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The nation’s largest one-day charitable event celebrates 40 years of community impact 

(Appleton, WI) – August 13, 2025 – The 40th annual U.S. Venture Open raised $5,190,659 to end poverty in Northeast Wisconsin. 2,000 attendees and 1,000 golfers gathered for the nation’s largest one-day charitable event, joined by guest of honor, Jeremy Renner.

Since its inception in 1986, the U.S. Venture Open brings together hundreds of partners, golfers, and volunteers on the second Wednesday in August. Over the past four decades, the event has raised more than $75 million and granted $60 million through the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, supporting innovative solutions to address the root causes of poverty.

“Each year, the U.S. Venture Open reminds us of the incredible things we can accomplish when purpose and generosity align,” Greg Vandenberg, Director of Giving and Community Engagement at U.S. Venture. “We are deeply grateful for the enduring support of our partners and the unwavering commitment of our team and community members who have made this event possible for the last 40 years.”

The event kicked off with Zac Brown Band playing a private concert for all attendees to celebrate 40 years. Known for their genre-blending sound and electrifying performances, Zac Brown Band provided the energy and exceptional talent to celebrate this milestone. The event was put on to support Camp Southern Ground, founded by musician and veteran advocate Zac Brown. Camp Southern Ground is dedicated to serving children with diverse abilities and backgrounds, as well as veterans and families navigating life after military service.

This year’s dinner program, held at Van Abel’s of Hollandtown, featured actor and philanthropist Jeremy Renner, known for his roles in The Avengers, The Hurt Locker, and Mayor of Kingstown. Renner, founder of the RennerVation Foundation, shared his personal story of recovery following a near-fatal snowplow accident in 2023—an experience he details in his New York Times bestselling memoir, My Next Breath. His reflections on resilience, vulnerability, and community echoed the mission of the U.S. Venture Open. The conversation was moderated by sports reporter Olivia Harlan Dekker, whose grandfather, Bob Harlan, former President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, served as the event’s very first guest of honor in 1990.

In 2007, the J. J. Keller Foundation partnered with U.S. Venture to form the Basic Needs Giving Partnership. In 2024, the Basic Needs Giving Partnership awarded $6.6 million in new grant commitments and $5.1 million in grants distributed to nonprofits throughout Northeast Wisconsin across regions in Green Bay, Fox Valley, and Oshkosh. The grantmaking match of $600,000 this year from the J. J. Keller Foundation, and $200,000 from Oshkosh Corporation, ThedaCare and the Thrivent Foundation lead this effort.

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About U.S. Venture Open
The U.S. Venture Open is the nation’s single largest one-day charitable event dedicated to ending poverty. Funds from the event support the Basic Needs Giving Partnership with grants made to non-profit organizations across Northeast Wisconsin. The event started in 1986 with 100 golfers and has grown to 2,000 attendees representing hundreds of partners who golf at regional courses to raise money for programs that help end poverty. To donate or learn more, visit the U.S. Venture Open website. Follow the event on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

About the Basic Needs Giving Partnership
The Basic Needs Giving Partnership envisions thriving, equitable communities across Northeast Wisconsin. Investments are made for local and regional solutions that address the root causes of poverty in alignment with shared values of trust and collaboration, curiosity and learning, and equity with a systems-based approach. Through grantmaking, organizations are funded across a 10-county footprint in ways that not only meet current needs in our communities, but also actively work to disrupt the policies, practices, and systems that hold poverty in place. Addressing complex social problems requires reimagining how we work together.

In addition to grantmaking, we also co-create networks that can collectively problem solve, take action, and learn from each other. By working together and centering community voices, solutions are built that work for everyone. Learn more on the Basic Needs Giving Partnership website. Learn more on the Basic Needs Giving Partnership website.

About U.S. Venture, Inc.
For over 70 years, U.S. Venture, Inc. has been recognized as an innovative leader in the distribution of renewable and traditional energy products, lubricants, tires, parts, and using data-driven insights to manage energy and information in the global movement of goods. U.S. Venture delivers creative, sustainable solutions that give their customers a competitive edge, and enable the company to support the communities in which they live, work, and play. Through the values lived by their family of brands, U.S. Energy, U.S. AutoForce, Breakthrough®, U.S. Lubricants, and IGEN®, U.S. Venture seeks new ways to drive business success while being steadfast in its commitment to making the world a better place.

About RennerVation Foundation
Jeremy Renner is the Founder of the RennerVation Foundation, established in 2023 in collaboration with his sister, Kym Renner. As an actor, producer, and philanthropist, Jeremy is deeply committed to using his platform to make a positive impact on the lives of foster youth in Nevada. Through the RennerVation Foundation, he focuses on supporting programs and initiatives that provide foster children with resources, education, and opportunities for growth. Jeremy’s passion for giving back stems from a desire to create lasting change in the foster care system.

Contact Information:

Dawn Ruchala Senior Manager, Community Engagement
[email protected]
920-243-2529