Community
The Donald Tietz Charitable Foundation takes great pride in supporting the efforts of local organizations and schools. Our donations are intended to motivate and help these organizations reach their goals for the betterment of our community.
Algona Community Turf Project
The Donald Tietz Charitable Foundation proudly donated $500,000 towards the Algona High School Field Turf project. The project was completed for the 2020 football season. “Donald Tietz Foundation Field” provides a safe and reliable surface for the marching band and football team.
Carnegie Library Project
The Foundation believes the Carnegie Library is a project worth participating in. The project involves converting Algona's Carnegie Library into a modern Arts & Cultural Centre. Once completed, the Carnegie Centre for the Arts will serve as an art exhibit space, art classrooms, small music venue and a corporate and private rental hall. Restoring this historical building will bring a recognition of culture and talent to the area. This effort will make Algona more attractive for people to make a home here, and put in the needed roots for the future. Click here to learn more.
Wildhaven Education Fund
A fund has been set up to ensure educational opportunities continue to inspire our local students. The Donald Tietz Wildhaven Educational Fund provides support to the science departments at Algona High School and Bishop Garrigan High School. Both schools work together to develop programs for students that expand the schools' existing natural science programs. Students spend the day exploring Wildhaven while guest speakers educate them on ecology, wildlife and the environment.
Click here to donate to the Donald Tietz Wildhaven Educational Fund
'Silent Night in Algona'
The Donald Tietz Charitable Foundation was a major contributor for the Motion Picture "A Silent Night in Algona" filmed in 2021. The movie highlights the story of the World War II German POWs that were held in a camp established in Algona during the later years of the war. The Nativity Scene carved by the prisoners attracts many visitors yearly. For movie information click here.
IN THE NEWS:
"Silent Night in Algona" (Kossuth County Advance, 5/13/21)
"Silent Night in Algona Wins Two 'Red Letter' Movie Awards" (9/2023)
Dick Dale Tribute
In 2024, the Donald Tietz Charitable Foundation funded a new interactive display at the Ed & Betty Wilcox Performing Arts Center in Algona. The display is a tribute to "Hometown Hero" Dick Dale and is filled with facts and memorabilia from his life. Dick Dale played saxophone on the Lawrence Welk show for 30 years. He was a native of Algona and graduated from Algona High School. One of his best friends was Don Tietz and whenever he visited Algona he stayed on the Wildhaven property. The tribute was assembled by Board Member, Donna Kitzinger and her friend, Jane Killoran over the course of a year. The display is in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center for visitors to view at their convenience.
Tietz Foundation Donates Land for Park Expansion
The Donald R. Tietz Charitable Foundation is donating recently purchased property to the City of Algona for the purpose of expanding and improving public parks and recreation in the community. The site of the former Peck Auction House is located south of the Algona Aquatic Center and South Park pickleball courts, and spans over approximately 51 acres. The land includes open greenspace, wooded areas and access to the East Fork Des Moines River. The Algona City Council adopted a resolution at its March 4 meeting, accepting the donation. Read the press release here.