The Tom and Pam Kell Family Endowment Fund has been on the grow for nearly 25 years. Tom was among the founders of the Community Foundation of Chippewa County. Those involved started funds as a way to demonstrate what legacy giving is all about and to encourage others to follow their lead.

The Kells met when they both resided in the southeastern part of the state, but relocated to Chippewa Falls to join Tom's father in the family business, Kell Container, which opened in 1964. They found a great place to raise their children and have been giving back to the community ever since.

"You can't find a nicer place to live," said Tom. "We have everything here, we have beautiful parks and a beautiful lake and good people. There's nothing else a person needs, but we do need to support it so it can remain successful."

The Kells are philanthropists by nature. Tom said his dad was always "donating to something" and had a special affinity for Irvine Park, wanting it to stay a gem in the community. Tom and Pam decided that they would like their fund to encompass more than one area of need, and as time has gone on, they've discovered gaps of support that they hope to fill through non-profits geared toward supporting the community and organizations that continue to make the community stronger.

"I've served on many boards in the community and there's not an unlimited amount of money out there. We have to help any way that we can" Tom said.