and continue to work towards preservation of historical buildings and green space in the community of Fish Creek, Wisconsin.

The GHA maintains the Alexander Noble house built in 1875, the oldest frame residence in Fish Creek and completely restored and maintained as a functioning museum and an audio tour of 23 historic buildings in our town to share with visitors and residents alike

Preserving the past by operating a museum, providing historic walks, scheduling seasonal events and presenting a Gibraltar Talks series helps keep our mission alive. GHA is a 501(c)(3) and relies on memberships, donations, grants and fundraising to continue its work.

Established in 1962 in honor of Francis Howe Hardy, Ephraim’s historic Hardy Gallery is solely dedicated to supporting Door County’s extensive and vibrant visual art community.

Hardy envisioned the existence of a gallery that would support the development of a growing Door County art community, fostering its growth, and furthering the understanding and appreciation of the visual arts and most importantly, the artists of the Door Peninsula. Upon his passing in 1960, Hardy’s vision became a reality thanks to his wife Helen’s energy and financial contributions.

Today, the Hardy Gallery, as it is still affectionately known, has programs and initiatives that address the needs of the local artist community, creative enrichment of local youth, and is focused more than ever on Hardy’s original vision of educating the public and promoting the visual arts and artists of the Door County Peninsula.

Founded in 2023 in honor of Harry Purinton, a dedicated sailing instructor since 1953, the Harry Purinton Youth Sailing Fund aims to make sailing accessible to all children of Door County. Hosted by the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club Sail Training Foundation, the fund ensures that no child is left ashore due to financial constraints. Sailing is more than a sport; it teaches self-reliance, boosts confidence, sharpens decision-making skills, and cultivates leadership and character. By donating to the Harry Purinton Youth Sailing Fund, you help young sailors navigate the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan and the challenges of life with equal prowess.

Since 1979, HELP of Door County has provided programs serving victims of domestic abuse – working to improve the well-being and dignity of individuals, families and intimate relationships. HELP works to reduce the incidence of violence and conflict within relationships by providing free and confidential victim services including: Crisis Intervention, Safe Homes, Legal Advocacy, Women’s Support Groups, Community Outreach (including workshops, training and speaking engagements), Prison Outreach, Older Adult Victim Services, Transitional Living Program, Violence Intervention Services, Visitation and Exchange, and Youth Advocacy.

Beyond Hope Church and its current vision, the Hope UCC Endowment Fund is today, tomorrow, and forever.

The Hope UCC Endowment Fund grants support to our community, both locally and worldwide. It has been used to support the “All Hands In” Destination Imagination team as it raised awareness of the GO BO! Foundation Family Assistance Program. The Endowment has provided care packages to local soldiers serving abroad and helped support conversational English language classes in Door County. It has supported food assistance programs, installed a hearing loop in its sanctuary, and refurbished the Hope Library.

Five percent of the total is granted annually while the balance is invested. Community needs today do not end when we move on. In your will, as a beneficiary of your retirement plans, life insurance, other accounts, or trusts – give back for today, tomorrow, and forever.

Horseshoe Bay Farms Preservation Fund

www.PreserveHorseshoeBay.org

Legal Aid Society of Door County Endowment Fund

www.DCLegalAid.org (920) 743-3934

Miller Art Center Foundation, Inc. Fund

www.MillerArtMuseum.org 920.746.7124

Midsummer’s Music Ltd. Endowment Trust Fund

www.MidsummersMusic.com (920) 854-7088

In 2018, a group of community minded citizens came together to preserve Horseshoe Bay Farms. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was established with a mission to act as responsible stewards. Horseshoe Bay Farms’ goal is to preserve, rehabilitate, and activate this historic gem in Door County, ensuring its future for generations to come. With a dedicated board, a comprehensive master plan, and a group of passionate volunteers, Horseshoe Bay Farms is positioned for success well into the future. Horseshoe Bay Farms is open to the public, offering historic tours. The Farm provides engaging experiences for visitors of all ages and continues to rehabilitate its historic buildings. The Farm showcases stunning gardens that bloom throughout the year, along with Stickwork, a whimsical sculpture that adds a touch of joy to the community.

