The History of the OAF
More than 20 years ago, passionate idea makers living in the Oconomowoc area sparked a movement. They imagined what could happen if neighbors dedicated to giving back in meaningful ways could join resources together to make positive changes within their community and beyond.
The idea of the Oconomowoc Area Foundation (OAF) was set in motion. The vision of our founding donors was to establish a community foundation that would partner with generous givers invested in perpetuating this spirit of giving into lasting legacies.
Since its inception in 2002, the OAF has awarded more than 5.3 million dollars to 135 local nonprofit organizations.
We are grateful for our Founding Members who pledged their support in the initial campaign.
Bank Five Nine
Richard and Karen Bertrand
Michael and Susan Bickler
Bruce and Joan K. Brown
Jerry and Jeanie Burchardt
Maribeth and Jerry Bush
Robert and Cheryl Butendorf
John and Judy Cooley
Dirk and Terry Debbink
John P. and Joan Debbink
Malcolm and Susan Dorn
Richard and Ann Gallagher
Jon and Mary Haas
Richard and Mary Henszey
Phil and Judy Holland
Jim and Gloria Holsen
Ixonia Bank
Audrey Keck
Pat and Mary Sue McNamee
William and Barbara Mielke
Louis and Lisette Morgan
Jacquelin Morgan
Tom and Lynn Mount
MSI General Corporation
Hilton and Jean Neal
Oconomowoc Kiwanis Club
Gary and Karin Perrault
Peter and Nancy Roehl
Craig and Mary Schiefelbein
Ron and Donna Schlender
Col. James and Marlene Schumacher
Rich and Kristie Shovick
Todd and Kirsten Sivak
John and Joan Snyder Family
Maureen Stapleton
The Hilbert N. Scherffius Fund
Chris and Kathy Thorsen
Ford and Bobbe Titus
Ray and Collette Warell
Gertrude A. Wilkinson
Media Mentions
OAF Grant Recipients Announced
Published in the Oconomowoc Enterprise October 2004
Foundation Organizers Give Back to Community
Published in the Oconomowoc Enterprise December 2002
OAF, Scherffius Grant Recipients Announced
Published in the Oconomowoc Enterprise October 2007
Adult Leaders Make a Difference for Girl Scouts
Published in the Oconomowoc Enterprise February 2004
Local Foundation Grant to Aid Hospice
Published in the Oconomowoc Enterprise August 2005
Oconomowoc's Kevin Pehler and his 3barn production team are not horsin' around
Published in the Oconomowoc Enterprise March 16, 2023
OAF Board of Directors
Published in the Oconomowoc Enterprise February 2006
Local Foundation Supports Scholarship Fund
Published in the Oconomowoc Enterprise May 2004
Grant to Provide Benefits for Free Clinic
Published in the Oconomowoc Enterprise May 2015
