Author: Brian Buckner

Tocqueville Society Members Inspire a New Generation of Philanthropic Leaders

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Tocqueville Society Members Inspire a New Generation of Philanthropic Leaders

At this year’s Tocqueville Dinner, we celebrated a remarkable milestone: 50 new members joined the Tocqueville Society over the last year. This achievement is a testament to the power of our Tocqueville community. It was only possible because you, our dedicated members, invited friends, colleagues and peers to join you in making a significant investment in Dane County. Your belief in the transformative power of philanthropy continues to light the way.

This year, Tocqueville members have carried that torch forward with purpose and passion. Through personal conversations, workplace gatherings and special events, you’ve shared your stories: how you started, why you give and what it means to live generously. These moments have sparked curiosity and inspired action, helping to shape the next generation of philanthropic leaders.

On September 30, Mike Victorson, CEO of M3 Insurance and Tocqueville Member since 2004, joined LINC for Young Professionals member Jackson LeRoy for a Leadership Spotlight conversation. LINC brings early-career professionals together and provides opportunities for volunteering, philanthropy and professional development. “Good philanthropy is good business, and good business is good philanthropy,” he said. “United Way was crucial for building my local network. The number one place for me to get connected to people and business leaders was with United Way of Dane County.”

Just a few weeks later, on October 23, members of our Emerging Philanthropic Leaders task force hosted a special event in partnership with National Guardian Life. The event featured a panel of Tocqueville members: Cheryl DeMars (Retired CEO, The Alliance), Nyra Jordan (Associate Vice President, Community & Social Impact, American Family Insurance) and Kevin Tebrinke (Strategic Advisor – Science and Technology, J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.) alongside United Way Board member Ashley Quinto Powell (Founder, myVA Rocks). Together, they explored what drives people to give, how philanthropy evolves over a career and their personal decisions behind joining the Tocqueville Society.

Panelists shared powerful reflections: Kevin shared about getting his start in philanthropy early in his career through his labor union; Nyra shared how being part of Tocqueville has become part of the leadership culture at American Family Insurance; Ashley highlighted her holistic involvement across United Way initiatives as both a donor and volunteer; and Cheryl emphasized how inviting others to join Tocqueville has deepened her relationships and expanded her impact.

As Madison enters a new era of giving, bolstered by a transformative gift from the Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation, Tocqueville members are leading the way. Your stories, generosity and leadership are shaping a future where philanthropy is bold, inclusive and deeply rooted in community.

Together, We Can Help Families Through Crisis

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Together, We Can Help Families Through Crisis

Dear Friends, 

In challenging times, it’s natural to ask, “Who is leading in crisis? What is United Way doing to help?” These are the questions many are asking as our community faces continued uncertainty and families experience growing hardships.  

Right now, people are turning to United Way’s 211, the most comprehensive health and human resource emergency line – many for the first time – seeking help for basic needs: food and shelter. Our calls to 211 have increased 147% and our partner agencies are seeing the same steep rise in requests for support. Starting in November, benefits for FoodShare members will be delayed, which will significantly harm the roughly 65,000 Dane County residents that rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on the table. This includes children, seniors, veterans, disabled persons & others struggling to meet their essential food needs. 

For over a century, United Way has brought our community together to address our toughest issues and most urgent needs. As a volunteer-led organization, we are now gathering a delegation of community leaders to help us shape the community response and ensure that local families receive the help they need.  

While we continue raising critical dollars through our campaign, we know this is both a time when our families need us to step up – and a time when our community is looking for opportunities to respond to the mounting needs in ways that are effective and thoughtful. 

To meet this growing demand, we have launched a Major Gifts Taskforce to invite those who can give significant gifts to support the increased needs. We are asking everyone in our community to consider giving an additional gift to help. Our goal is to raise $600,000 by the end of 2025, and continue raising more in 2026 based on the greatest needs at that time. 

If you’d like to talk about the options for an additional gift, please reach out to Maggie Porter Kratz at Maggie.porterkratz@uwdc.org or 608-246-4344. 

We promise to report back on the ways that we mobilize every single dollar entrusted to us.  

 

With deep gratitude,  

Jay Sekelsky

Community Resiliency Taskforce Chair

Renee Moe,

President & CEO, United Way of Dane County

P.S. This comes with another advantage – The Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation covers the administrative costs for all individual gifts directly to United Way. That means 100% of your gift will go right into community work.  