Isadoora was founded in 2002 as a company where anyone from the community could gain experience producing, directing, and acting in theatrical productions not typically accessible to amateurs. Our alumni have gone on to professional roles with Northern Sky Theater, Door Shakespeare, Peninsula Players, and Stage Door Theatre Co.

From humble beginnings as friends gathering to read scripts, to fully staged, high-quality production of deeply emotional shows such as Wit and Painting Churches. Funny and heartwarming offerings like She Loves Me and Striking 12. Provocative perspectives in Side Man, Waiting for Lefty, and The Laramie Project Examinations of the darker side of human nature with Assassins,Why Torture Is Wrong and The People Who Love Them. To large-scale productions like Chicago, Isadoora has gone to theatrical places over the course of twelve years that few small, non-professional companies dare to go.

Legal Aid Society of Door County was founded in 1989 by a group of local attorneys and human service providers who recognized that there was a growing number of unrepresented, low-income clients who could not afford family law services.

The mission of LASDC is to coordinate and improve access to civil legal services for low-income individuals in Door County. Most of these services are provided by volunteer attorneys. LAS operates as a screening and referral organization for potential clients who face legal issues that involve family law, landlord-tenant disputes, benefit entitlements, and other civil matters. The organization contracts with a local attorney who provides intake, screening and referral of eligible applicants at the Sturgeon Bay office. Legal Aid Society is an unusual nonprofit organization, in that the majority of administrative cost and much of the client service are provided by volunteer efforts.

Nestled in the heart of Sturgeon Bay, the Miller Art Museum stands as a beacon of cultural enrichment and artistic exploration. Established in 1975, this dynamic institution has been a cornerstone of the local community, fostering creativity and appreciation for the visual arts. With a diverse collection of more than 1,500 works spanning historical to contemporary along with regularly changing exhibitions, visitors are treated to a compelling and diverse array of art. From powerful exhibitions highlighting regional and national talent to thought-provoking exhibits that explore the depths, joys, and complexities of our world, the museum offers something for art enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. Beyond its exhibits, the Museum presents an array of educational programs, tours, performances, and events, engaging visitors in experiences that deepen their understanding and appreciation for art. With a commitment to excellence and accessibility, the Miller Art Museum continues to foster connections between artists and community through the creation of opportunities to explore, appreciate, and advance the visual arts.

For over thirty years, Midsummer’s Music has brought world-class musicians to Door County, creating unforgettable chamber music experiences for audiences of all ages. Our concerts celebrate chamber music’s intimacy, vitality, and variety, performed in galleries, churches, schools, museums, memory cafés, and private homes.

The Griffon String Quartet, an essential part of Midsummer’s Music, educates with youth instruction, enriches with health and wellness programs, and excites with dynamic community outreach. From beloved classics to world premieres of commissioned works, every performance is a unique experience.

As Northeastern Wisconsin’s only full-time, year-round professional musical organization, we rely on tax-deductible donations to sustain our mission. Join us in sharing the transformative power of music!

The Northeastern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (formerly Northeastern Wisconsin Audubon Society) was incorporated in 1954 and is one of more than 500 local chapters of the National Audubon Society. Their membership service area covers seven counties and 55 communities throughout Northeast Wisconsin, including all of Door County. NEW Bird Alliance applies the mission of the National Audubon Society at the local level in northeastern Wisconsin, which is to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Active projects include the Oneida Bird Monitoring Project, Project SOAR (Snowy Owl Airport Rescue), and Tracking the Phantoms: A red-shouldered hawk research study utilizing radio telemetry to understand the birds’ movements and migration.

