December 2023 News & Updates from MTCF!

What's Inside:

- Recap: Donor Reception

- Making Donations by Year-End

- Welcome A New Executive Director & New Board Members

- Grantee Spotlight: New K-9 Yukon

- 2023 Grant Cycle

- Happy Holidays & Happy New Year

Photo credit: CB Creative Studios

Recap of Donor Reception Event at SIP MKE

On November 16, the Mequon-Thiensville Community Foundation (MTCF) held its first-ever Donor Reception at SIP MKE Wine Bar in Mequon and is pleased to report it was a rousing success, exceeding all expectations! With over 100 donors in attendance, it allowed those who have contributed to MTCF in the past to meet 13 different grantee award winners directly and learn firsthand how their financial contributions have been used to make our communities a better place to live, work, and play.

The atmosphere was lively, with donors, grantees, and MTCF representatives actively mingling, and sharing stories and ideas. MTCF is honored to have hosted an event that truly represents how coming together for a common goal and the greater good brings out the best in our community! Thanks to all of those who attended and helped make this event a win-win for Mequon and Thiensville.

Finally, MTCF would like to extend a special thanks to Crux Commercial Partners for generously sponsoring the appetizers and beverages, helping to make all attendees feel welcome and satiated.

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MTCF is Pleased to Announce Our First Executive Director!

Welcome, Deb Turk

Deb is a long-time resident of Ozaukee County and currently lives in Grafton with her husband, Glen; she grew up in Cedarburg and is a graduate of Carroll University. For over two decades, Deb worked and volunteered in the Mequon Thiensville community. Professionally, she served as the General Manager of Patton Printing, Ltd. While in that role, she represented the firm in the Mequon Thiensville Chamber of Commerce and served as a director on the Chamber’s Board. Deb is a former member of the Mequon Thiensville Sunrise Rotary where she worked on several committees and chaired the annual fundraiser.

For the past 16 years, Deb has been honored to care for elderly family members. During that period, she worked part-time as a Client Associate at O’Connor Wealth Management, Inc. In 2020, Deb left that position to serve as the primary caregiver for her mother. Deb is excited to be back in the community doing meaningful work for the greater good.

In addition to her role as MTCF Executive Director, Deb is the women’s contributing editor for Midwest Golfing Magazine and contributing editor for SpaTrips.com. Deb can often be found on the fairways and greens at River Club of Mequon. When not on the links, Deb enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, hiking and is a lover of animals.

Please Welcome Our New Board Memebers!

Nadine Guirl

Nadine is a Wisconsin native who has lived in Mequon for a dozen years. She spent her career in human resources and has over 40 years of experience in both public and private organizations leading both domestic and international HR teams in a multitude of business environments. While at Rockwell, Nadine was involved with establishing the Mequon location and furthered her community connections. A long-time volunteer, she began working with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ozaukee County as a Big Sister, which transitioned into a director position with the organization. In addition, she has held officer positions on the boards of Advocates of Ozaukee, Alverno College Alumnae Association, and Haggerty Museum of Art. Locally, Nadine is a member of the River Club of Mequon and currently serves on their Member Advisory Board.

Ron Gibb

Ron enjoys living in Mequon so much that he has commuted for the past 13 years to Columbus and

Detroit in his role as COO of American Health, First Health, and Aetna Signature Administrators. Before

2020, he traveled extensively which limited his ability to get involved in the community. His employer

has since restructured its operating model, which has significantly reduced the need to travel. In 2021,

Ron joined the Grants Committee and looks forward to getting more involved with the MTCF in his role on the board.

Phil Eckert

Phil has been a resident of Thiensville for over 10 years and a business owner in Thiensville for over 13 years. Phil and his wife, Krista, opened Glaze, a paint-your-own pottery and glass fusing studio in 2004. Originally located in Cedarburg, in 2011 they moved to Thiensville. In addition to looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the efforts of the MTCF board, Phil also serves as a member of the Historic Preservation Commission for the Village of Thiensville and owns two historic structures within the district.

Grantee Spotlight

The Mequon Police Department recently welcomed a new member to their team: Yukon, a police K-9. MTCF is honored to grant $15,000, to the department to purchase Yukon and train both the K-9 and his handler. This grant covers all of the expenses associated with getting Yukon ready for his new role in keeping Mequon safe. Yukon is the second K-9 on the force, and his addition has brought much excitement and anticipation to the department. The MTCF is humbled and proud to bring such an essential safety resource to our community.