Building a Better Dane County: Erica Mullin’s Blueprint for Change

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Building a Better Dane County: Erica Mullin’s Blueprint for Change

Earlier this year, Erica Mullins was announced as the new President and CEO of Strang, the first woman and interior designer in the company’s history. Recently honored on the In Business Magazine Power 100 list, Erica is defined as a leader who is driving economic growth and helping shape our community into a thriving place to work, learn and live.  

Erica has been a dedicated supporter of United Way of Dane County for the past 11 years. Her first introduction to United Way came through Strang’s workplace campaign and what began as a simple payroll deduction quickly grew into a deeper commitment to community involvement. Over the years, she has taken on various volunteer roles, became an active member of Women United, helped lead her company’s campaign, became a Lead United Ambassador and most recently joined the Lead United Council.  

One cause that resonates deeply with Erica is housing. She’s passionate about ensuring everyone has a safe place to live and has come to understand how stable housing affects nearly every aspect of life, from health and financial stability to childhood development and education. “Seeing how all of that connects back to something as basic as housing has really stuck with me,” she says. 

She believes that meaningful change happens when people come together to share their time, resources and voices. Her goal is to support initiatives that make a tangible difference and to encourage others to get involved alongside her. Volunteering has become a grounding experience, offering perspective and gratitude. “Every time I volunteer, I’m struck by the generosity and selflessness of people who are working so hard and often quietly, on behalf of others,” she reflects. 

To Erica, philanthropic leadership means leading by example, not just through giving, but by inspiring others to give of themselves. It’s about building a culture of generosity and shared responsibility. That’s why she originally joined Lead United through the United Way Step-Up Program, seeing it as a natural next step in her journey to give back as her career progressed. 

Erica has called Dane County home for the past 11 years and her appreciation for the area runs deep. She finds joy in the simple beauty of the lakes, whether it’s boating or walking along the shoreline or enjoying the vibrant local food scene. One of her favorite places to recharge is Morton Forest in the Driftless Region, especially during the fall when the colors are at their peak. For Erica, Dane County isn’t just where she lives, it’s a place that fuels her passion for connection and creativity. Her story is a testament to how small actions can lead to lasting impact and how one person’s commitment can inspire a ripple effect of generosity throughout the community.

Celebrating Impact: A Night of Gratitude, Generosity and Growth

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Celebrating Impact:

A Night of Gratitude, Generosity and Growth

On a beautiful September evening overlooking the Capitol from Top of the Park, the Tocqueville Society gathered for its annual Membership Dinner, a celebration of community, commitment and collective impact. 

The evening began with a reception to welcome our newest members. Chris Copeland, Tocqueville Society Chair, and Tyler Knowles, New Member Reception sponsor from Heckmann Financial, offered heartfelt remarks and a celebratory toast, setting the tone for a night filled with gratitude and celebration. 

As the sun set, guests moved into the Hall of Wisconsin for dinner, where Yasir Kamal from American Family Insurance and Don Bernards from Baker Tilly raised a toast to the power of philanthropy. Chris Copeland recognized the 50 new members who joined this year, celebrated those marking 10 years of giving and proudly announced that the Tocqueville Society had reached its ambitious goal of $5 million in 2024. 

Renee Moe, United Way of Dane County’s President & CEO, shared reflections on the challenges facing our community, from housing and food insecurity to the need for deeper connection and nonprofit support, and how United Way’s Plan for Community Well-Being is guiding our response.  

She also honored the enduring partnership of Dan and Patti Rashke, whose transformational 10-year gift through their Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation will cover administrative costs for individual undesignated giving. By covering these costs — an estimated total of $10 million to $15 million — this gift ensures that 100% of gifts to United Way’s Plan for Community Well-Being goes directly toward resolving the greatest needs in our community – a rare and remarkable advantage that few organizations can offer. 

Dan Rashke echoed that spirit in his remarks, challenging guests to “make the Rashkes pay” by increasing their gifts and inviting others to give. “We want to inspire giving,” he said, “and we trust United Way to convene, collaborate and drive outcomes that change lives.” 

The evening culminated in a moving tribute to Thomas A. Walker, this year’s Tocqueville Society Honoree. Tom’s decades of leadership, from his early support as a business volunteer to co-chairing the Delegation on Safe and Healthy Aging, have shaped systems that improve lives across Dane County. His ability to connect fiscal accountability, volunteerism and storytelling has helped United Way grow and thrive.  

