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On September 30, the Community Foundation hosted its annual Himebaugh Legacy Circle celebration at the Fox Cities Environmental Learning Campus at Bubolz Nature Preserve. The Himebaugh Legacy Circle recognizes those who have made future plans for their favorite charitable causes through a bequest or similar deferred gift to the Community Foundation. This event honored the 329 people who have joined the Circle since its inception in 2007.
The Himebaugh Legacy Circle is named after Donald and Violet Himebaugh, who loved the Fox Valley. The couple – he an accountant, she a Spanish teacher – delighted in watching eagles soar over the Fox River from their modest home. The Himebaugh’s made the entire Fox Valley their heirs upon their deaths in 2004 by making a bequest of $16 million to the Community Foundation to use for whatever community needs arise.
Community Foundation staff members
To honor their tremendous gift to the community, the Himebaugh Legacy Circle was created to recognize people who, in the same spirit of giving as the Himebaugh’s, plan gifts to be made after their lifetimes. Under the care of the Community Foundation, Himebaugh’s loving legacy will forever shape the community they valued so dearly.
As part of the celebration, new Legacy member John Drengler, addressed those gathered to share how not only did the Community Foundation help him and his wife, Daryn, with their charitable giving goals but also helped them reconnect with their hometown.
Starting their married life together in Appleton in 1985, John and Daryn found themselves moving away from the area for career opportunities. While living in the Fox Cities, they were active volunteers and board members, with John also participating in the Leadership Fox Cities program. They loved the community; however, their careers took them to Europe and Philadelphia for a number of years.
New Himebaugh Legacy Circle member, John Drengler
Nearing retirement, the time was right for them to come back home. Impressed with the development of the Fox Cities, they were excited to get reacquainted with the community and find ways to give back by sharing their time, talent, and resources.
“I think it is important that the community continues to be enriched, diverse, and strong. I think wanting to give back and be a part of continuing that journey, we knew we needed to familiarize ourselves with what the pressing needs were in the Fox Cities,” said John. “We knew there had to be a way to work with an organization who really has their fingers on what is happening, not only the fun, exciting stuff, but where the real needs are in the community. We wanted to know who is being underserved and how those needs align with our interests and how we want to give of our time and our resources.”
Knowing the Community Foundation could help consolidate their giving, but not coming from a big wealth background, John and Daryn were unsure if they would be a good fit for the Community Foundation. Those fears were quickly put to rest. By reaching out, John and Daryn were able to meet with Michelle Lippart Hardwick, Director of Gift Planning, and David Weiss, Director of Donor Services, to find help with their charitable giving goals, including joining the Himebaugh Legacy Circle and learning about community needs.
“The Community Foundation has also been a door opener for volunteerism as well. It is not just giving a financial means. David opened the door for us with the Trout Museum,” said John. “That is really the exciting part – you can make those connections in the community as well as giving of your funds. A community foundation is just a wonderful resource for just so many things.”
Curt Detjen, President and CEO of the Community Foundation, also remembered Donita Gross, who passed away earlier this year. “Donita grew up in Indiana and spent many years working in education before moving to Neenah to work at Kimberly Clark Corporation. Donita had a passion for helping people and so did her husband, Roy. He honed his culinary skills while cooking for troops during World War II and ran Roy’s Lunch in Neenah for 15 years,” said Curt. “After Roy’s death in 2003, Donita honored their shared legacy by creating the Roy and Donita Gross Charitable Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. The fund supports charitable causes important to the couple such as education, housing, and music. Donita and Roy’s legacy will touch lives for generations to come.”
These are just a couple of ways the tremendous impact legacy gifts make in our Fox Valley region. We believe in the importance of meaningful relationships and the value of stewardship. As the Community Foundation connects people with local needs to make a lasting difference, we ensure that gifts last forever, so our community will grow and always flourish.
During the event guests also took a moment to remember those who are no longer with us, but whose legacy lives on. Those members who have passed away since October 2024 include:
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We are grateful for and humbled by the trust the Himebaugh Legacy Circle members place with us to carry on their legacy of giving,” shared Michelle Lippart Hardwick, Director of Gift Planning. “Their gifts will continue to shape our work, and we are honored to continue their charitable legacy forever.”
For more information or to join the Himebaugh Legacy Circle, visit cffoxvalley.org/himebaugh-legacy-circle or call Michelle Lippart Hardwick, Director of Gift Planning at 920.702.7622 or email mlippart@cffoxvalley.org.
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