Open Door Bird Sanctuary Future Development Fund

www.OpenDoorBirdSanctuary.org (920) 493-2473

Peninsula Players Theatre Charitable Fund www.PeninsulaPlayers.com (920) 868-3287

Peninsula School of Art Youth and Community Outreach Fund

www.PeninsulaSchoolofArt.org (920) 868-3455

The Richard Mauthe Center for Faith, Spirituality & Social Justice Endowment Fund www.RMCenter.org (920) 465-5133

The Open Door Bird Sanctuary raises avian awareness and inspires co-existence with the rich natural world of Door County, of Wisconsin and wherever people call home. Founded in 2010, the Sanctuary, situated on 34 acres, is the only facility of its kind in the area. It offers a unique combination of environmental and wildlife education featuring live birds of prey and interactive programming on site and off.  Birds that are unable to be released back to the wild find safe haven at the sanctuary.

The facilities currently consist of a Nature Center and the Bird Care Center, used by staff, volunteers and birds. There are multiple program areas, outdoor aviaries, several trails and a picnic area. Contributions will help with the continued development of ODBS’s Master Plan which includes a new sister building to the Bird Care Center in 2025. Long range additions could include a pavilion, a walk-through aviary, an advanced show area and visitor center.

Peninsula Players Theatre, founded in 1935, is America’s oldest professional resident summer theater located in a unique setting along the cedar-lined shores of Green Bay. The theater’s mission is to support, without reservation, the most exciting theater company possible; to preserve the Theatre in a Garden’s natural beauty; to provide artists the freedom, tools, and facilities they require to entertain, uplift, and inform our audiences; to foster future generations of theater professionals through the internship program; and to maintain fiscal policies that ensure the future security of the theater.

A contribution to the Peninsula Players Charitable Fund helps protect the theater’s past, while securing its future. Your gift will support a tradition of theatrical excellence and fundamental programming such as the internship program, educational workshops, free public seminars and staged readings. Help ensure the future of Peninsula Players Theatre for generations to come.

Peninsula School of Art (PenArt) is Door County’s inclusive destination for art makers, admirers, students, and advocates – cultivating personal and community wellbeing through classes, programs, and discourse. Since 1965, PenArt has been a leading innovator of creative experiences and arts education for participants of all ages and abilities. Each year, PenArt offers over 2,000 hours of arts instruction to some 700 adult students, and more than 500 hours of instruction to over 300 youth. At the annual Door County Plein Air Festival, thousands of participants engage with world class artists as they paint the Peninsula’s most iconic outdoor scenes. Dynamic events, workshops, exhibitions, and artist residencies celebrate and support people at all stages of creative life while fostering a culture of belonging.

The Richard Mauthe Center for Faith, Spirituality and Social Justice is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located on the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay campus, but independent from the university system. Its mission is to provide opportunities for the UWGB community to explore faith, nurture their spiritual lives, and serve others.

Every year the Mauthe Center touches the lives of students by putting together events that inspire respect and peace, and promote justice. The purpose of its Endowment Fund is to ensure that the legacy of Rev. Richard Mauthe continues to flourish. Today, it is invigorated to work with the next generation of authentic leaders to write a new chapter – defined by an effort to find innovative ways to continue to transform the lives of students and community members we serve.

Rogue Theater Endowment Fund www.RogueTheater.org (920) 818-0816

Rogue Theater is Door County’s community theater, dedicated to bringing high-quality productions and local talent to the stage. Since its founding in 2013, the company has performed at various locations across Door County. In addition to its productions, Rogue offers educational programs and theater camps for youth and young adults.

Their vision is to create a vibrant space where entertainment and art intersect, encompassing professional theater, music, dance, and visual arts while actively engaging the community. Located at the DC Arts Center in Sturgeon Bay, Rogue Theater is committed to developing a dynamic art center that serves as a hub for diverse community events.

As part of their ongoing efforts, Rogue Theater’s capital campaign aims to secure the DC Arts Center as a permanent home for the venue, with plans to include a dedicated set-building area, fly space, and enhanced lighting to elevate their productions.

Sevastopol Education Foundation, Inc.

