Bubba’s Fund is a charitable fund created in loving memory of Charlie Lonning Weber — “Bubba” to those who knew and cherished him.

Charlie’s legacy is simple and bold: improving the lives of children through common-sense health protections, access to sports and play, and strong, supported families.

For Charlie. For Children.

In our first year, this community rallied to raise over $60,000, ensuring that every state-licensed child care center in La Crosse, Wisconsin is equipped with a life-saving AED and helping launch Bubba’s Law, a statewide effort to protect even more children.

Now, we’re building our next pillar: expanding youth access to sports and meaningful play, because every child deserves the chance to move, belong, and grow.

Learn Charlie’s Story
Our Path to $60K

The La Crosse Area Community Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity, is the home of Bubba’s Fund, held as a donor-advised fund. This partnership provides trusted stewardship, tax-deductible giving, and the ability to move quickly on projects that protect and uplift children.

Rooted in La Crosse, Wisconsin, our work began with a clear, urgent goal: placing life-saving AEDs in every state-licensed child care center in the city. With the community’s support, that goal has been fulfilled—and it now stands as the foundation for what comes next.

As Bubba’s Fund grows, so will our reach and impact. Together, we will continue to advance common-sense health protections, expand access to sports and play, and support families working hard to raise strong, resilient kids.

To Donate

How Charlie’s Legacy Lives On

Our work is organized around pillars designed to grow over time. Today, we are focused on two core areas—with room to thoughtfully expand as our impact grows.

  • Bubba’s Youth Night featuring Charlie’s Kids Fest

    On January 10, 2026, we’re teaming up with UWL Athletics to launch Charlie’s Kids Fest—a free, indoor, kid-centered experience with games, activities, and chances to play alongside UWL student-athletes and community partners, including the La Crosse Area Family Y, La Crosse Public Library, The Parenting Place, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse.

    That same day, we aim to fill Mitchell Hall with 2,300 fans for a free community game between the UW-La Crosse Eagles and UW–Platteville Pioneers (Women’s Basketball)—celebrating kids, caregivers, and the power of showing up.

    Learn about Bubba’s Youth Night & Charlie’s Kids Fest

  • AEDs in Child Care Centers

    We set out to equip every state-licensed child care center in La Crosse with an AED.
    Together, we’re making it possible.

    This first initiative ensures safer spaces for children, educators, and families—and stands as a model for what communities can do when they act with urgency, love, and accountability.

    See Our AEDs Impact

  • Access to Sports, Play & Belonging

    Kids deserve chances to move, play, and feel part of something bigger.

    Bubba’s Fund’s next initiative focuses on youth access to sports in La Crosse, beginning with a partnership with Rising Athletes, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to reduce financial and access barriers so more kids can participate in organized athletics.

    Learn about our Youth Access initiative

  • Building What Comes Next

    From advancing statewide AED legislation like “Bubba’s Law”, to creating resources for families navigating grief, to expanding opportunities for kids to play, learn, and belong—Bubba’s Fund is intentionally built to grow with our community.

    This is only the beginning.

    See where we’re headed

Built to Grow

Bubba’s Fund is intentionally designed to grow with the needs of children and families.

As we continue, we’ll thoughtfully expand our pillars to:

  • Support policies like Bubba’s Law that protect children statewide.

  • Connect families with grief and support resources.

  • Back community projects that reflect Charlie’s spirit of care, courage, and joy.

Learn more