For Charlie. For Children. Day
August 27th, 2025

A Community’s Call to Action

In the summer of 2025, Bubba’s Fund launched a petition to honor the life of Charlie Lonning Weber and raise awareness about the importance of AED (automated external defibrillator) access in state-licensed childcare centers.

The goal was simple but powerful:
Proclaim August 27th, 2025, as
For Charlie. For Children. Day in the City of La Crosse, Wisconsin.

This date begins a new chapter of Charlie’s legacy as Bubba’s Fund is introduced formally into the world through the 1st Annual Benefit for Bubba’s Fund: An evening with the Weber Brothers featuring music from Charlie’s father Alex and his Uncles all with the commitment to improve the lives of children.

At the bottom of this page are a compilation of all the comments from petition supporters as to “Why are you signing this petition?”

Here is one supporter’s reason why:

“Because every child deserves a safe, stable, and loving environment—and right now, our family court system doesn’t always make that happen. Bubba’s story is heartbreaking, but it’s also a wake-up call. The current system doesn’t always listen to the right voices, prioritize child safety, or hold accountable those who should protect them.

I’m signing this petition because I believe we can do better—and we have to. We need stronger safeguards, more transparency, and reforms that center the well-being of the child above all else.

If we don’t push for change now, more children will slip through the cracks. Bubba’s legacy should be one of justice, not just sorrow.”

Building Momentum

From the very first signature, the petition became more than just a form—it became a movement. Parents, educators, first responders, and neighbors all added their names. Social media posts were shared hundreds of times, and conversations sparked in homes, classrooms, and workplaces.

Over just a few weeks, the community came together—250 people strong—to make their voices heard.

Why It Matters

The petition was never just about a proclamation. It’s part of a larger vision:

  • Awareness: Shine a spotlight on sudden cardiac arrest in children and the vital role AEDs play in survival.

  • Action: Support the placement of AEDs in every state-licensed childcare center in La Crosse.

  • Partnership: Encourage collaboration between the City of La Crosse, local nonprofits, first responders, and families to strengthen community readiness.

By establishing For Charlie. For Children. Day, we create an annual reminder of what’s at stake—and a rallying point for future change.

The Next Step

On Monday, August 11, 2025, the completed petition was officially delivered to the office of Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey. The Mayor’s review is the next step in making this proclamation a reality.

In the meantime, Bubba’s Fund is moving forward with other major initiatives, including the August 27th Benefit at the Rivoli Theater, aimed at raising funds to place AEDs in every state-licensed childcare center in La Crosse.

Our Thanks

To everyone who signed—thank you. Your voice is part of a growing chorus for safety, preparedness, and compassion.

To those just learning about the cause—welcome. There’s still so much more to do, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

