Barbara and Mike Tzanakis are what some people might call "transplants." In 1996, the couple relocated to Chippewa Falls from Pittsburgh for Mike's job. Moving with their three young children, Nikki, Christine, and Lisa, was a life-changing moment. Both of their families were still living in the Pittsburgh area, which meant their support system was not available to them.

"My job was remote," said Barb. "I didn't think it was going to be easy to meet people. I brought the girls to the YMCA daycare, and before I knew it, I was invited to serve on their daycare committee and eventually became a board member.

"From there, it didn't take long to bloom where they planted. Barb and Mike started volunteering and serving on committees and boards of non-profit organizations, including the United Way, the former St. Joseph's Hospital, the Chi Hi Booster Club, and the Community Foundation. Mike has been on the Chippewa Falls Plan Commission since 2002, and the couple led the fundraising campaign for revitalizing the Chippewa Riverfront. In 2018, they were crowned Oktoberfest royalty.

"I remember my father saying that you will get out of a community what you put in, and you should always give back," said Mike.

Now the couple is investing in the future in the form of the Tzanakis Family Fund, with proceeds earmarked for anything to benefit youth, especially mental health needs that they see as being widely underserved in the community.

"There is so much pressure on kids, with social media and the number of households struggling financially," Mike said. "We have to do something to support this generation so there can be a healthy community for them and their families."

The Tzanakis's are forever grateful for the warm welcome they received. "Our daughters had great experiences growing up here and have also picked up the volunteer spirit," said Barb."Chippewa Falls has been good for our family, and I feel the community had something to do with that."