Willie's Cornerstone Foundation

Kacie Mueller

by

Apply for Assistance

Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation stands dedicated to supporting Door County residents aged 18 or older who face life-threatening illnesses, are not receiving active cancer treatments (DOOR CANcer provides support to Door County residents receiving cancer treatments), and are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid (although applicants may be covered by BadgerCare). The support offered is not intended for medical expenses but rather aims to alleviate the significant financial burdens that often accompany severe illnesses. The scope of assistance includes rent or mortgage, utilities, covering cell phone payments and internet, as well as travel expenses, encompassing car repairs.

To qualify, applicants must consent to the Foundation contacting a healthcare professional, identified by the applicant, to certify that the patient has been diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. Additionally, recipients are required to grant permission for the Foundation to share their story anonymously, in the abstract. For housing assistance, applicants must certify that they are up-to-date with their rent/mortgage payments or discuss their situation with the Foundation. For rental assistance, a copy of the lease must be provided. Eligibility for support is reserved for full-time Door County adults, defined as residents of Door County, with legal residency established for a minimum of 1 year at the time of application. By concentrating on this specific gap, the Foundation seeks to offer a lifeline of relief and hope to those navigating the challenging journey of life-threatening illnesses without the necessary financial resources. During this initial phase, Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation offers a maximum award of $5,000 over a 6-month period to eligible applicants.

Upon full disbursement of the grant, the Foundation will send an anonymous follow-up questionnaire to the recipients. This survey aims to assess ongoing needs, inquire about the possibility of reapplication if multiple applications were allowed, and collect demographical information. Moreover, the Foundation seeks permission to interview and share the recipient’s story.

Click here to download an application

Please email completed applications to applications@givedoorcounty.org. Applications are reviewed monthly so depending on when you apply, it could take up to seven weeks to receive a decision.

by

Donate Today

Give using a Credit Card

The Community Foundation welcomes gifts to any of our funds via credit or debit card. Please click here to begin a credit card transaction.

Give by sending a Check

Contribute to Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation of the Door County Community Foundation via check. Please mail checks to:
Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation
c/o Door County Community Foundation
222 N 3rd Ave
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Give Stocks, Real Estate, or Other Assets

The Community Foundation is pleased to accept direct gifts of highly appreciated assets – generally saving you from capital gains taxes and offering you a charitable deduction as well. Contact the Door County Community Foundation if you’re interested in making such a gift to any of our Funds.

Give from your IRA

Donate up to $100,000 from your Individual Retirement Account annually – tax free. The Charitable IRA Rollover (also known as a “Qualified Charitable Distribution” or “QCD”), allows you to give more to charity and pay less in taxes. Contact us at the Door County Community Foundation to learn more.

Give through your Estate Plans

The Community Foundation is a terrific vehicle for giving back through your estate plans. We’re able to work with most any kind of planned gift including bequests, retirement accounts, insurance policies, life estates with retained interest, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts – and far too many other tools to list them all here. Contact us at the Community Foundation and we’d be honored to help you give back to Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation.

by

The Application Process

Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation stands dedicated to supporting Door County residents aged 18 or older who face life-threatening illnesses, excluding cancer ( (DOOR CANcer provides support to Door County residents receiving cancer treatments), and lack coverage under Medicare or Medicaid. The support offered is not intended for medical expenses but rather aims to alleviate the significant financial burdens that often accompany severe illnesses. The scope of assistance includes rent or mortgage, utilities, covering cell phone payments and internet, as well as travel expenses, encompassing car repairs.

To qualify, applicants must consent to the foundation contacting a health care professional, identified by the applicant, to certify that the patient has been diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. Additionally, recipients are required to grant permission for the foundation to share their story anonymously, in the abstract. For housing assistance, applicants must certify that they are up-to-date with their rent/mortgage payments or discuss their situation with the foundation. For rental assistance, a copy of the lease must be provided. Eligibility for support is reserved for full-time Door County adults, defined as residents of Door County, with legal residency established for a minimum of 1 year at the time of application. By concentrating on this specific gap, the foundation seeks to offer a lifeline of relief and hope to those navigating the challenging journey of life-threatening illnesses without the necessary financial resources. During this initial phase, Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation offers a maximum award of $5,000 over a 6-month period to eligible applicants.

Upon full disbursement of the grant, the foundation will send an anonymous follow-up questionnaire to the recipients. This survey aims to assess ongoing needs, inquire about the possibility of reapplication if multiple applications were allowed, and collect demographical information. Moreover, the foundation seeks permission to interview and share the recipient’s story.

Click here to download an application

Please email completed applications to applications@givedoorcounty.org. Applications are reviewed monthly so depending on when you apply, it could take up to seven weeks to receive a decision.

by

Together We Can Make a Greater Impact

We have identified an unmet need in the community, and our efforts are focused on complementing the existing initiatives by providing support and services in an area that has been underserved. While we admire and recognize the valuable work done by these other great organizations, it’s essential to highlight that our mission is not about duplication, but rather about addressing a specific gap that exists.

