The 39th annual U.S. Venture Open raised $4.83 million to end poverty in Northeast Wisconsin. The charity event brought in nearly 1,300 attendees and more than 900 golfers who joined guest of honor, JJ Watt.
The U.S. Venture Open has drawn hundreds of partners, golfers, and volunteers on the second Wednesday of August for nearly four decades. Since its inception, the event has raised nearly $70 million and granted $56 million to end poverty in Northeast Wisconsin through the Basic Needs Giving Partnership.
“Year after year, hosting the U.S. Venture Open and seeing the lasting impact it has on our community is incredibly rewarding,” Greg Vandenberg, director of giving and community engagement at U.S. Venture. “We are profoundly grateful for the continuous support of our partners and the unwavering dedication of our team members and community for helping bring this event together in such a meaningful way.”
This year, dinner guests were joined by JJ Watt, three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, and philanthropist. Watt made an appearance 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 of Hollandtown. Watt spoke about the importance of his Wisconsin roots, the history of his foundation during his college career, the adrenaline that comes with being part of something bigger and the impact of seeing people come together to support one another.
The U.S. Venture Open and Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, announced a $797,245 legacy gift to Pillars, marking the largest single donation in the history of the U.S. Venture Open. This investment was made possible through the David A. Thiede estate. This gift not only honors Mr. Thiede’s legacy and his belief in the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, but also ensures the continuity of Pillars’ vital role in managing 140 units of affordable housing across 37 properties.
In 2007, the J. J. Keller Foundation partnered with U.S. Venture to form the Basic Needs Giving Partnership. In 2023, the Basic Needs Giving Partnership awarded $1.4 million in new grant commitments and $3.86 million in grants distributed to nonprofits throughout Northeast Wisconsin across regions in Green Bay, Fox Valley, and Oshkosh. The grantmaking match of $600,000 this year from the J. J. Keller Foundation, Oshkosh Corporation $250,000, and $200,000 from both ThedaCare and the Thrivent Foundation lead this effort.
