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20 | I NSIGH T • J u l y 2 0 1 8 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m e U.S. Venture Open — the largest one-day philanthropy event in the country devoted to fighting poverty — returns Aug. 8 to Northeast Wisconsin. Since the outing started 32 years ago, the U.S. Venture Open has raised more than $37 million and made $24 million in grants to end poverty in Northeast Wisconsin through the U.S. Venture Fund for Basic Needs. e fund makes grants in collaboration with the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation and the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation. "It's so much more than a golf outing," says U.S. Venture Open Manager Dawn Ruchala, adding that 100 percent of the money raised this year will go directly into the community rather than placing a small portion in the fund's endowment as in years past. "All the dollars that are donated will be distributed in fiscal year 2019 and matched by the Basic Needs Fund." To make the event possible, the U.S. Venture Open relies on 225 volunteers, 500 business and community partners, DON'T MISS Going fore it U.S. Venture Open raises funds to fight poverty By Felicia Clark 900 golfers, 1,100 attendees and six area golf courses. (To accommodate more golfers, ornberry Creek in Oneida was added to the golf course lineup this year.) In addition to the fun on the links, the event brings in a featured speaker for a dinner and program at Van Abel's in Hollandtown. Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, including 23 gold medals, will talk about the Michael Phelps Foundation, which teaches water safety to children through Boys and Girls Clubs across the country. In a message announcing his involvement with this year's event, the retired swimmer said, "I believe in giving all kids a level playing field in order to develop their individual talents. I'm excited to participate in the U.S. Venture Open because the programs they fund provide so many kids and adults the opportunity to succeed despite their circumstances." Support from area businesses is integral to the event's success. Oshkosh Corp., for example, has five teams playing in this year's outing and signed up as an event sponsor. "We believe that, as a big company, we have a big responsibility to help those in need," says Oshkosh Corp. CEO Wilson Jones, adding that the manufacturer's Poverty Outcome Improvement Network "We believe that, as a big company, we have a big responsibility to help those in need. At the end of the night, you just have to shake your head in amazement that we raised over $3 million. It does a lot to know people are there who care for the community, and they show it in a big way that night." — Wilson Jones, CEO, Oshkosh Corp. The annual U.S. Venture Open brings together more than 900 golfers at courses throughout the Fox Valley to raise funds to fight poverty in the region. This year, 100 percent of funds raised at the Aug. 8 event will go directly into the community instead of holding a portion back for the endowment of the U.S. Venture Fund for Basic Needs. U . S . V E N T U R E DONATE & REGISTER at USVentureOpen.com JOIN US TO END POVERTY Olympian MICHAEL PHELPS to Keynote