In 2005, the Fond du Lac Area Foundation established the Legacy Awards to honor those individuals, families, companies, and organizations that have significantly impacted the quality of life in the Fond du Lac area through outstanding community philanthropy. Awards are distributed annually at the Celebration of Giving.

The Fond du Lac Area Foundation focuses on growing long-term legacy philanthropy so that charitable assets are available to help nonprofits thrive in challenging as well as prosperous economic times. The Legacy Award is given to individuals, families, or organizations that work in partnership with the Foundation to accomplish this goal. Legacy Awards celebrate the leadership role each awardee has in strengthening area nonprofits and creating a more dynamic Fond du Lac County.

2005
Virginia Gilmore
J.F. Ahern Company
Charles & Merle Henkel
Marie E. Kuber

2006
Michels Corporation
John Lent & Clarence Austin
Jerry & Dixie Sullivan
Fond du Lac Area Women’s Fund Board of Directors

2007
Ronald B. Sadoff
Robert P. & Gretchen Hornung
Raymond R. & Jeanne A. Colwin
Society Insurance

2008
Mary C. Becker
Dr. David & Kathryn Sweet
Gary & Janet Smith
Mary Lou Smith

2009
Grande Cheese
Joseph & Judith Berger
4-H Leaders Association

2010
Agnesian HealthCare
The Stone Family - Peter & Barbara, Adam & Jill, Eric
Charter Communications | Community Partners Award

2011
Joe & Dawn Colwin | Mid-States Aluminum
American Association of University Women (AAUW)

2012
Sheli Sadoff
CitizensFirst Credit Union

2013
Harold & Zoe Barfknecht
Cops for Kids Foundation

2014
Paul Graham
Richard & Ann Blamey

2015
City of Fond du Lac, 40th Anniversary

2016
Willard & Delores Henken
JoAnn Ward

2017
Thomas Herre
Harold Sabel

2018
Steve & Mary Millin
Birky Challlenge Group

2019
Joel & Donna Klanderman
Bernie & Kathy Jones Family

2020
We pause to honor and recognize past Legacy Award recipients.

2021
Giddings & Lewis Foundation
Cathy & Tim Mathweg

2022
Jan Schmidt
Rotary Charities Inc., Fund