The largest single-day fundraiser in northeast Wisconsin got even bigger.
The U.S. Venture Open brought in a record of $5.13 million Wednesday to fight poverty.
The David Thiede estate helped shatter the previous mark by giving $925,000.
The old record was more than $4.1 million, set last year.
More than 900 people golfed, and close to 1,300 people went to last night’s dinner at Van Abel’s in Hollandtown. Those are also record totals.
U.S. Venture Foundation Executive Director Greg Vandenberg thinks there are a couple of reasons the event keeps setting new highs every year. He believes people understand that their work isn’t done, and that poverty is a complex issue.
Vandenberg says the community also has an awareness, and compassion for people struggling to get by. And he says they generously put their pocketbook behind the local efforts.
Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey was this year’s featured guest.
The community foundations in the Oshkosh, Fox Valley, and Green Bay areas provide grants to programs through the Basic Needs Giving Partnership every year. Last year’s total was nearly $3.8 million.