Thank you to those of you who joined us and who continue to be part of this community. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Dane County today and for generations to come.

September 2, 2025: Madison couple makes $10M–$15M gift to support United Way donations

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Madison couple makes $10M–$15M gift to support United Way donations

MADISON, Wis. (WKOW) — Longtime Madison residents and philanthropists Dan and Patti Rashke are making what United Way of Dane County calls a groundbreaking commitment to support local philanthropy.

On Tuesday, the couple stopped by 27 News to talk about the donation.

Through their family foundation, the Rashkes will cover all operating and fundraising costs for individual, undesignated donations to United Way for the next 10 years. The gift, expected to total between $10 million and $15 million, ensures that 100 percent of donor contributions go directly to programs addressing Dane County’s most pressing needs.

“Dane County has been home to us for more than 40 years. We’ve raised a family and made a life here,” Patti Rashke, president and co-founder of the TASC Family Foundation, said. “That’s why giving back to the community and inspiring others to do the same is so important to us.”

The Rashkes say they hope the model encourages new and younger donors to get involved while inspiring current donors to increase their giving.

“In a time when individual and workplace giving is declining, we believe this model can spark a shift,” said Dan Rashke, owner and chairman of TASC. “Our goal is to empower everyday philanthropists and show that, together, we can create lasting impact.”

United Way of Dane County President and CEO Renee Moe said the gift could serve as a catalyst for future philanthropy.

“Dan and Patti’s leadership is already inspiring others to lean in,” Moe said. “Their generosity sends a powerful message: Strategic philanthropy can and should strengthen our community and address the hardest issues.”

The Rashkes hope their model of trust-based giving can be replicated by other philanthropists and organizations across the country.

From Inspiration to Impact: A Spotlight on Suvekchhya Bhandari

Posted on by Brian Buckner

From Inspiration to Impact: A Spotlight on Suvekchhya Bhandari 

Since attending her first Women United brunch in 2017, Suvekchhya (Suvi) Bhandari has been a committed advocate for United Way of Dane County and Women United’s mission. “I left that event feeling so inspired by the impact and passion in the room,” she recalls. “I knew I wanted to be part of that work in our community.” 

Suvi’s dedication to service is shaped by the values instilled in her from a young age. Her late mother, Haripriya Bhandari, was a strong advocate for women’s rights and access to education for children, principles that continue to guide Suvi’s work today. “When women are empowered, they uplift entire families. When children have access to quality education, they gain the tools to break cycles of disadvantage,” Suvi explains. “Women United’s mission reflects these values. Values instilled in me by my mother.” 

A longtime Madison resident, Suvi first came to Dane County in 2013 for an internship and has called it home ever since. She lives with her husband, Gaurav, their daughter and a playful pit bull lab mix puppy. Outside of her role as Assistant Vice President at BMO Bank, Suvi actively participates in community initiatives and volunteers her time with organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County, Access Community Health Centers, Centro and Gilda’s Club Madison. As a Women United Ambassador, Suvi plays a key role in fostering engagement and connection. She works closely with the Women United Council to welcome new members, share updates and build a strong sense of belonging across Dane County. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to collaboration, equity and community impact. 

Suvi’s commitment to education is reflected in her leadership and volunteer work throughout Dane County. She serves on the board of the Madison Public Schools Foundation and contributes to fundraising efforts with the Madison Public Library Foundation, demonstrating her belief that access to education is essential for all, especially children. Whether conducting mock interviews with students, helping them build resumes or advocating for educational equity, Suvi brings her time, talents and heart to every initiative she supports. 

“Volunteering has deepened my understanding of the challenges our community faces and shown me the power of collective action,” she says. “Even what feels like a small contribution can create meaningful change, just as my mom showed me.” 

To Suvi, philanthropic leadership means more than giving. It’s about inspiring others, connecting resources to where they’re needed most and setting a compelling example through action. Her journey reminds us that leadership in giving is defined not only by how much you give, but by the consistency, purpose and compassion you bring to it. 

When she’s not volunteering or working, Suvi loves sharing the beauty of Dane County with visitors, whether it’s a stroll through Olbrich Botanical Gardens, a bite of cheese curds at The Old Fashioned or a visit to the Capitol building. Her love for Madison is matched only by her commitment to making it a stronger, more equitable place for all. 

