Paul Walter Schaus, M.D. Endowment Fund

Feeding hungry people in one's community is a basic concept yet so significant to Paul Schaus.

"Through my church I volunteered at Agnes' Table, where I became aware of the need for free meals for people who need them," he said. "People were very grateful to have the opportunity to be fed."

Agnes' Table serves a free hot supper on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Trinity United Methodist Church in Chippewa Falls to those who hunger for food and companionship.

"Instead of making donations every year, I wanted to do something long term and more permanent. I wanted to make sure they have money to cover different expenses they might incur."

After meeting with the Community Foundation's executive director and investment managers to discuss fund expenses and potential earnings, Schaus established the Paul Walter Schaus M.D. Endowment Fund, which will benefit Agnes' Table.

Schaus has lived in Chippewa Falls since his work as an anesthesiologist brought him to the area in 1993. Born and raised in the Milwaukee area, he completed medical school at UW-Madison and his residency in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As he searched for work in a small town in northern Wisconsin where he could pursue his love of boating and outdoor activities, Lake Wissota was a magnet. People's friendliness added to the area's beauty.

As a physician employed by the Marshfield Clinic, he has worked as an anesthesiologist at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Chippewa Falls for over twenty years, and now works at the Marshfield Clinic Ambulatory Surgery Center in Eau Claire. His three children, now adults, went to Chippewa Falls schools.

"I wanted to have a positive impact on the Chippewa Falls community," said Schaus, who is impressed with the management of Foundation funds, giving him peace of mind that the money is helping others effectively.