Largest one-day event dedicated to ending poverty

(APPLETON, WI) – August 11, 2021 – More than 500 partners and donors raised $4,156,262 million at the U.S. Venture Open, the nation’s single largest one-day charitable event dedicated to ending poverty.

The 36^th annual U.S. Venture Open has raised more than $55 million over the past three decades with over $40 million granted to non-profits throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Grants impacted 235 collaborating organizations in Green Bay, Fox Valley, and Oshkosh.

This year, due to an increase in recent COVID cases within the region, the dinner and evening program at Van Abels was cancelled. Participants were still able to come together safely outside for the Welcome Reception at U.S. Venture Corporate Headquarters. It was planned to have more than 800 golfers play throughout six regional courses, but due to weather challenges more than 500 golfers were able to play at three courses.

“Throughout the decades, the U.S. Venture Open has had a tremendous impact in Northeast Wisconsin,” said Greg Vandenberg, director of giving and community engagement for U.S. Venture. “We’re partnering with non-profits in the area that target education, economic sustainability, physical and mental wellness, and social connectedness. Improving these areas has had a lasting impact on our community, and we’re thrilled to keep this work going with so many generous partners.”

Regional partners are crucial to sustaining the work of the Basic Needs Giving partnership. The
J. J. Keller Foundation grant-making investment of $800,000 has been joined by lead grant partners, including Oshkosh Corporation at $250,000, ThedaCare at $200,000, and Thrivent at $200,000. This brings the grant matching to $1.45 million, effectively matching every dollar donated through the event.

“The most exciting thing about this year was that we were able to bring back some pieces of the in-person event to celebrate the generosity of our partners and the year-round work of our local nonprofits to end poverty,” said Vandenberg.

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U.S. Venture Open

The U.S. Venture Open is the nation’s single largest one-day charitable event dedicated to ending poverty. Funds from the event are held within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, and the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, with grants made to collaborating non-profit organizations across Northeast Wisconsin. The event started in 1986 with 100 golfers and has grown to 1,100 attendees representing more than 500 partners who golf at regional courses to raise money for programs that help end poverty. To donate and/or register to attend the event, visit the U.S. Venture Open website. Follow the event on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

About the Basic Needs Giving Partnership

The Basic Needs Giving Partnership aims to end poverty in Northeast Wisconsin. The funds raised through the U.S. Venture Open from generous corporations, family foundations, and individuals are administered by grant teams established at three community foundations. The awarded grants support non-profits collaborating to coordinate services for people in need throughout Northeast Wisconsin, with a focus on the organizations that are embracing continuous improvement, social innovation, shared measurement, sustainability, and scalability.

About U.S. Venture, Inc.

For more than 65 years, U.S. Venture, Inc. has been recognized as an innovative leader in the distribution of petroleum and renewable energy products, lubricants, tires, and parts, and using data-driven insights to manage energy and information in the global movement of goods. U.S. Venture delivers unconventional, creative solutions that give their customers a competitive edge, and enables the company to support the communities in which they live, work, and play. Through the values lived by the business divisions: U.S. Oil, U.S. AutoForce®, Tire’s Warehouse, U.S. Gain, Breakthrough, U.S. Lubricants, U.S. Petroleum Equipment, and IGEN, U.S. Venture seeks new ways to drive business success while being steadfast in their commitment to making the world a better place.

Contact Information:

Dawn Ruchala

Manager, U.S. Venture Open

[email protected], 920-243-2529