Sevastopol Education Foundation www.facebook.com/SevastopolEdFoundation sevastopoledfoundation@gmail.com

History Center Building Fund

Endowment Fund • Operating Reserve Fund

www.SisterBayHistory.org/museum/ (920) 421-0285

Southern Door Community Foundation 1610 Orchard View Ln Brussels, WI 54204

www.SouthernDoorCommunityFoundation.org (920) 825-7373

Sunshine House, Inc. Fund www.SunshineHouseInc.org (920) 743-7943

The purpose of the Rushes Wilderness Foundation is to maintain, improve and provide access to the Rushes Wilderness Area while preserving its natural beauty. The Rushes Wilderness area is the 100-acre nature preserve adjacent to the Rushes on Kangaroo Lake.

Over the years the many volunteers and supporters of the Rushes Wilderness Foundation have accomplished this by: Maintaining and improving nearly five miles of trails in the preserve, planting and maintaining the Butterfly prairie, building the gazebo, planting and caring for memorial trees, maintaining the boardwalks, providing benches throughout the preserve, building and maintaining the observation deck, improving the area by removing invasive species.

This fund was started thanks to the generosity of long time Rushes owners Ruth and William Merkey.

The mission of the Sevastopol Education Foundation is to enrich the experiences of children for a stronger community! To provide support to the students, teachers, staff and programs of Sevastopol School.

Sevastopol Education Foundation, separate from the school, is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible. By supporting Sevastopol Education Foundation Inc. (SEF) you are providing a foundation for many to thrive. Schools need reliable revenues separate from restricted public funding in order to keep pace with advances in technology and to provide an innovative high quality educational learning environment. SEF is only able to carry out its mission of enhancing the Sevastopol Schools through the generous support of individuals, businesses and organizations. Teachers, parents, coaches or others may request money for projects, equipment or donations from SEF by writing grants within focus areas.

The Sister Bay Historical Society is building for the future with two ambitious plans: a new History, Arts and Community Center on its museum grounds (Highway 57 and Fieldcrest Road), and a Waterfront Museum on the Sister Bay waterfront. The History Center involves repurposing the105-year old Little Sister Barn, and is intended to provide additional space for museum-quality exhibits, research and educational programs, and community meeting space. The Waterfront Museum plan involves renovating the Bunda Boathouse, and showcasing the maritime history of Sister Bay.

These new projects will be wonderful additions to the current museum grounds, which include a collection of historic buildings and artifacts representing life in the early days of Sister Bay. Tours and educational programs are offered from June to mid-October. Your gift to the Historical Society can help fund this important work, whether it’s applied to the new History Center, the Waterfront Museum, or the ever-growing costs of honoring the unique history of this special place.

The mission of the Southern Door Community Foundation is to give support to the Southern Door School District in maintaining and enhancing its facilities and programs. The goal of the Foundation is to build community by providing financial support to the Southern Door School District so students have access to opportunities to become productive members of their community.

A variety of funds are available so that you may choose to donate to an area of specific interest. Funds range from interests in General Education, Arts, Music, Science,Technology, Athletics, Agriculture, Industrial Arts, as well as having numerous scholarship opportunities.

The Foundation can also assist other supporting organizations of the school byproviding a safe and responsible way to manage funds and assist in fund raising activities.

Sunshine Resources of Door County has been empowering individuals with physical and developmental disabilities since 1971. Its mission is to support meaningful lives and foster independence through day services, employment programs, life skills training, and social activities that promote inclusion.

The organization also offers Senior Adult Day Services to support families with loved ones managing Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, while Sunflower Cottage provides seniors with opportunities for socialization and companionship.

To ensure accessibility, Sunshine Resources offers transportation for all participants, eliminating transportation barriers. A production facility and resale store provide hands-on job training, while the Employment Services program supports workforce readiness with resume building, interview coaching, job matching, and placement to maximize success.

