Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Tony Ayala - 608.620.5686 / 608.698.8798
tony@bubbasfund.org
www.bubbasfund.org

BUBBA’S FUND LAUNCHES WITH BOLD GOAL:
AEDs IN EVERY STATE-LICENSED CHILD CARE CENTER IN LA CROSSE

RIVOLI THEATER EVENT ON AUGUST 27 TO HONOR CHARLIE LONNING WEBER AND INSPIRE STATEWIDE ACTION

MAYORAL PROCLAMATION REQUESTED TO DESIGNATE AUGUST 27, 2025, AS “FOR CHARLIE. FOR CHILDREN. DAY.”

LA CROSSE, WI — A new grassroots initiative is turning heartbreak into hope. Bubba’s Fund, launched in memory of Charlie Lonning Weber—affectionately known as “Bubba”—a local infant who tragically passed away in late summer 2024 (June 21–September 16), aims to place Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in every state-licensed child care center in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Established as a donor-advised fund of the La Crosse Area Community Foundation, Bubba’s Fund honors Charlie’s life by working to ensure the safety of other children in care settings. Though Wisconsin requires child care providers to be certified in CPR and AED usage, no law mandates AEDs be present on-site. Bubba’s Fund intends to close this life-threatening gap.

Charlie was the beloved son of UWL Women’s Basketball Head Coach Moran Lonning (of Decorah, Iowa) and Mayo pharmacist Alex Weber (of Mason City, Iowa), both deeply rooted in the La Crosse community. In the wake of their loss, the UWL Women’s Basketball team and broader community rallied around the family, hosting the first-ever Bubba’s Youth Night on November 25, 2024. The event featured memorial t-shirts, player meet-and-greets, and youth engagement. All proceeds were donated to the Rising Athletes Organization to support local youth athletics.

That season, UWL WBB reached new heights, earning its first NCAA Division III National Tournament victory in 37 years, ultimately falling in the round of 32 to UW-Whitewater. Following the season, Bubba’s Fund was born—an initiative to protect children and honor Charlie’s legacy.

UPCOMING EVENT:
"A Benefit for Bubba’s Fund — An Evening with the Weber Brothers"

 Rivoli Theater, La Crosse
 Wednesday, August 27, 2025

This live multimedia event will blend music, storytelling, and community action into one unforgettable evening. The Weber Brothers (Alex Weber and his siblings) will headline the event with a performance in honor of Charlie, alongside short films, community tributes, and a shared call to action.

A National First? A Statewide Push.

La Crosse is poised to become the first city in the nation to equip every state-licensed child care center with an AED. The Bubba’s Fund team is also working closely with Wisconsin State Senator Brad Pfaff on draft legislation to expand the initiative statewide.

To mark the occasion, a petition with 200+ signatures will be submitted to Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey requesting that August 27, 2025, be officially declared “For Charlie. For Children. Day.” The official application will be filed on Monday, August 11.

The Avett Brothers Connection

As part of the tribute, Bubba’s Fund is also reaching out to Grammy-nominated folk-rock band The Avett Brothers, who are performing in La Crosse on August 28. Charlie’s father and uncles have performed as an Avett Brothers cover band in Iowa and Colorado, and the timing of the Rivoli event is no coincidence. The family hopes to connect with the band for a possible acknowledgment—or even a surprise appearance—during the event.

From Four Hearts, A Growing Movement

Behind the scenes, the event is being produced by Moran Lonning, Alex Weber, Connor Lonning, and Tony Ayala—a four-person team backed by a growing, passionate community. Together, they are balancing full-time jobs, families, and the complex logistics of a live event with a simple, urgent mission: to save lives and honor one.

More information, event details, and donation opportunities are available at www.bubbasfund.org.

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