RCU Foundation Announces $250,000 Gift to Nature Center at Willow River State Park

EAU CLAIRE, WI (November 1, 2019) — Paths to Discovery Campaign announced a $250,000 contribution from Royal Credit Union Foundation in support of the new Nature Center at Willow River State Park. The announcement event was hosted by Tim Sass and the local RCU Branch in New Richmond. RCU executives that came to make the announcement included Brandon Riechers, Royal Credit Union CEO-President and Doug Olson, RCU Foundation Vice President, Royal Credit Union Board Chair. Paths to Discovery Campaign was well represented at the event, including John Collins, Sally Giese, Judy Remington, Nick Schmit, and Tim Sass.

“RCU Foundation is pleased to provide a $250,000 gift to the new Nature Center at Willow River State Park. This is a terrific project for Hudson, New Richmond, Somerset, Stillwater and the area,” stated Doug Olson, RCU Foundation Vice-President. “The RCU Foundation’s purpose is to create a positive impact in the lives we touch and the communities we serve,” said Doug Olson, “and the Paths to Discovery Campaign offered us a chance to make a difference in this community.”

The New Nature Center will have classrooms and indoor and outdoor education spaces to inspire young learners and adults. Along with the community rooms, exhibits and the classroom facilities will be flexible and expandable, making this an ideal facility to meet the needs of the community.

“This is a wonderful cornerstone level gift from RCU Foundation and I want to thank their leadership for making this important investment in our community,” stated John Collins, President of the Friends of Willow River & Kinnickinnic State Parks, Inc.

In recognition for the cornerstone level gift, The New Nature Center will now be home to the RCU Community Room.

Serving more than 3,500 students each year Willow River Nature Center builds a passion for education and hands-on experiences that promote a healthy respect and appreciation for the natural world. “Education is the heart of our mission,” said Judy Remington, Paths to Discovery Campaign Vice-Chair. A new and improved Willow River Nature Center will take education to a new level and benefit tens of thousands of students, seniors, and families in our community.”

About RCU Foundation

The RCU Foundation (Foundation) was established in 2012 to support organizations and initiatives in communities where Royal Credit Union operates in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota.  The Foundation focuses on large-scale, capital projects that help build community and create the spaces where people come together. Focus areas include education, health, and the arts. The Foundation hosts the annual Rock the Riverfront-Charity Classic event in Eau Claire and co-hosts the Prairie Burn Music Festival in Hudson. Currently, it has awarded over $3 million in grants. Contact foundation@rcu.org for more information.