West Bend's Independent Agents' Fund supports Midwest causes

Recipients of 2016 Independent Agents’ Fund grants include:

Cal’s All-Star Angel Foundation in Elgin, IL
Tom and Stacey Sutter founded Cal’s Angels after losing their son, Cal, to leukemia in 2006. The organization grants wishes to kids fighting cancer and provides financial assistance to their families.

The Community Foundation of Macon County and WSOY Community Food Drive Fund in Decatur, IL

Community Foundation of Macon County develops permanent charitable funds, one of which is the WSOY Community Food Drive Fund. In 2015, the WSOY Community Food Drive collected 1.2 million pounds of food.

Community Memorial Foundation-Froedtert Hospital in Menomonee Falls, WI
Community Memorial Foundation and Community Memorial Hospital launched a capital campaign to begin an extensive expansion and renovation to the hospital’s Emergency Department. It will ensure that residents and businesses in the community continue to have access to the highest-quality emergency care well into the future

Laura Baker Services in Northfield, MN
Laura Baker Services Association respects the life choices and dreams of people with developmental disabilities and helps them reach their goals. They create opportunities so individuals can design lives of their own choosing, which builds self-esteem and well-being.

Feed Iowa First in Cedar Rapids, IA
Feed Iowa First was founded in 2011 to help local food banks. They find open spaces to grow fresh produce that’s harvested to supply those in need with nutritious food. They also support beginning farmers through training and investments.

Make A Wish Foundation in Minneapolis, MN
The Make a Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.

PACER Center in Bloomington, MN
Established in 1976 with the fundamental concept of “parents helping parents,” PACER Center offers resources to families of children with disabilities. The Center collaborates with 18 related disability groups to offer health, education, and individual services to children and young adults with disabilities.

Wieting Theatre Guild in Toledo, IA

The Wieting Theatre opened in 1912 as a showcase opera house. Unique in its design, the early Wieting hosted everything from minstrel shows to political gatherings, then became a movie theater. The Wieting Theatre Guild is a dedicated group of members who work together to maintain the building and grounds, sell tickets to movies and performances, and sell concessions.

Wisconsin Dental Association Foundation – Mission of Mercy in West Allis, WI

The WDA Foundation is committed to making a difference by improving the oral health of Wisconsin residents through WDA Mission of Mercy (MOM) events. Since 2009, more than 14,300 disadvantaged children and adults have received in excess of $8.12 million in care at MOM events.

The West Bend Independent Agents’ Fund awards grants for sustaining support, special projects, or capital projects to nonprofit organizations representing a broad field of interests, including but not limited to arts and culture; education; the environment; family, youth, and elderly; health and human services; medical research; and community development. Grants are made to organizations within West Bend’s core geographic operating territory: Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Minnesota.

West Bend is proud to support the fine organizations that are making a difference in the lives of thousands of people in the Midwest. We’re particularly proud to be represented by agents who devote their time and talents to improving the lives of others.