Petition Comments

I have children who attend day care that I want every life saving option available to them. I also have a daughter who passed away, and if there was any device that could have saved her I’d be doing the same thing you are! ///// Support of a coworker and proponent of AEDs ///// For Charlie ///// I believe AEDs should be in child care settings. ///// To support the BF cause. ///// To honor Charlie! ///// For the kids! ///// For Charlie, For Children ///// To support the work of Bubba’s Fund! ///// To support the improvement in child safety in honor of Charlie. ///// To support the Lonning Weber family and to make La Crosse a safer place for the children and families who call it home ///// For Bubba and family and to prevent further tragedy ///// Because I believe this is a very special cause. ///// For children.  Because I enjoy the shade of a tree planted by someone else. ///// To honor Charlie, increase access to AEDs, and improve child safety ///// To honor the life of Charlie Lonning Weber ///// Because every child should be safe at daycare. ///// I believe the Bubba’s Fund mission is critical to keeping our kids safe ///// Support promoting awareness and action for improving children’s lives. ///// I am a Lacrosse womens basketball player. ///// Access to AED is important. I have a child in daycare ///// In honor of Charlie and to support all ///// Moran and Alex are friends who want to bless their community in honor of their loving son, Charlie. ///// I believe in this cause! ///// For the kids! ///// Its a great cause ///// Alex and Moran & bubba are family!!! ///// I believe in what Bubba's Fund stands for and I fully support everything Moran, Alex, and all involved are doing to elevate awareness. ///// Baby Charlie was my grandson, and his legacy will help others. 💙 ///// For Charlie. For Children. Day. ///// Wonderful family and cause. ///// I think that there is a lot of good that can come out of this movement and the motivation of Moran, her famliy, & friends is the group that can make it happen. ///// Child safety ///// For Charlie ///// Access to AEDs saves lives. As a critical care physician and Wisconsin native, I support this effort. ///// I believe it is a wonderful idea!! ///// I am always finding ways to help kiddos near and far. ///// Moran and Alex are dear friends and I believe in their mission to honor Charlie by supporting youth in LaCrosse and beyond ///// For Charlie--and for all kids ///// Anything for the Lonnings ///// To honor Charlie ///// Why not? AEDs save lives ///// Support the family and advocate for children ///// Friend of Moran and believe this is needed! ///// I saw someone share the post! ///// In sympathy and admiration ///// I am friends of Charlie’s parents and this is an important cause for all children and parents. ///// to help others and provide life-saving technology in more areas. ///// In honor of Charlie Lonning Weber ///// I have children ///// To honor Charlie and to make our city as safe as possible for all children. ///// Family of friends of Charlie ///// In honor of Charlie and his family ///// Good cause and remembering ///// This is a wonderful cause. ///// I strongly believe in access to life-saving technology for all children. ///// In honor and memory of Bubba. ///// For children, for Charlie ///// For the children ///// Expand AED access ///// For Bubba, and all babies gone too soon! ///// Yes ///// To support AED installation at all Wisconsin State Licensed Childcare Facilities. ///// To support AED installation at all Wisconsin State Licensed Childcare Facilities. ///// Awareness ///// Support for Charlie ///// This is for the best cause and Charlie’s memory deserves to be remembered forever ///// It’s a way to recognize and remember Charlie’s life and impact. ///// We love and support Coach Mo, her family and everything she stands for.  I also have children of my own and believe that this is a worthy cause and an opportunity to create safer environments for our communities’ children (and others as well). ///// We know so many families that got to know Bubba and love la crosse ///// Charlie’s impact can continue to be felt by raising awareness and possibly saving the lives of others via an AED. ///// For Charlie ///// Great cause ///// To honor Charlie. ///// In support of the Lonning family ❤️ ///// For la crosse kids ///// I believe in their mission and in honor of their child. ///// To protect our tiniest residents while in child care ///// Because I love and miss Charlie “bubba” Weber Lonning ///// My daughter plays basketball for UWL and we have all been touched by the experience of Mo and Alex. It is truly inspiring how they are trying to turn tragedy into something meaningful. Using Charlie's memory to try and help other children. ///// Many reasons. 🤍 ///// To help remember Charlie, and to help future children. ///// To remember Charlie’s legacy, honor his family, and help future children. ///// We care about saving lives! ///// To improve child safety. ///// ❤️❤️ ///// I’ve known the Lonning family for many years. Was Uncle Connor’s 4th grade teacher. ///// For Bubba ///// We need to take care of the childrennnnnn! ///// To protect the children of our community! ///// I have worked in early childhood education and not only support the family but support the safety for all children ///// I’ve met Moran briefly a few times and she has such a big heart; I am signing in support of her and her beautiful boy who was taken too soon. ///// To support Moran & Alex ///// For Charlie and for children everywhere ///// I truly believe that AED’s should be readily available in all public places and daycares. With the technology we have today, no one should