Donor Stories

We are thrilled to announce and celebrate our two outstanding Partner in Philanthropy Award winners for 2023! Congratulations, Dr. Barbara Herzog and Donald Hansen!

Dr. Barbara Herzog: Barb has not only served as a guiding light in our community but has also been a dedicated champion of public education and the well-being of our youth. She has been a longtime supporter and donor of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation and Women’s Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, and has played an integral role in the growth of the SOAR Fund. Barb has served on the SOAR Oshkosh Board of Directors since 2008 and is the current Board President. Barb has also served as the Women’s Fund Board of Directors President, the Oshkosh Area School District Board of Education President, and has been a board member of countless other organizations including the Oshkosh Public Museum, the Paine Art Center and Gardens, and DARE. Her commitment to education and serving others has been an inspiration to us all.

Award Presenter: Beth Wyman, President of the Oshkosh Area School District Board of Education

Donald Hansen: Inquisitive, thinker, savvy, results driven, humble, big hearted, and kind are a few of the adjectives that represent Don. In more than two decades, Don’s generosity has touched nearly every aspect of our community. This list represents only a few of the projects that Don has supported either financially or through his commitment of time towards the mission of the causes he cares about: Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh, medical supplies at Father Carr’s, local catholic churches, playground equipment for the Oshkosh YMCA, a robotic arm for Winneconne’s stem program, the Oshkosh Public Museum, local Memory Café’s, and research and education surrounding dementia. Don has given many of these gifts under the radar with the goal of building community and creating a better future for all. It has been our privilege to walk alongside him as he improves the lives of so many.

Award Presenter: Karlene Grabner, Oshkosh Area Community Foundation Director of Donor Services

We want to express our deepest gratitude to both of these incredible partners for their tireless efforts and generous hearts. As a small token of our appreciation, your Community Foundation made a donation of $500 in school essentials to the Oshkosh Area School District in Dr. Herzog’s honor and $500 in school essentials to the Winneconne Community School District in Donald Hansen’s honor.