Voices of Impact: Building a Legacy with the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County
Our April 13, 2026 Voices of Impact session brought community members together for an inspiring and forward-looking conversation centered on legacy, generosity, and the power of having an endowment. This month, we were honored to feature the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, an organization that has been a cornerstone of youth development in our community for over 24 years.
As part of our monthly Voices of Impact hybrid series, attendees joined us both in person and virtually for a meaningful discussion led by Jenny Riggenbach, featuring Danielle Belsky, CEO, and Mikayla Kleifgen, Director of Resource Development. Together, they shared not only the story of the Club today but the intentional steps they’ve taken to ensure its future for generations to come.
A Legacy of Growth and Community Trust
For more than two decades, the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County has created a safe, supportive environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. As the organization evolved, so did its vision for long-term sustainability.
When the Club’s board began exploring how to secure a strong and lasting future, they turned to the Community Foundation as a trusted partner. That decision led to the creation of two important funds: an endowment fund and an agency fund, each serving a unique role in strengthening the organization’s long-term impact.
Together, these funds provide both stability and flexibility. The endowment fund ensures a permanent source of support through annual distributions, while the agency fund allows the organization to respond to emerging needs and opportunities through donor’s gifts to Club. This thoughtful structure empowers the Club to plan ahead while remaining adaptable in the moment.
The Power of Generosity: Joy Berg’s Story
One of the most moving moments of the conversation centered on Joy Berg, a donor whose legacy continues to shape the Club in meaningful ways. Through a planned gift, Joy made a lasting investment not only in the organization’s future, but in the young people it serves every day. Her generosity is a powerful reminder that philanthropy is not just about giving, it’s about creating something that lives on. Joy’s story reflects the deep connection between community members and the causes they care about, and how thoughtful giving can leave a lasting imprint for generations.
Creating Impact Through Endowment
Endowment building was at the heart of this conversation. For the Boys & Girls Club, their endowment represents more than financial security, it’s a commitment to consistency, opportunity, and long-term impact.
Endowments allow organizations to move beyond short-term uncertainty and focus on what matters most: their mission. For the Club, that means continuing to provide high-quality programming, expanding opportunities for youth, and ensuring that every child who walks through their doors has access to support and belonging.
A Community Ready to Give
During the session, we also reflected on the incredible opportunity in front of us as a region. With significant wealth expected to transfer between generations in the coming years, our community has both the capacity and the willingness to make a lasting difference.
The conversation emphasized an important truth: impactful giving isn’t limited to a select few. Individuals and families at all levels can play a role in shaping the future. By connecting donors with meaningful opportunities, like the Boys & Girls Club endowment, we can collectively ensure that more resources stay local and continue to strengthen our community over time.
A Donor Story in Action
Adding to the conversation, Marlee Samuels, Director of Donor Services and Programs, shared the story of Don Gullikson, a dedicated donor whose generosity brought this impact to life in a tangible way.
Don established the Lona and Don Gullikson Legacy Fund to honor his late wife, Lona, a lifelong educator who believed deeply in the power of reading and learning. Through this designated fund, Don chose to support the Club’s Summer Enrichment Program, ensuring that her passion continues to inspire local youth.
When Don visited the Club, he saw firsthand the difference his fund was making from the energy of the kids to the dedication of the staff. His experience serves as a powerful example of how philanthropy, when guided with purpose, can truly transform lives.
Creating a fund like Don’s is both simple and impactful. With the Community Foundation managing the details, donors are able to focus on what matters most: giving back in a way that reflects their values and creates lasting change.
Looking Ahead
As the conversation came to a close, one theme remained clear: this work is about more than today. It’s about building something that lasts. For the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, their endowment represents confidence in the future, an investment in programs, in people, possibility, and community.
We are grateful to Danielle, Mikayla, Jenny and Marlee for sharing their insight, stories, and vision. Their leadership reminds us that when a community comes together with intention, generosity, and trust, the impact can last for generations.
If you missed the session, you can watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel. We hope you can join us for a future Voices of Impact event as we continue highlighting the people and initiatives strengthening our communities.
Feeling inspired by The Boys & Girls Club of Portage County? Give to their Organizational Endowment Fund today or learn more about their organization.
Join us for Voices of Impact’s monthly with a hybrid format, setting the tone for thoughtful, collaborative conversations focused on leadership, data, and collective action to strengthen our region. Want to learn more about our Voices of Impact Series? We hope you’re able to come and sign-up for our May session as we host guests from the Rosholt Fair Grounds Building Project Fund.