On behalf of the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, please join us in congratulating Teresa Keenan as the 2024 Carl Tonjes Inspired Giving Award recipient!

Eddie Pinero, who narrates a daily inspirational online blog called Your World Within, said there is an expression that says some people feel the rain, others just get wet. It is incredibly interesting how the same subject can be interpreted so differently, which can plant the seed for different outcomes. He goes on to say well water is always 60 degrees. It is always 60 degrees in the winter and in the summer but depending on the make-up of the outside world, that 60 degrees feels different. The water didn’t change, the circumstances did.

Our life’s impact is no different. It’s not the world that writes the story, we do. Teresa is described just like that. Teresa has dedicated much time in her life, getting back to center, meaning what is important to her values of living so she could write her own story.

Growing up in North Fond du Lac and loving the small community feeling it gave Teresa helped the way she saw the world. Attending Presentation Catholic School and being a part of the last 8th grade graduating class helped frame her life. Belonging to Oriole nation, attending high school dances, and having committed teachers memorable experiences to lean on in life.

Teresa shows us that small acts of kindness add up to great impact. Inspired by the transformative power of homeownership, Teresa embarked on a mission of generosity. With each successful home sale, she pledges to donate $200 to the new homeowners’ chosen charity. This small but meaningful gesture sparks a ripple effect of kindness, connecting buyers and sellers with causes that resonated deeply.

As Teresa witnessed the joy and gratitude on the faces of those receiving the donations, she realized that it was not just the recipients who were being blessed. The act of giving had filled her own heart with a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. Remember that well water is 60 degrees, it will always be 60 degrees. The water didn’t change, the circumstances did, and it is not the world that writes the story, we do.

Over the last five years, Teresa’s generous charitable initiative has blossomed into a remarkable achievement. With the closing of her final sale in 2023, Teresa proudly reached the donation milestone of $50,000, positively impacting countless nonprofits chosen by grateful new homeowners. This significant contribution reflects her unwavering commitment to giving back to the community and making a lasting difference in the lives of others and staying connected to her center.

Like Teresa does through the Michael & Teresa Keenan Fund at the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, we can all make a difference. We don’t have to write one check for $50,000 to write the narrative. So, remember that well water is 60 degrees, it will always be 60 degrees. The water didn’t change, the circumstances did. Our life’s impact is no different. It’s not the world that writes our story, we do. But if you take the time to throw a pebble in that well water, it does create a ripple effect. Similar to a $200 gift after a home sale, we all have the ability to feel the rain but some people decide to just get wet.