Tom and Louise Lea are a natural fit for endowment. They have focused a lifetime on improving their community, nation, and world. Tom has a passion for nature conservation and Louise's passion is education for kids with complex social and emotional needs.  

Married since 1962, Tom's job with the US Forest Service took them and their five children to four states. Louise's several college education degrees, including a master's degree in early childhood development, gave her the flexibility to work anywhere they went. Tom, a District Ranger, addressed a wide range of conservation issues and Louise experienced a wide range of children in need.

Returning to Chippewa Falls after retirement, they felt at home once again. And once again they knew they could serve the community they loved.  They leveraged the power of endowment by opening a field of interest fund to benefit education and the environment in Chippewa County.

"We have been dedicated to service throughout our careers. We didn't know about the Foundation until our estate attorney mentioned it," stated Tom. "Hopefully, this is a way that we are remembered. It is that our legacy will go on and on."

About the educational portion of the fund, Louise said, "I hope our fund is used for enterprising projects for teachers and students. That it expands students' perception of the world and offers different experiences than a textbook."

Being passionate for conservation, Tom said that supporting Chippewa County's resources like soil, energy, and water contributes to conservation on a national and global level.

Louise summarizes their charitable intention saying, "You become aware that we are minuscule and minor. And when we all get together, we make a major."