Shorewood Foundation Gifted Massive Donation

SHOREWOOD, WI—The Shorewood Foundation has received a bequest valued at $3.25 million from the Carol Habeck Trust and the Gordon E. Habeck Trust. Carol and Gordon Habeck, who were sister and brother, were both lifelong residents of Shorewood. Mr. Habeck passed away in 2009 at age 83. Ms. Habeck lived her entire life in the home her father built on Olive Street until her death on July 17, 2020, at the age of 88, according to a media release from the organization.

“This tremendous gift will greatly expand the Shorewood Foundation’s capacity to support local initiatives that align with our three areas of focus: celebrating Shorewood’s unique culture, values and beauty; connecting people through neighborly events and initiatives, and sustaining our village’s green spaces,” said Alan Purintun, President of the Shorewood Foundation Board of Directors.

“Through their bequest, Carol and Gordon’s spirit will live on in our community for generations.”

Carol Habeck was a longtime supporter of the Shorewood Foundation. Both she and Gordon were Shorewood High School graduates. Friends and neighbors described the Habeck siblings as quiet, kind and unassuming, according to the Foundation.

The Habeck bequest is the largest gift to the Shorewood Foundation in its 56-year history.

“The Habeck’s outstanding generosity is emblematic of how the Shorewood Foundation is funded – by residents whose lives have been shaped by our village and who seek to sustain and enhance the qualities that make Shorewood a wonderful place to live, work and play,” added Purintun. “While of course we’d like this bequest to inspire the generosity of others, the Foundation board is equally excited to see how it sparks ideas from friends and neighbors on whom we rely for projects to support.”

Founded in 1964, the Shorewood Foundation provides a philanthropic vehicle for Shorewood residents and friends to enhance the community’s social connections, civic pride and natural beauty. The Foundation supports popular community events including the 4th of July parade and fireworks and the local farmers market, scholarships for Shorewood High School seniors, and a variety of grassroots projects conceived and carried out by the Shorewood community. Made up of 15 volunteer board directors, the Foundation is one of the oldest community non-profits in the state and sets the standard for other municipalities wanting to replicate its successful operating model.