By Jim Robinson

Special to The Gazette

Enhancing Leadership was the theme for the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin’s annual appreciation event, attended by over 100 community-minded people at SentryWorld on Nov. 9. Enhancing Leadership, as explained by CFCWI past president Jim Canales and Executive Director Erin Andrews, means the organization is undertaking a comprehensive strategic plan where they strive, by year 2025, to be known as:

– A leading community partner in identifying needs and issues while proposing opportunities and solutions that make our communities a great place to live.

– The go-to place for donors to create their legacy by addressing community needs.

– A community philanthropy organization dedicated to connecting its funds and funders to innovative programs and initiatives.

Over the past 35 years, the Community Foundation has grown from a small local fund in 1982 to an influential source for good throughout Portage and Waushara Counties, with 280 funds and assets totaling over $20 million.

Guest speakers represented both the donors and grant recipients of the Foundation. Mary Patoka from CAP Services highlighted the Skills Enhancement Program and illustrated how important it is to offer a helping hand to those who need additional skills and education in order to support themselves and their families.

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