The Fox Valley Region received a $100 million dollar estate gift from media executive David L. Nelson and his wife, Rita. It is the largest financial gift the region has ever received.
The couple lived in De Pere, Wisconsin and David helped mange newspaper publishing companies in Appleton and Green Bay before investing in radio stations and other businesses.
"It is a game-changer,” said Curt Detjen, Fox Valley Community Foundation President and CEO. “It will be a catalyst for addressing community needs today."
The gift ranks among the top all-time in Wisconsin philanthropy and was high enough to register in the 20 most charitable gifts nationally in 2017.
The donation, which established the David L. and Rita E Nelson Family Fund, will benefit the parks system, education, health care and historic preservation.
“This gift to the Community Foundation provides us and our area with a tremendous opportunity that we enthusiastically embrace,” Detjen said
The gift has the intention of creating a donor-advised fun within the community that will serve to create a long-lasting legacy for the Nelson family.