Building a Legacy of Family Philanthropy: Reflections from Our August Tocqueville Conversation

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Building a Legacy of Family Philanthropy:

Reflections from Our August Tocqueville Conversation

On August 7, Tocqueville Society members gathered at American Family Insurance for a powerful and inspiring conversation on Family Philanthropy. Welcomed by Yasir Kamal, American Family Insurance VP of Communications and Community Engagement, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on how we talk with our families about giving and how United Way can help support strategic, transformational philanthropy. 

Meg Prestigiacomo, financial advisor at Baird and United Way Foundation Trustee, offered practical strategies for families to define their philanthropic values. Attendees explored tools like Donor Advised Funds (DAFs), discussed legacy planning and heard personal stories from fellow Tocqueville members including Betsy McClimon of the Wahlin Family Foundation and Kim Herlitzka of Truity Partners. 

Throughout the afternoon, Tocqueville members engaged in meaningful conversations about the importance of involving the next generation in giving, the lessons younger family members can teach us and how families can work together to build a legacy of generosity and impact. 

If you missed the event, we encourage you to think about the following questions as you approach your own family philanthropy conversations: 

  • What family traditions with philanthropy have you experienced or carried forward? 
  • What do you think are important lessons about philanthropy that need to be shared with the next generation? 
  • What lessons about philanthropy do you think up-and-coming generations can teach? 
  • What are the biggest challenges and joys surrounding family philanthropy? 

Thank you to all who attended and continue to lead with purpose and heart.  

September 2, 2025: Dan and Patti Rashke’s Innovative Gift Aims to Simplify Community Giving

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Dan and Patti Rashke’s Innovative Gift Aims to Simplify Community Giving

Gift to United Way covers administrative costs for all individual undesignated donations

Download PDF here

MADISON, WI – September 2, 2025 – Longtime Madison residents and philanthropists Dan and Patti Rashke are making a groundbreaking commitment to United Way of Dane County designed to remove barriers to giving and inspire broader community participation in philanthropy.

For the next ten years, the gift from the Dan and Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation will cover 100% of administrative (operating and fundraising) costs for all individual, undesignated donations made to United Way. This ensures that every dollar given by donors goes directly to address Dane County’s greatest needs.

The gift, which is expected to total between $10 million – $15 million, is poised to make a big difference as United Way kicks off its 2025 Annual Campaign.

“Dane County has been home to us for more than 40 years. We’ve raised a family and made a life here,” said Patti Rashke, president and co-founder of the family’s foundation. “That’s why giving back to the community and inspiring others to do the same is so important to us. We’ve seen the results that United Way of Dane County can deliver and are excited to fuel more of that.”

With the gift, the Rashkes hope to activate new donors—especially younger donors—and encourage existing donors to increase their undesignated contributions.

“In a time when individual and workplace giving is declining, we believe this model can spark a shift,” said Dan Rashke, owner and chairman of the board of TASC and co-founder of the foundation. “Our goal is to empower everyday philanthropists and demonstrate that we, as a community, have the power to create lasting impact. Together, we can really lift the campaign and provide additional funds to help United Way keep doing the work that is making a difference for our neighbors.”

United Way of Dane County president & CEO Renee Moe is confident that the gift will become a catalyst. “Dan and Patti’s leadership is already inspiring others to lean in, and their generosity delivers a powerful message: United Way’s impact is proven, efficient and strategic. Their gift shows that philanthropy can strengthen communities and accelerate solutions to the most pressing challenges. We are deeply grateful for their innovative leadership – inspiring others to give, lead and be one of the ones to create lasting change. Their example doesn’t just change lives – it strengthens the fabric of our community.”

The Rashkes hope this model will serve as a blueprint innovative, trust-based philanthropy. With around 1,000 United Way chapters nationwide, they see the potential for other businesses and philanthropists to replicate this innovative giving across the country.

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About the Dan and Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation
The Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation strives to be a catalyst for community growth such that our neighbors may have increased opportunity to achieve their full potential. We strategically invest in innovative and collaborative solutions in the areas of education, health, and human services.

About United Way of Dane County:
United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we work collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to multiply impact and solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. United Way holds ourselves and our partners accountable for effective use of resources and measurable results. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.