Jesse Pickett

When tragedy struck, taking the life of 29-year-old Jesse Pickett in December 2013, his family wanted a way to remember him and carry on his legacy. From an early age Jesse had a passion for firefighting and helping others. As a Grand Chute firefighter and fire inspector, Jesse was able to educate people of all ages about fire prevention and safety. This work led him to organize the annual Grand Chute Safety Day. Now in its 13th year, known as the Jesse Pickett Family Safety Day, people continue to learn about fire prevention services and programs throughout the Fox Valley region.  

Hayley Tenpas, Brad Pickett, Megan Schuessler

During a recent WHBY “Focus Fox Valley” interview with Jesse’s brother, Brad Pickett, and our Vice President of Donor Services and Gift Planning Megan Schuessler, the two discussed how charitable funds with the Community Foundation are one way to leave a legacy. Through engaging and collaborative discussions with team members at the Foundation, a charitable fund, the Pickett Fire Safety and Community Fund, was established in 2014 in Jesse’s memory and has grown over time. Since 2016, the fund started providing needed firefighting equipment, safety supplies and training to volunteer-based fire departments in the Fox Cities area, as well as assisting disaster victims. 

“A charitable fund is a great way for families to leave their legacy by supporting causes most important to them and their loved one,” said Schuessler. “Working closely with families we are able to support their charitable purpose through grants from their fund to nonprofit organizations who would benefit most.” 

The Pickett Fire Safety and Community Fund began with $1,000 from memorial gifts and grew through various donations coordinated by family members and others. The fund was able to start making grant distributions after it reached a minimum of $10,000 for an endowment fund, which will make grants forever using a portion of the fund’s assets. Grants totaling a little more than $5,000 were made in 2023 to include support for the Jesse Pickett Family Safety Day, fire equipment and training for the Greenville Fire Department, thermal imaging cameras for the Village of Harrison, the Maui Strong Fund after the devastation of a community that is important to the Pickett family, and a $500 Jesse Pickett Memorial Scholarship at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton.  

“One of the biggest draws of the Community Foundation is our family has given strong direction that helps the Foundation find a home for the money and where it can be used best. That was really appealing to setting up a fund with the Community Foundation,” said Pickett. “It makes me feel good anytime we give money to a worthy cause that Jesse would’ve been there helping out.” 

We administer more than 1,800 charitable funds for individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. See our 2023 Community Foundation Charitable Funds list, Agency Funds, and our affiliate partners’ charitable funds: Brillion, Chilton, Clintonville, Shawano, and Waupaca. 

If you would like more information about the benefits of creating a charitable fund through the Community Foundation, please visit How to Create a Fund with the Community Foundation (cffoxvalley.org).