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This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores how the Bucks Foundation is using the influence of professional sports to create meaningful community impact. Host Jill Economou is joined by Marla Habert, Executive Director of the Bucks Foundation, to discuss the organization's commitment to improving health outcomes, expanding opportunities, and investing in Milwaukee neighborhoods.
Marla shares how the Bucks Foundation has evolved over its nearly ten-year history from traditional grantmaking to a more strategic, program-driven approach focused on building a healthier and stronger community. From health and wellness initiatives to youth career exposure and collective impact partnerships, the Foundation leverages the reach of the Milwaukee Bucks brand to address some of the region's most pressing challenges.
The conversation highlights the Bucks Health & Wellness Program, a nationally unique initiative developed with input from the Milwaukee Bucks performance and nutrition teams to help community members improve their health through accessible nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle support. Marla also discusses the Deer Accelerator, a long-term collaborative effort to address Milwaukee's health disparities by bringing together neighborhood organizations, healthcare systems, philanthropists, and community leaders.
Listeners will hear how players, coaches, team staff, donors, and community partners work together to create lasting impact throughout Milwaukee and why the Bucks Foundation believes creating opportunity is one of the most important investments it can make.
1:22 | The history and mission of the Bucks Foundation
3:03 | How the Bucks, the Foundation, and the community work together to create impact
4:38 | Marla's journey into philanthropy and her role with the Bucks Foundation
5:58 | How the Foundation operates, raises funds, and measures impact
7:13 | Key initiatives including Bucks Health & Wellness, the Deer Accelerator, and youth career exploration
8:14 | Fundraising through events, partnerships, and the Bucks 50/50 raffle
9:25 | How players and coaches identify causes they're passionate about and engage in the community
11:40 | The Bucks Health & Wellness Program and its focus on closing health gaps
14:12 | Using data, community conversations, and partnerships to determine where support is needed most
18:15 | The Deer Accelerator and addressing Milwaukee's 12-year life expectancy gap
21:37 | Tackling food access challenges and connecting residents with community resources
24:16 | The impact players and their families have beyond the basketball court
26:44 | The Foundation's long-term goal of creating healthier communities and greater opportunity
28:08 | Ways fans, donors, and community members can get involved and support the mission
The Bucks Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Milwaukee Bucks, dedicated to building healthier and stronger communities throughout Wisconsin. Through strategic partnerships, health and wellness initiatives, youth opportunity programs, and community investments, the Foundation works to improve health outcomes, expand access to resources, and create pathways for success both on and off the court.
Website: https://www.nba.com/bucks/foundation
Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: Ellenbecker Investment Group
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