Supporting Children Facing Life-Threatening Conditions

The GO BO Foundation offers assistance for children diagnosed with any life-threatening medical condition. The family of a child with a life-threatening medical condition focuses all its energy on their child. As a result, they often experience a financial crisis as they have little time left to deal with their daily needs. The GO BO Foundation can help alleviate some of a family’s financial worries by providing direct financial assistance.

Supporting Door County Residents Battling Cancer

DOOR CANcer Inc. is an organization helping Door County residents receiving cancer treatments pay their non-medical bills or other obligations. DOOR CANcer Inc. hopes to alleviate suffering through monetary aid for families battling the financial drain of a cancer diagnosis.

Supporting Adults Facing Life-Threatening Illness

Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation supports Door County residents over the age of 18 suffering from life-threatening illnesses and not receiving active cancer treatment by providing financial support for mortgage, rent, utilities, or treatment-related travel expenses.

At the core of our missions lies the unwavering commitment to compassion, healing, and hope. Together we strive to make a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing challenging medical diagnoses and making a meaningful difference in their journey toward healing and hope.

by

Our Story

In the midst of the obstacles confronting the Leist family as they adapt to their changed circumstances, they have been fortunate to receive unwavering support from friends, family, and colleagues. While Willie received robust support, many others face the harsh reality of limited assistance due to smaller social circles or financial constraints within their support networks.

The foundation’s origin story revolves around Willie Leist. Despite facing multiple life-threatening diagnoses, Willie’s journey has been characterized by accomplishments and enduring love. Door County rallied around Willie, her husband Robert, and their daughter Harlow, extending heartfelt support through crowdfunding, spirited events, and generous donations. This inspiring display of community compassion highlights the strength that emerges when people come together to uplift one another during challenging times. 

Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation embodies the Door County way of life, that was displayed as the community rallied around Willie, where community members take care of each other with unwavering commitment and mutual support. This foundation provides a safety net for individuals facing life-threatening illnesses, sparing them from the burden of fundraising and financial worries during their battle. By having funds readily available, patients and their families can focus on healing and recovery.

Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation aims to assist Door County residents suffering from life-threatening illnesses and are not undergoing active cancer treatment by providing financial support for mortgage, rent, utilities, or treatment-related travel expenses. The foundation’s target recipients are individuals aged 18 or older who do not have coverage under Medicare or Medicaid (although applicants may be covered by BadgerCare). The support provided is not meant for medical expenses, focusing instead on alleviating the financial burdens caused by severe illnesses.

Donations to Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation have a profound impact, offering hope and relief to families navigating the challenges of illness, regardless of direct personal connections. Your generosity becomes a lifeline, extending crucial financial support to those most in need.

by

Willie’s Story

Wilhelmina, fondly known as Willie, holds a cherished place as a beloved member of the Door County community. Having navigated through multiple life-threatening diagnoses, Willie and her family encountered significant hurdles.  Struggling to make ends meet, and unsure where to turn, Willie found solace and aid in the embrace of the caring community that held her dear.

Wilhelmina Grace Leist’s journey has been one of remarkable accomplishments and enduring love. She graduated from Gibraltar High School in 2010 and continued her education at UW-Eau Claire, obtaining her degree in 2014. Later, she pursued her Masters in Occupational Therapy at Carrol University. Alongside her high school sweetheart, Robert Leist, she embarked on the beautiful journey of marriage in 2018. Three years later, their joy multiplied as they welcomed their precious baby girl, Harlow Ray, into their lives.

Unfortunately, life has presented Willie with some tremendous challenges. In early 2023, she received her third life-threatening diagnosis in the past 8 years. Despite undergoing a double mastectomy and another smaller procedure, the life-threatening illness has returned. These treatments came with substantial financial burdens.

The power of community and compassion shone brightly as Door County rallied around Willie, Robert, and Harlow, extending their heartfelt support. The outpouring of generosity through a crowdfunding page surpassed all expectations, raising over $50,000. But the giving didn’t stop there. The community organized several spirited events, including a volleyball tournament, a golf scramble, and raffles. These events were more than just fun and games; they symbolized unity and a shared commitment to make a difference. With unwavering dedication, the community united with Willie, transforming a difficult diagnosis into a journey filled with hope and strength by helping to alleviate some of a family’s financial worries.

In times of adversity, the love and support of a caring community can make all the difference. The collective efforts of Door County have not only lightened the financial load but also served as a beacon of hope, reminding Willie, Robert, and Harlow that they are surrounded by a network of love, kindness, and resilience. This inspiring display of compassion reaffirms the incredible strength that emerges when people come together to uplift one another during life’s challenges.