TAP Endowment Fund

United Way of Door County, Inc. Fund www.UnitedWayDC.com (920) 746-9645

Door County Humane Society Charitable Fund www.WIHumane.org (920) 746-1111

Door County Connection Fund www.WPR.org (888) 909-4163

Third Avenue PlayWorks is Door County’s premiere year-round, professional theatre in historic downtown Sturgeon Bay. Their mission is to inspire community connections and spark dialogue through wide-ranging intimate theatre. Third Avenue PlayWorks envisions a Wisconsin where everyone, regardless of background, social, and economic status, has access to cutting-edge theatre,while striving to be recognized among the leading arts organizations in the Upper Midwest. Alongside stage productions, they offer educational opportunities for all ages in their facilities and at local schools. They open their doors for community events on Third Avenue, additional events throughout the year, and partnership opportunities with local businesses and organizations. They are a home for Wisconsin artists, audiences, and for everyone who visits, and we hold fast to the “Wisconsin Idea” to improve the lives of all citizens.

United Way of Door County forges strong partnerships, focuses resources on what matters, and creates measurable results. Its vision is of a community where: family and community wellness are promoted; child care and early education are available to working families; basic needs such as food, shelter, transportation, and clothing are met; the lives of special segments of the population including elderly, disabled, and mentally ill are enhanced; healthcare is available to all; and youth are provided with opportunities for positive development.

Its aim is to use its expertise to add value by assessing community needs; collaborating with and ensuring accountability of partner organizations; and identifying and raising funds. It is a leader in Door County by facilitating, promoting, and ensuring the availability of services that meet the needs of the community as an effective and efficient conduit for philanthropic resources.

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving more than 40,000 animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and there is no national umbrella group in animal welfare. WHS operates shelters in Door, Brown, Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, veterinary services, retail stores, youth programs, community outreach, training classes, wildlife rehabilitation, and more. Like at all WHS locations, animals in the adoption program at the WHS Door County Campus have as long as it takes to find a new home. WHS is ranked 4 stars by Charity Navigator.

Since 1917, Wisconsin Public Radio has been a pioneer in radio broadcasting, providing strong, independent and meaningful public radio in Wisconsin. Educating, informing and entertaining have been at the core of WPR’s mission since its inception. Today WPR’s 34 radio stations, seven regional bureaus, three networks, website, online streams, and user-friendly apps serve local, regional, and statewide audiences.

WPR’s commitment to community engagement inspires programming that reflects the people and issues that impact Wisconsin. From thought-provoking discussions, to local and statewide news, to classical, folk and world music, WPR presents the highest quality programming available. Major gifts for specific projects as well as endowment gifts for long-term support also play an important role in funding one of Wisconsin’s most valuable assets.

The mission of Write On, Door County is to inspire and engage writers and readers of all ages, at all stages. Everyone has a story to tell. Write On serves year-round and seasonal residents as well as visitors. Free peer critique groups support writers just starting out. Monthly book discussions connect readers. Classes with published authors help writers advance to the next level of their career. Author events bring together readers and writers in a relaxed setting. These programs take place in a variety of locations, including the Writing Center in Juddville. The Writing Center is a gathering space and resource center for all readers and writers.  Write On also offers an author residency program, bringing a diverse slate of authors to Door County to write, teach, and offer public readings.  Visitors may enjoy the Writer’s Walk, 59 acres of groomed trails forming Write On’s campus.

At the Door County Community Foundation, we help build and strengthen community. We bring people and organizations together that want to make a difference in our world.

The Community Foundation makes philanthropy easy. We help individuals and families establish a customized charitable Fund without being burdened by the regulatory requirements, tax liabilities and administrative and fiduciary hassles associated with setting up a private foundation. Our donors can self-direct their contributions to specific charities, invest in broader areas of interest, or provide unrestricted gifts to a Discretionary Fund to address emerging community needs.

As a 501(c)(3) public charity, our donors qualify for the maximum tax deduction as allowed by law.

Since our founding in 1999, the charities of Door County have benefitted from more than $35 million that has been disbursed from the family of charitable Funds at the Door County Community Foundation. Our assets have grown to $75 million today, with more than $5 million in contributions and pledges last year alone.

Give today or through your estate plan. Give however it’s right for you.

Just remember to Give Door County.

