Appleton, Wis., Aug. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The 39th annual U.S. Venture Open raised $4,825,895 to end poverty in northeast Wisconsin. The nation’s largest single-day charity event attracted nearly 1,300 attendees and more than 900 golfers who joined special guest JJ Watt.
The U.S. Venture Open has attracted hundreds of partners, golfers and volunteers on the second Wednesday in August for nearly four decades. Since its inception, the event has raised nearly $70 million and donated $56 million to fight poverty in northeast Wisconsin through the Basic Needs Giving Partnership.
“Experience hosting the US Venture Open year after year and witnessing the lasting impact it has on our community is incredibly rewarding,” said Greg Vandenberg, Director of Giving and Community Engagement at US Venture. “We are deeply grateful for the continued support of our partners and the tireless dedication of our team members and our community who help put on this event in such a meaningful way.”
Joining dinner guests this year were JJ Watt, three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and philanthropist. Watt appeared at the U.S. Venture Open and was interviewed by Matt Lepay, Voice of the Badgers. The dinner program was once again held at Van Abel’s in Hollandtown. Watt spoke candidly about the importance of his Wisconsin roots, the history of his foundation during his college career, the adrenaline you get from being part of something bigger… and the impact of seeing people come together to support one another.
In an unprecedented act of generosity, the US Venture Open and the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region announced a 797,245 USD estate donation to pillars that largest single donation in the history of the US Venture Open! This investment was made possible by the estate of David A. Thiede. This gift not only recognizes Mr. Thiede’s legacy and belief in the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, but also ensures the continuity of Pillars’ important role in managing 140 units of affordable housing in 37 propertiesreaffirming our commitment to providing sustainable housing solutions in the Fox Cities.
In 2007, the JJ Keller Foundation partnered with US Venture to form the Basic Needs Giving Partnership. In 2023, the Basic Needs Giving Partnership awarded $1.4 million in new grants and distributed $3.86 million in grants to nonprofits throughout Northeast Wisconsin in the Green Bay, Fox Valley and Oshkosh regions. The JJ Keller Foundation made $600,000 in grants this year, the Oshkosh Corporation made $250,000, and ThedaCare and the Thrivent Foundation each made $200,000.
# # #
About US Venture Open
The U.S. Venture Open is the nation’s largest one-day charity event dedicated to fighting poverty. Proceeds from the event benefit the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, which provides grants to nonprofits in northeast Wisconsin. The event began in 1986 with 100 golfers and has grown to 1,300 participants representing more than 700 partners who play golf at regional golf courses to raise money for anti-poverty programs. To donate or learn more, visit the U.S. Venture Open website. Follow the event on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
About the Basic Needs Giving Partnership
The Basic Needs Giving Partnership seeks thriving, equitable communities in Northeast Wisconsin. Investments are made in local and regional solutions that address the root causes of poverty in alignment with shared values of trust and collaboration, curiosity and learning, and equity with a systems-based approach. Grantmaking funds organizations in a 10-county service area in a way that not only meets current needs in our communities, but also actively works to break the policies, practices, and systems that perpetuate poverty.
To address complex social problems, we need to reimagine how we work together. In addition to making grants, we are also working together to create networks that can solve problems together, take action, and learn from each other. Working together and considering community voices creates solutions that work for everyone. For more information, visit the Basic Needs Giving Partnership website.
About US Venture, Inc.
For over 70 years, US Venture, Inc. has been an innovative leader in distributing renewable and traditional energy products, lubricants, tires and parts, and in using data-driven insights to manage energy and information in the global movement of goods. US Venture delivers creative, sustainable solutions that give its customers a competitive advantage and enable the company to support the communities where they live, work and play. Through the values embodied by the US Energy, US AutoForce, Breakthrough®, US Lubricants and IGEN® family of brands, US Venture seeks new ways to drive business success while remaining true to its commitment to making the world a better place.
About the JJ Watt Foundation
The Justin J. Watt Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides funds to 6th through 8th grade after-school sports programs to purchase uniforms and/or equipment. The goal is to provide middle school-aged children in the community with opportunities to participate in sports so they can learn the character traits of responsibility, teamwork, leadership, work ethic and perseverance in a safe and supervised environment with their peers. Since 2013, the Justin J. Watt Foundation has provided over $7 million in grants to 832 schools nationwide. For more information, visit jjwfoundation.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
-
US Venture Open raises remarkable $4,825,895 to fight poverty
