Charlie’s Story
Rooted in community and built with purpose, Bubba’s Fund exists to protect, support, and uplift children and families.
On this page, you’ll learn who we are, what drives our mission, and the core values that guide everything we do.
Our Bubba
Charlie Lonning Weber was born in 2024 to Coach Moran Lonning and Alex Weber. In his three beautiful months of life, Charlie brought light, laughter, and the deepest joy to his family and community. After his sudden passing, his loved ones channeled their heartbreak into action — creating Bubba’s Fund to ensure other families never face a preventable loss.
Why “Bubba”?
“Bubba” is Charlie’s nickname — a name full of warmth and affection. It reminds us to lead with love, carry his joy forward, and protect every child in his honor.
Forever Sixth Man
In the world of basketball, the sixth man is the player who may not start the game but is essential — the spark, the energy, the heart off the bench. For the UW-La Crosse Women’s Basketball team, that sixth man is Charlie “Bubba” Lonning Weber.
Charlie was the son of Head Coach Moran Lonning and her husband Alex. Though his time on earth was short, his spirit has become a powerful force within the program. The team now honors Charlie as “Forever Sixth Man” — a constant source of motivation, love, and purpose both on and off the court.
From custom warmups and game-day tributes to annual events like Bubba’s Youth Night, the UWL Women’s Basketball team has embraced Bubba’s memory as part of their culture. The team’s unwavering support helps carry forward Bubba’s legacy — reminding everyone who watches them play that they are doing it For Charlie, For Children.
WXOW News 18
UWL wins for Bubba
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) - UWL women's basketball hosted Bethel for their Bubba's Night Out game. It's in memory of Charlie Lonning Weber, the infant son of head coach Moran Lonning and her husband Alex. Charlie, also known as Bubba, passed away back in September at just 3 months old.
The game also served as a fundraiser for rising athletes, a program that provides assistance to youth athletes.
UWL beat Bethel 73-54… FULL VIDEO REPORT
The Racquet Press
Buckets for Bubba: UWL Women’s Basketball hosts Bubba’s Youth Night
The Eagles defeated the Bethel Royals 73-57 in front of a home crowd of over 1,100 supporters.
Sometimes, life is bigger than basketball. On Friday, Nov. 15, The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Women’s Basketball team hosted Bubba’s Youth Night in honor of Charlie Lonning Weber. Weber was the son of UWL Women’s Basketball Head Coach Moran Lonning who tragically passed away at only three months old in September… FULL ARTICLE
The La Crosse Tribune
How UW-La Crosse women's basketball coach Moran Lonning is navigating life after a tragic loss
UW-La Crosse women’s basketball coach Moran Lonning can’t sit still.
Lonning always is directing traffic from the sidelines when her team plays, sometimes even mimicking the active hands and proper positioning she wants to see from her Eagles players on the defensive end.
It’s no coincidence to her that her child was the same way… FULL ARTICLE
The ESSLY Awards
A celebration of UWL Athletics
The Women’s Basketball team and the entire UWL community surrounded Lonning and her family with thoughts, prayers and love. Over a thousand people showed up in November to stand in support with the team when they hosted Bubba’s Youth Night in memoriam of their ‘Forever Sixth Man’.
In Webber’s honor, Athletic Director Kim Blum’s True Grit Award was renamed to The Charlie Award and given to the Women’s Basketball team… FULL ARTICLE
Our Core Values
Commitment
We hold ourselves accountable for the wellbeing of children, recognizing the enormous task while providing support to children directly and indirectly in our community.
Expertise
We develop our expertise through collaboration with people and organizations that know more than we do. These partnerships serve our mission and allow us to share our knowledge to elevate others pursuing common goals of improving outcomes for children.
Integrity
We value and demonstrate sound moral and ethical principles and commit to fulfilling our promise.
Collaboration
We value the power and effectiveness of partnering with experts and volunteers in and outside of our community. Not one of us is more important that the whole, but some of us are experts and we should take their insights and perspectives to guide us toward our goals.
Contact us
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