Create a Philanthropic Legacy in Your Estate Plans

Gwenn and Joe Graboyes both grew up in Philadelphia, but their paths didn’t cross until medical school at Washington University in St. Louis. They fell in love, and in the brief month between graduation and the start of their residencies they squeezed in a wedding. Though East Coast transplants, they were quickly taken by Midwestern culture and its people. They decided to stay on the condition, as Joe requested, that they would live near water.

The Graboyes raised their two children in Milwaukee and, encouraged by friends and coworkers, began visiting Door County for family vacations. What started as an occasional getaway became a cherished place to reset and relax, and they quickly realized this was where they wanted to retire. Here, they found not just natural beauty but a community rich with opportunities to engage in the arts, environmental efforts, their church, and the many organizations that help Door County thrive.

Today, the retired surgeons spend much of their time giving back as volunteers and

immersing themselves in the community through their interests. Joe is an active sailor and biker, and Gwenn is a Master Gardener who loves “walk and talks” with friends and participating in environmental advocacy. Their generosity, however, didn’t begin in retirement. Gwenn traces it back to childhood when her mother asked her and her brother to donate half their Halloween candy to children in an orphanage. She and Joe passed this value on to their own children using three piggybanks: one for saving, one for spending, and one for giving.

The couple created their estate plan years ago, wanting to support the organizations they love long after they are gone. The Door County Community Foundation provided an ideal opportunity to discuss the couple’s estate plans and ways that their philanthropy could impact the community today. They realized they could do more now, not just someday. Their estate plan still ensures that, upon their passing, the Graboyes’ generosity will continue to support causes that strengthen this

The Door County Community Foundation’s services have really simplified our lives and helped bring our giving priorities into focus. They have helped reshape our concept of giving to meet the needs of nonprofit organizations within our broad philanthropic philosophy.

– Joe and Gwenn Graboyes

community that they love. And both of their adult children will receive Funds to continue the family’s tradition of giving — an evolution of that original “giving piggybank.”

“Working with the Foundation has been really spectacular,” Gwenn says. “To have the services and skills, the personalities, and the genuine warmth in this tiny community is truly impressive.” The relationship helped them streamline their giving, focus on their philanthropic goals, and support local organizations in meaningful ways, now and in the future.

Including the Door County Community Foundation in your estate plans is a seamless and strategic way to transfer assets to charity. Whether you want to support a cause you care about, give to specific organizations in your family’s name, or like the Graboyes establish a legacy of giving for the next generation, an estate gift offers a flexible, tax-wise option. Your assets, and the earnings they generate, can support the community forever.

Giving to Your Future Through a Discretionary Fund

For Bev and Gary Schulze, giving back, collaboration, and sharing are more than guiding principles—they are ways of life.

Though both had long connections to Door County, Bev and Gary’s paths didn’t cross until later in life. Each had experienced the profound loss of a spouse, and through that shared grief they found not only a deep connection with one another, but a mutual devotion to service, faith, and the Door County community they both love.

Bev, born and raised in Chicago, first discovered Door County while camping with her late husband and friends. The family returned year after year to Peninsula State Park, drawn by the landscape and slower pace of life. On a rainy trip more than 50 years ago, a drive around the peninsula led them to property for sale in Ellison Bay. They purchased the land and built a home, and after retirement made Door County their full-time residence.

Gary’s roots in Door County began even earlier. Raised in Milwaukee, he began visiting Door County as a child, spending summers camping at Peninsula State Park—experiences that sparked a lifelong love of nature. A former elementary school principal, Gary took pride in knowing

every student in his schools, reflecting his deep commitment to children and education. That dedication later inspired him to establish a scholarship at Wisconsin Lutheran College for students who might not otherwise qualify for traditional aid.

When Gary asked Bev on their first date, it was only fitting that he chose cross-country skiing at Peninsula State Park—the place that had shaped both of their lifelong connections to the peninsula. As their relationship grew, so did their shared passions. They hiked, skied, kayaked, played bridge, and deepened their bond through faith and a shared sense of responsibility to serve others. Just one year after their first date, they were married, with their seven children lining the aisle to welcome their new family. So active were they in the local bridge community that their wedding famously led to the cancellation of a large tournament— everyone was celebrating their union instead.

