The Welcome to Chippewa Falls U.S. Flag Endowment Fund was established to support the purchase, display, and maintenance of the large flag flown on the East Hill in front of the Heyde Center for the Arts.

"We have a beautiful, welcoming community, and would like this huge flag to be one of the first sights to greet people as they come over the bridge and enter the downtown," explains Dan Daniel, one of the proponents behind starting this fund.

"We also want to honor those who have served in the past or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces," added Don Bichner, another member of the visionary for this effort. Dubbing themselves, the "flagpole committee" Daniel and Bichner enlisted the help of Bob Hogseth in an ambitious plan to secure funds to provide for the ongoing expenses of purchasing and maintaining an enormous flag (25x40 feet), which would fly on holidays and special occasions outside the Heyde Center for the Arts.

The goal of the committee is to proudly display our nation's symbol and attract more attention to our beautiful city with its many treasured buildings and parks.  This large flag will stand as a beacon to the East Hill skyline and welcome visitors as they come in from the south and west.

Northwestern Bank provided the initial gift to start the Welcome to Chippewa Falls U.S. Flag Fund that first was a seedling fund, and after three short years became a designated fund, that provides a continuing stream of funding for the flag and its maintenance.

"I know contributions come in annually, whatever the amount, they go a long way. And again, it's forever. That's the beauty of it. It's just a wonderful asset for everyone that drives into town." said Bob Hogseth.