Funds raised will support regional non-profits in fight against poverty
For more information, Contact:
Mary Schmidt, mkschmidt@centurytel.net,
Cell: 920-284-7165
Sarah Schmidt, ssschmidt@usoil.com,
Family President, U.S. Oil Co., Inc.
Cell: 847.276.1548
Terri Green, tgreen@usoil.com,
Event Coordinator, U.S. Oil Co., Inc.
Business: 920.831.8818; Cell: 920.213.4601
The U.S. Oil Open hopes to surpass last year’s record-breaking accomplishment of raising $1.253 million for basic needs in Northeast Wisconsin.
Organizers of the golf outing hope to top last year’s total thanks to participation from more than 700 people representing 250 businesses, foundations and community non-profit organizations. On Wednesday, August 12, golfers and volunteers will come together to support the fight against poverty. Four local golf courses will be staffed by more than 100 volunteers ready to kick off the largest charity golf outing in the region. Combined Locks based U.S. Oil Co. Inc. hosts the event by paying all event expenses so that all fund generated through event sponsorships and donations go to the U.S. Oil Open Fund for Basic Needs, a fund established within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation and the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation.
Over the 24-year history of the event, the U.S. Oil Open has raised more than $10 million. In that time, more than $6 Million has been given in grants to non-profit organizations in the communities of the Fox Valley and Green Bay and more recently Oshkosh.
The U.S. Oil Open Fund for Basic Needs has paved the way for collaboration between funders and non-profit organizations passionate about fighting poverty in Northeast Wisconsin. The Basic Needs Giving Partnership was launched in 2008 when the J. J. Keller Foundation decided to match the grant making budget of the U.S. Oil Open Fund for Basic Needs. Since that time, the Basic Needs Giving Partnership granted more than $2 million to non-profits getting to the root causes of poverty.
In May of 2009, the Basic Needs Giving Partnership granted funds to 31 lead organizations and many other collaborating agencies throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Funding is concentrated in organizations that address basic needs for children, working families, seniors and chronic health problems
“The most important thing we can do as a family and as an organization is to help others in need,” said Bill Schmidt, Chairman Emeritus of U.S. Oil Co., Inc. and founder of the event. “Years ago our objective was to make life easier for our neighbors who needed help. Thanks to our friends and business partners, we have been able to make sure people who really need help have their basic needs taken care of.”
Participants in the 2009 U.S. Oil Open will gather for breakfast and 18 holes of golf at one of four courses: Mid-Vallee in DePere, Countryside in Kaukauna, Wander Springs in Greenleaf, and Fox Valley Golf Club in Freedom. Special guest Nancy Lopez, will be in attendance and will conduct a women’s golf clinic on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at Fox Valley Golf Club. Lopez will also visit with golfers on Wednesday. Governor Jim Doyle will attend the kick-off of the event at MidVallee Golf Club in DePere on Wednesday morning.
The event culminates with a dinner, program, and auction at Van Abel’s Supper Club in Hollandtown where three-time LPGA Champion Nancy Lopez will address the 600 event participants.
As the host of the U.S. Oil Open, U.S. Oil Co., Inc. pays for all the expenses of the event. This means that every dollar contributed by sponsors and participants goes directly to the Community Foundations for the Fox Valley, Green Bay and Oshkosh regions. Funds are then managed by advisory committees at each of the Community Foundations, with 10 percent of the fund balance being given to non-profit organizations in grants annually.
# # # # # # #
MEDIA NOTES
If you are interested in covering Gov. Jim Doyle’s visit, please contact Mary K. Schmidt at 284-7165
