Himebaugh Legacy Circle Appreciation Event Honors Those Leaving a Legacy

The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region recently hosted its annual Himebaugh Legacy Circle appreciation at The Hillside at Plamann Park in Appleton. This giving circle was created in 2007 and now has more than 340 members who carry on their legacy of giving by planning a future gift to the Community Foundation.

During the event, Curt Detjen, President & CEO of the Community Foundation, shared with those in attendance, “As members of the Himebaugh Legacy Circle, you are helping ensure our good work continues forever. Making the community one of your heirs through a planned gift to the Community Foundation, we celebrate you and the enduring impact you will make on the people and causes that matter to you. You make our community a better place for all of us.” 

As the Community Foundation celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, Bob and Char Sigman, Himebaugh Legacy Circle members who have been a significant part of the Community Foundation since its inception, also shared a few remarks. 

“The establishment of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region is generally attributed to Walter L. Rugland. Mr. Rugland was my Cub Scout Pack Leader and his son, Walt “Wally” Rugland was a classmate of mine from grade school through high school, and nearly a lifelong friend,” said Bob Sigman. “I was probably among only a very few to whom Wally confided that he was the one, while still living in Connecticut, had shared with his dad and promoted the idea of starting a Community Foundation.” 

Char Sigman added, “A little over 40 years ago, I read an article in the Post Crescent about Walter L. Rugland’s vision for creating a Community Foundation in our area. The article mentioned opportunities for volunteers to serve on the newly forming Board of Directors. Soon after I received a call from Don Herrling, asking if I would be interested in serving on this board. My answer was an immediate and enthusiastic, ‘Yes!’” 

Bob and Char had previously been active with several other nonprofit organizations because of their belief in giving back to the community that had been so good to them. They felt the Community Foundation offered a unique opportunity to make an even greater impact by bringing together donors and charitable organizations. Through the Community Foundation, more support could be provided to nonprofits than many could secure on their own. It would also provide people in the community with a better way to support the causes that mattered most to them.  

One cause that matters most to Bob and Char is mental health. In 1988 they experienced the heartbreaking loss of their only daughter, Jodi, to the scourge of mental illness. This circumstance motivated them to establish the Mental Health Fund, which continues today. By creating this fund, their hope is that the grants made from the fund may, over time, serve to spare other families in the Fox Valley from the sometimes-tragic consequences of mental illness.  

“The Mental Health Fund became a way to remember Jodi while helping others facing mental health challenges in the Fox Valley region, not just for a few years, but in perpetuity. That’s a long time,” shared Char.  

During this special time together, Curt also remembered and honored Himebaugh Legacy Circle member, Dave Horst, who passed away earlier this year.  

“Dave encouraged us to launch the Environmental Stewardship Fund as he loved our natural world. Since its inception, it has made 120 grants to 62 organizations within the Fox Valley, fueling over $385,000 of investment,” shared Curt. “Dave helped the Community Foundation become a champion for recreational trails throughout the region. When you see the Foundation sponsoring trail planning summits, investing in the next new trail or when you bike on a path or visit a nature center, you see the legacy Dave created and leaves for us to follow.” 

As the Community Foundation connects the generosity of people with local needs to make a lasting difference, we ensure that gifts last forever, so our community will grow and flourish.  

“We are grateful for and humbled by the trust you place with the Community Foundation to carry on your legacy of giving,” said Megan Schuessler, Vice President of Donor Services & Gift Planning. “By planning a future gift to the Community Foundation and choosing to make it known through your membership in the Himebaugh Legacy Circle, you are providing an inspirational example for our community.”  

Learn more about the Himebaugh Legacy Circle – Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region