die from cardiac arrest. ///// We need awareness and action for pediatric citizens to help them grow up to be happy healthy adults ///// Because it can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime and access to AEDs will save lives ///// Every child deserves safer childcare and to be part of an athletic program ///// Every child deserves safer childcare and to be part of an athletic program ///// Because it’s important ///// For Charlie Day. ///// To keep babies and children safe ///// For Charlie. For children everywhere ///// To help support Bubba’s Fund ///// I love Charlie, Coach Mo, and Alex and want to honor Bubba in every single way we can 🌈❤️ ///// We love Charlie and his family and want to honor him and help all children in the LaCrosse area. ///// Supporting Child safety in Lacrosse, WI ///// Having done lifesaving classes, I know AED is easy to learn and saves lives. ///// This is such a loving tribute to little Charlie and a loving gesture to all children and their families. ///// Because every child deserves a safe, stable, and loving environment—and right now, our family court system doesn’t always make that happen. Bubba’s story is heartbreaking, but it’s also a wake-up call. The current system doesn’t always listen to the right voices, prioritize child safety, or hold accountable those who should protect them. I’m signing this petition because I believe we can do better—and we have to. We need stronger safeguards, more transparency, and reforms that center the well-being of the child above all else. If we don’t push for change now, more children will slip through the cracks. Bubba’s legacy should be one of justice, not just sorrow. ///// For Charlie. ///// Because of the love and belief that Charlie, Mo, and Alex instill in everyone 🤍 ///// Love for Charlie and family and for child safety. ///// To support Moran ///// To have Charlie’s memory live on ///// We lived in La Crosse for over 20 years and now reside in Iowa where we have 3 small grandchildren. Every daycare, school, etc  should have training and equipment to save children and employees from heart issues. ///// Supporting the work of Bubbas Fund ///// For Charlie, and his amazing parents who are set out to make an impact where it matters!🌈 ///// For a friend ///// Support of children’s safety ///// Charlie was the sweetest baby and inspires me every day. This is just a small way to honor him forever ///// We want a day marked in Lacrisse to honor Charlie and to help the children in the community. ///// To support Bubba’s Fund and all of the kids in the Lacrosse Community ///// To spread awareness for child safety ///// Because this matters! Why have the training if you don’t have the equipment to preform it. Make it happen!! ///// To support Bubba, Moran + family ///// For every child to be safe in sports ///// for charlies ///// More awareness needs to be brought to this topic...especially in honor of Bubba. ///// In honor of our sweet Charlie, support for his amazing parents, and to bring awareness for child safety and the importance of youth sports in the lives of children. ///// To show my support for this initiative. ///// To honor the life of Charlie ///// Support ///// Know the family and just a wonderful family ///// Cuz why wouldn’t you!? ///// Loved Bubba. Love the cause. ///// Because I want Charlie’s legacy and impact to be celebrated and remembered forever ///// We love Charlie and the Lonning Weber family ///// To support awareness ///// This is of vitsl importance that we have access to these resources. ///// This sounds like something needed in our community. ///// I think everywhere should have AEDs. My professors grandson died during a soccer game which could have been prevented with an AED ///// I have two children of my own, therefore anything to benefit the lives of children is worth the effort. ///// To support Bubba’s Fund/Mission ///// Charlie has a special place in my family’s heart as does the Lonning-Weber family. Bubba’s Fund will have a major impact for children and community just like Charlie, Coach Mo and Alex have had on our family! ♥️🌈🦅🚲 ///// To honor Charlie Lonning Weber and the entire Lonning Weber family.  Also to support Bubba's fund and raise awareness and grow support for children's safety and access to extra curricular activities. ///// For all kids and in support of the Lonning-Weber family and in honor of Charlie! ///// Know the family ///// Family ///// This is critical for the wellbeing of all children ///// To honor the life of Bubba and to make AEDs available in ALL child care centers. ///// Honoring a little boy who’s short life is inspiring others to make a big impact ///// To support a great cause ///// To support Charlie’s cause ///// As a mama, my heart hurts for Moran. As a nurse, AEDs are essential for BLS. ///// I lost a child as well and I would love to honor another sweet baby who was lost as well. ///// Kids matter. ///// to honor Charlie's legacy! ///// Charlie was a bright light in our family that was taken away in an instant. He deserves to be recognized and remembered in this joyful and familiar way. He was and always will be a precious angel allowed his time to shine ///// In support Weber family and to honor Charlie Lonning Weber ///// To help support the cause, it’s an amazing project :) ///// I believe in this cause ///// Children should be safe and access to early intervention and training for recovery is essential! ///// This is such an important issue. Every child care center should have an AED- you never know when one will be needed. ///// AEDs should be available in every building because they save lives ///// I believe in emergency preparedness.  I teach CPR and advanced life support classes.  