Billy Kress, a leader in community philanthropy, finds how to help others become leaders and role models. One always finds Billy at community events learning about ideas and people. She recognizes change and she has said many times. “I am glad that I am in a position to help.”

Billy grew up in Green Bay, went to Howe School and graduated from East High School.  She then furthered her education at Carlton College in Minnesota.  Billy’s parents Erv and Mable were her greatest influence and taught her to give back.  Billy’s Mom would leave food outside for the Hobos and Erv always kept his four daughters busy by instilling community service in their daily lives.

Many programs in the community would not exist without her help. She has been instrumental through her philanthropy in giving voice to many who would not be heard or have a chance of success in this society. She recognizes the need to uplift the human spirit whether through the arts or social programs. Many of the programs that she has helped with “seed money” would have a difficult time in raising funds because of the controversy of the topic. The “seed money” helped other funders notice and be there for the voiceless. It takes a leader to recognize upcoming leaders. Billy Kress is herself a dreamer, recognizes other potential dreamers without financial means and becomes a doer by her community philanthropy thus making others in the community a doer.

Measures of her accomplishments are the many wide ranging projects, programs and individuals that she has supported.  Listed below are some of the efforts that she has been a major contributor to.

Billy was an early advocate of the UW Green Bay Phuture Phoenix program, for local fifth-graders that pairs them with college-age mentors, provides campus tours and encourages them to graduate from high school and pursue higher education.  In June 2008, she made the first leadership gift toward creation of a multi-million-dollar scholarship endowment to be funded by private donors. The idea is to have tuition scholarships available when the fifth-graders are old enough to enter UW-Green Bay.In commenting on the program Billy said “Education is very important to me and always has been in my family. To me, the Phuture Phoenix Scholarship Fund will be a beacon that leads students onward, letting them know that their dream of attaining a college education is possible. It will open up a whole new world for these kids who may never otherwise have that opportunity.”

One of the local medical institutions Billy has supported is Bellin College of Nursing, where she was recognized at a commencement ceremony, as an individual who has given abundantly to the college. Billy helped fund the construction of the Family Services’ Residential Treatment facility that provides a state-of-the-art facility designed and built specifically to meet the needs of the most unstable and troublesome youth in our community. This facility and the intensive staffing of the program ensure a safe and pleasant environment for these children. Billy also helped fund the construction of the Family Services’ Willow Tree Child Advocacy Center in Green Bay, which provides a state-of-the-art facility built to address child abuse.  Billy supported the Jackie Netschke Center and the Exceptional Equestrians year round indoor heated facility for Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding services to special needs children.

Another area of Billy’s philanthropic interest is the area of historic preservation.  She has funded the Brown County Historical Society. The Wisconsin Public Television documentary called the History Keepers documented the large numbers of historical organizations in our area received major support from Billy.

Billy helped to fund many locally produced television programs with NEWIST/CESA 7 including “Do Not Go Gently” narrated by Walter Cronkite and distributed nationally by American Public Television about creativity and aging in people who are in their 80s, 90s and 100s. This television program received a gold medal in the New York Film Festival, as well as, a national media award from the American Society for Aging.

Another program Bill funded was a 30 minute television documentary Owe.la with an Oneida classical singer produced by NEWIST and Wisconsin Public Television.  A teacher’s guide was developed along with the program so school children can learn about an Oneida young woman who has dreams of becoming a classical singer.

She not only supports individual programs but also believes in helping keep Public Radio and Public Television thriving in Wisconsin. The Fox Theatre renamed the Meyer Theatre was restored and refurbished with the help of Billy’s support. She also supported the restoration of the “Mighty Wurlitzer” pipe organ.  This organ was built specifically for the old Fox Theatre for $35,000. The original organ was used during silent films, vaudeville shows, amateur nights, and intermission sing-a-longs. Additionally, Starstruck at the Meyer Theatre was presented by The Reader’s Loft and Billy Kress. This show highlighting local talent was a benefit for Meyer Theatre.

She has been instrumental in helping the Women’s Fund with their Endowment. The Women’s fund has supported a wide array of programs for young girls and women. Many of these programs are mentoring programs for young women.  Billie also supported the YWCA Women of Vision and other programs for young girls and women at the YWCA.

Among her many passions are helping maintain our natural resources specifically in Green Bay and Door County.  She is proud to help the New Community Shelter which has a goal to address homelessness & hopelessness through education, counseling, resources, and in-house services. She also proudly supports the Humane Society in Green Bay.

Billy received the University of Wisconsin Chancellor’s Award in 2009, UW-Green Bay’s highest community honor, the Chancellor’s Award, for her extraordinary contributions to community and campus.

Billy’s advice to all women young and old is to go beyond your family to help create a better world for all people, have a good work ethic and have faith.  Keep laughing and pass forward a positive attitude.

Billy Kress is a Dreamer and Doer through her many acts of philanthropy.  She seeks out programs, projects and individuals to help them realize their dreams.  Her knowledge of a wide range of community needs makes her help shape the many innovative projects in our community by sharing her support.  She would like to most be remembered for helping many people accomplish their dreams and has given hope to those that thought none was in sight.