The Jake and Peggy Leinenkugel Family Endowment Fund demonstrates how philanthropy can be a lifelong joy and an eternal gift to a community you love.

As the public faces of the longest running family business in Chippewa Falls -the Leinenkugel Brewing Company-Jake and Peggy Leinenkugel are well known for their gifts of time and treasure throughout the years and across the region. They've made a significant impact through their service and countless charitable gifts to non-profit organizations, including schools, churches, health care and community events that bring people together.

"We've been fortunate enough that this fund has built up enough to give back to causes we feel good about giving to, even when Peg and I are gone," said Jake. "We know there's going to be a legacy there to continue to do that, for good, forever, to the Chippewa area."

The Leinenkugels remain active in this donor advised fund, deciding where grants will be awarded each year. They say that involving their family in these decisions shows them what they could make possible by starting funds of their own someday.

"It's wonderful for us because every Thanksgiving we get together with our family and say, 'Here's how much money we have from our endowment this year to give, and where do you think it should go?'" Peggy said.

"It's important to us that our kids, and their kids, know that communities become like Chippewa Falls because the people that live there care about the future."