The Story of the
Lions Pride Campaign …

The story of the Lions Pride Campaign is the story of one Lion’s dedication, love, conviction and action. That Lion is a former president of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation and a Past Council Chair of the Wisconsin Lions Council of Governors. A teacher, a coach, a businessman with boundless enthusiasm and energy to realize the courage of his convictions.

Today that Lion, DuWayne “Dewey” Carl, serves as Chairman of the Lions Pride Campaign. Through his efforts, private funding arrangements for the Campaign were achieved; without them the Wisconsin Lions Foundation lacked financial resources to undertake such an effort. His spirit, voice and support, both inform and inspire the success of the Campaign.

Work toward the Campaign began in 2003 with the approval of the WLF Board of Directors to retain a consultant to perform a Feasibility Study about the prospect for success. Results of the study were accepted in late 2004 and extensive planning begun. In May 2005 the Lions of Wisconsin voted to approve the Campaign; later that fall a Campaign Coordinator was hired and the Campaign was introduced in early 2006.

Donations and commitments approached $5 million in 2008. Major commitments appear to be accelerating and interest from the Lions Pride Endowment Fund has begun to help support Wisconsin Lions Foundation operating expenses.

The WLF Lions Pride Endowment Fund is managed day-to-day by M&I Wealth Management. Major decisions are made by an Investment Board, which is comprised of experienced financial advisors, both Lions and non-Lions. The Investment Board is guided by two formal documents; the Investment Policy and Gift Acceptance Policy.

Prospective donors may wish to consider a variety of available tax-advantaged and other giving options. These are described in detail under this web site section titled “Planned Giving” The Lions Pride Campaign staff is a valuable resource for learning more about the Wisconsin Lions Foundation and the WLF Lions Pride Endowment Fund for additional information and planning support about donation possibilities you are encouraged to contact the Pride Office 715.677.7000.