Retirement in Door County didn’t slow Bev and Gary’s involvement; it has simply evolved. Bev founded an adult day care program in Northern Door, served as head of the SCANDIA Auxiliary, and continues to volunteer weekly at Serenity Spring, as well as with the Egg Harbor Library and Fish Creek Historical Society. Together,

Sharing is the main lesson we’ve learned from church. We are responsible for everybody. If everybody does a little bit, it can make a big impact.

– Bev and Gary Schulze

the Schulzes are active members of Calvary Methodist Church in Egg Harbor, volunteered at Birch Creek, and supported the Door County Land Trust through events and outreach.

Over time, they recognized their role in giving back was changing.

“We feel so fortunate to live in Door County,” Bev shares. “It is a caring community. Early on, we volunteered a lot. Now we’re at a point where we can support the volunteerism of others. We hope our giving encourages others to donate or volunteer too.”

To ensure their values continue to shape the community they love, Bev and Gary established a Discretionary Fund at the Community Foundation. Designed to support Door County forever, the fund provides a permanent source of income to meet the community’s evolving needs. While the causes reflect the Schulzes’ passions, the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors directs annual grants to organizations making the greatest impact.

A gift to a Discretionary Fund is a gift to the future. Though no one can predict what lies ahead, Bev and Gary are confident the Community Foundation will be there—ready to meet new challenges and opportunities, just as the community has always been there for them.

Simplify your Giving with a Donor Advised Fund

We give to organizations that are having an impact on the communities we care about – and we like using our Donor Advised Fund at the Door County Community Foundation as the vehicle to do that. We find that the Community Foundation is well informed about Door County and it’s a convenient tool no matter where we are giving.

Steve and Lisa O’Hearn’s story begins in Wisconsin, where they each grew up and later pursued careers as CPAs. The couple met in Milwaukee while working at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Lisa stepped back from her career to raise their daughter and two sons in Mequon while Steve’s career set the pace for the family’s next chapters.

That career took them around the world – from Wisconsin to Tokyo to New York City – and after their youngest left for college, to Zurich and Munich. It was in Switzerland, while Lisa was nursing a broken wrist, that she made a declaration that would shape their future: when they retired, they should have a home in Door County. No matter where the O’Hearns lived, they made time every year to visit Door County – a place that already felt like home. Today, the couple splits their time between New York City and Door County, spending the majority of it here, drawn by the community and their deep commitment to it.

Wherever life placed them, community

always mattered. Lisa has a gift for weaving herself into the fabric of the places she calls home. In Door County, that has meant helping plan Door County Christkindlmarkt from its inception, as well as supporting other efforts of the Sister Bay Historical Society, 100+ Women Who Care and the local Green Tier Committee. Steve’s service is rooted in faith and guided by the belief that “what you do for the least of My brethren, you do for Me.” He gives his time and leadership as a board member of the Door County Community Foundation, the Peninsula School of Art, and the Workforce Housing Lending Corporation.

Their spirit of service naturally extends to their philanthropy. As Steve and Lisa explain, “We traditionally tended to direct our giving to organizations we were involved in, where we could see the impact our dollars were having, fully aware that service multiplies the dollars. But the more trust we develop in our communities, the more confidence we have in leaders, the more freely we can give. We have tremendous trust in the people of Door

County.”

Their financial expertise also plays a thoughtful role in how they give. Steve and Lisa are intentionally building their Donor Advised Fund with a long-term vision, planning ahead so their philanthropy can grow and support the communities they love well into later stages of life. As they explain, “We do that because of the advantages of aggregating tax deductions now [commonly referred to as bunching]. It’s a very convenient way to create more giving down the road.”

A Donor Advised Fund operates much like a private foundation, but without the administrative burdens, high operating costs, or required tax filings. These funds offer a flexible and meaningful way for individuals, families, businesses, or groups to stay personally involved in their philanthropy. And when that giving is done through the Door County Community Foundation, donors gain access to knowledgeable professional staff who help them explore the causes that matter most – turning generosity into lasting, community-centered impact.