My heart breaks for this family and if we can save even one person because of their efforts, it is worth it! ///// Support the mission of Bubba’s fund ///// Public health for people of ALL ages! ///// Because if one more child’s life can be spared because of an AED, it is more than worth my time and support for this day and safety measures to save children ///// To support change and implement life saving practices ///// In honor of Bubba ///// To save children’s lives ///// This petition is extremely important for the childcare centers in the world.  Let's not just put them in centers but home childcare centers too. ///// Because it's a great idea!  Having been a volunteer EMT, I think it's an amazing initiative! ///// To have AED’s available in child care facilities ///// This cause is so important for children! ///// To support this cause ///// Support and remembrance for the Weber family ///// To support this group ///// For Bubba and child safety ///// Because I love Chuck and his family and want to support them in every way possible! ///// We love the Lonning’s and want to help in any way possible. ///// AEDs save lives ///// Honoring Bubba ///// Connection with family and belief in the cause. ///// AEDs are necessary to save lives! ///// This family is part of my church family. It's a great idea to turn tragedy into purpose. ///// For Bubba ///// Mo is a friend ///// To honor Charlie and help other children. ///// We know the Lonning family and feel this is an extremely important initiative!! ///// I am a parent of a UWL Women’s Basketball player. The team. coaches, parents, siblings, spouses are all a closely connected family, by basketball, but also by Charlie, and his parents Mo and Alex. ///// Passionate about the cause ///// Because children deserve more from us ///// To support an important cause, to save lives. ///// I believe in it! ///// Because I believe child safety should be a priority for everyone. ///// Because every parent should feel that their child is safe in a licensed  childcare center knowing that the staff is qualified for a health emergency as well as having  the CPR equipment to save a child’s life ///// I have children in daycare ///// for Bubba! ///// We love Charlie and his parents. ///// For the future of our kids ///// Support ///// This effort hits close to home, and there are no parents better equipped to lead the charge for this important cause. Moran and Alex have the passion and influence to make meaningful change for children and families in La Crosse. ///// I think it’s a needed device in childcare centers ///// For the kids ///// To support Bubba’s Fund ///// To support Bubba’s Fund ///// Losing a child is heart-breaking.. I know and love Charlie’s grandmother, Ellen. ///// For Bubba ///// To increase awareness and visibility of these incredible efforts. ///// Bubba was a joy to know and I’m so grateful he was a part of my life, even if it was for just a short time here on Earth. His parents have given so much to those around them and have brought so many people together in memory of Charlie. Their love is felt by all and this day could be a way we continue to show their love to others as well as show that love to them in remembrance of Bubba. ///// ❤️ ///// For the safety of our youth. And to support anyone affected by the death of an infant. ///// I recently completed an intensive year-long training through Project ADAM at Milwaukee Jewish Day School, which opened my eyes to the potential AEDs have to save lives of children at school. It is an incredibly important step to making children safer in your community. ///// To help children have access to lifesaving equipment. ///// For Charlie! ///// For Charlie ///// To honor Charlie and help him save others ///// Support ///// To provide support for Alex & Moran and to honor Charlie’s memory. To better protect children and provide necessary funding to do so. ///// For good people and a great cause! ///// To save a life of a child. ///// To help save the lives of young children and eliminate the grief that no parent should ever have to experience ///// Support this initiative ///// For Charlie. For Children 🤎 ///// for Charlie & to help children 🌈🩵🩷 ///// Daycares need support to care for and keep safe our most precious gifts! ///// I work in a daycare center ///// I am a friend and college graduate from Luther who wants to not only support my Luther family but help honor Charlie and support the life’s of all children! ///// This matters! ///// For our bubba <3 ///// To improve child safety and encourage athletics for children in La Crosse with an honorary yearly date! ///// For Bubba ///// To honor Charlie’s memory & to help save lives of children. 🩵 ///// Important issue. ///// Helping to honor Charlie Lonning Weber ///// For Charlie ///// Because Charlie and his parents deserve this honor and it will bring attention to an important issue! ///// Great cause, personal ties to La Crosse/UWL Athletics ///// For Bubba and all the babies! ///// AED device access in important, especially for children ///// I have a child of my own and to have this available for all child care state facilities will be beneficial. ///// It's always important to support the underdog, especially when they're doing good work only to benefit others. ///// In remembrance of Charlie and important reminder for child safety ///// For Charlie, and for saving children’s lives ///// This is a cause and support that is not able to identify the true value until it is needed. Something we should be proactive on instead of reactive. ///// Because I love this family and believe in their mission.For Bubba’s Fund. ///// I miss you Bubba and I hope you are well.