Announcing the establishment of the DR. O.J. and Betty Swenson Memorial Fund

The Waseca Area Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Dr. O.J. and Betty Swenson Memorial Fund. In an effort to memorialize and recognize the contributions her parents made to the community Barbara Gauger established this named endowment fund to be advised by the Waseca Area Foundation Board.

Mrs. Gauger said, “Dr. Swenson was a doctor dedicated to the well being of the people in the Waseca Area. He served the Waseca Community from 1926 to 1966 when he retired. While his commitment was to provide the best medical service available he also was a community builder. Therefore I want his fund to be a part of the Waseca Are Funds General endowment grant distribution process. Because of his concern for the needy and Betty’s concern for her church I would also like this fund to be available to, but not restricted to, grants to special church related projects and to programs that help the needy.”

According to Barbara, she chose the Waseca Area Foundation as a way to honor her parents because of the lasting power of endowment. She established the fund with a tax-deductible gift that will never be spent. However, earnings from her fund will be given out in grants to the community each year, forever. Knowing that in years to come the fund will grow through investment earnings and annual gifts to the community will also grow.

Mrs. Gauger said, “It’s the gift that keeps giving.” Barbara stated that she is impressed with what the Waseca Area Foundation has accomplished with the investment of donated donors and commitment its to the future of the community.

The mission of the Waseca Area Foundation is to provide an opportunity for groups or individuals to leave a legacy through contributions which build a permanent community fund committed to meeting the changing needs of the Waseca area. The Waseca Area Foundation was created from the contributions of Waseca area residents who shared an interest in the present and future of their community. A volunteer Board of community representatives provides ongoing leadership by identifying and addressing quality of life concerns. Grant requests are evaluated and awarded each year as funds are available. WAF welcomes the philanthropic partnership of all who share the vision of local money granted to local people for local projects.