The Appleton Group LLC will pledge a portion of its 2007 and ongoing profits to three Fox Cities arts organizations in an effort to link the success of community-based organizations with local business profitability. Mark C. Scheffler, Appleton Group Principal and Chief Compliance Officer, announced his firm will donate 3% of profits divided equally between the Fox Valley Symphony, The Appleton Art Center and the White Heron Chorale.
When Scheffler started his firm in 2002, it was his goal to integrate his business with mission focused non-profits. “When you spend a dollar with a company that is located outside of the area, that dollar leaves our community. By doing business with local firms that are committed to community non-profits, your dollars are reinvested in local organizations that contribute to our quality of life.”
Scheffler is a graduate of Lawrence University where he majored in music composition and theory. “Not a day goes by that I’m not called on to think creatively and use the analytical skills learned in composing music when reviewing financial markets,” Scheffler said.
Representatives from the arts groupss acknowledged that each organization’s ongoing success depends on the willingness of new businesses such as the Appleton Group to pledge financial support.
“This gift is significant in that it so closely ties with our own mission of serving local adults and children through live musical performance and educational programs,” said Marta Weldon, executive director of the Fox Valley Symphony. “We partner with every donor in the belief that our programs help to grow a stronger and healthier community.”
Community involvement is a mission echoed by other arts organizations. “Support such as this will allow us to create and present music to the highest standard by artists right here in the Fox River Valley,” said Rick Bjella, artistic director/conductor for the White Heron Chorale.
“As an institution, The Appleton Art Center is invigorated with the news of this generous investment in the visual arts of our community,” said Timothy Riley, executive director of the Appleton Art Center. “We are grateful to the Appleton Group for strengthening our programs for the enormous benefit of the public.”
All three arts organizations have administrative offices located in the Appleton Art Center building on Appleton’s Houdini Square which is also home to The Appleton Group.
