Since 2011, Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital Foundation has recognized and honored people and organizations who have made a big difference in all of the little ways they impact people. The Philanthropy Excellence Award was first given in 2011 and in 2018 the Outstanding Partner Award and Stellar Staff Award were added.
Philanthropy Excellence Award
The Philanthropy Excellence Award is given to an individual or family who has demonstrated a consistent and exceptional level of generosity through volunteerism and donations. Their commitment to the hospital and foundation has improved the quality of life for people across the community and strengthens relationships between the hospital and other community partners.
Anthony J. Katsune, DDS
As a young boy born and raised in Milwaukee, Dr. Katsune never shied away from hard work. The son of Greek immigrants, he worked in his family’s produce company at age 5 and later at his family’s pizza restaurant.
That industrious spirit carried through as he graduated from Washington High School, enlisted in the army in 1973 and attended Marquette University and later Marquette University School of Dentistry.
After earning a dental degree, he opened his practice above the former US Post Office on Appleton Avenue in Menomonee Falls. He spent his nearly 30-year professional career as a dentist at three locations in Menomonee Falls and Germantown.
Dr. Katsune became familiar with the hospital through professional and personal experiences. He had medical privileges at the hospital to perform dental procedures and in later years received medical care in several departments.
Dr. Katsune made his first gift to the hospital in 1977. Over the following decades, Dr. Katsune and his late wife Jane made significant contributions to Capital Campaigns, the Cancer Center and the hospital’s Greatest Need.
Dr. Katsune is also a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club of Menomonee Falls, volunteering his time and talent to the local chapter.
“Kiwanis has had a big influence on my life because they do so much good for the community,” he says. “Giving back is just a part of me.”
When asked why he supports the foundation, he responds: “To help other people and repay the hospital for everything they did for my wife. Plus it makes your heart feel good to help people.”
Dr. Katsune’s commitment to the hospital is remarkable as he’s made a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, families, and the greater Menomonee Falls community.
“He’s gone above and beyond for the hospital and he’s set a high standard for future generations to support the hospital, the foundation and the community,” said foundation executive director Ann Johnson. “His legacy will motivate and inspire others.”
Dr. Katsune has four children and three grandchildren. He enjoys golfing, reading and volunteering through Kiwanis and church.
Past Honorees
2023 — Dianne Johnson
2022 — Sharon and Jerry Ellis
2021 — Robert and Ellen Drisner
2020 — Harvey and Cindy Neu
2019 — Dick and Pam Parker
2018 — Rick and Deb Binzak
2017 — Greg and Mariann Van Winkle
2016 — Marty and Debra Schallock
2015 — Dan Hart
2014 — Llewellyn and Alice Tietz
2013 — Dick and Jayne Becker
2012 — Audrey Binzak
2011 — John Lorenz
Outstanding Community Partner Award
Given to an organization or community partner who significantly improves the quality of life for the patients and families cared for at the hospital as a result of consistent financial support and involvement with the foundation through events and initiatives.
Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Ryan Companies’ partnership with the foundation and hospital started in 2007 with a donation to the Cancer Center. In 2011, Ryan Companies became the presenting sponsor for Spring Splendor Gala, a level of support the organization has continued annually for 14 years.
Ryan Companies’ commitment to the foundation benefits patients in a multitude of ways. Over the years their support has been directed to a variety of departments and projects, including Heart and Vascular Services, the Cancer Center, the Scholarship Program, Behavioral Health Services, Surgery Services and the Emergency Department.
When asked about the company’s loyalty to the foundation, Ryan Companies leaders say, “The company has a long and valued relationship with Froedtert and supporting the foundation is a natural extension of that relationship. Our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities is evident across many sectors of real estate, but health care is an important vessel to drive positive change within a community, helping to offer services that positively impact the quality of people’s lives. Froedtert’s commitment to offering state-of-the-art specialty care and diagnostic services for the community is a worthy cause — aligning particularly well with Ryan Companies’ own values.”
Ryan Companies team members regularly attend foundation events and they personally support the foundation’s mission. The company encourages other businesses to give back and make a difference in the community.
“Our advice is to embrace this commitment as a fundamental aspect of your business philosophy. By aligning your efforts with your core values — such as stewardship and integrity — you create meaningful impact and build stronger, more vibrant communities. Engaging actively and thoughtfully with the community not only reflects your values but also enriches your organizational culture and fosters lasting connections. Making a difference is not just about the immediate benefits but about contributing to a thriving, supportive environment for all.”
Past Honorees
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Stellar Staff Award
The Stellar Staff Award is given to a hospital staff member who has demonstrated consistency in generosity through volunteerism and giving. The recipient significantly improves the quality of life for those at the hospital and throughout the community by motivating others to be generous.
Christine Vogt
Christine started her career at then Community Memorial Hospital in 1998 in the Pharmacy Department.
She says that it’s the staff members who make the hospital unique and a wonderful place to work, adding: “There are so many great friendships and the sense of community is inspiring.”
Christine, director of pharmacy centralized services for Froedtert Health, has supported the foundation through the annual Staff Giving Campaign for 26 years. She’s donated to Capital Campaigns in 2001 and 2003, the hospital’s Greatest Need, the Women’s Health Center, Emergency Services, the Community Outreach Health Center, the Cancer Center, the Scholarship Program, Joint & Spine and the Patient Assistance Fund.
She’s also been involved with the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County.
Christine believes that paying it forward and supporting a cause you believe in is always the right choice.
“Having worked in the health care setting for 35 years, it’s easy to see from a front-line perspective how important foundation dollars are in supporting important needs and initiatives,” she says.
Growing up, Christine recalls that her parents and grandparents were excellent philanthropic role models.
“They were very active in their communities. My parents and grandfather volunteered for the Waubeka Fire Department and worked to establish the National Flag Day Foundation. They were also involved in their local food pantries and parishes.”
Her advice to others: “If you have the ability to give back to your community, it comes back to you 100-fold either in the wonderful inner peace that you feel from helping others or potentially when you are in need of help.”
Christine and David, her husband of 33 years, are parents to two adult children and one grandchild. She enjoys golfing, spending time with family and cooking.
Past Honorees
2023 — Gregg Guetzke
2022 — Sandra Winter, RN
2021 — Debra McCann, RN, executive director, Patient Care Services, Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital and Froedtert West Bend Hospital
2020 — Terry Audley, clinical inpatient pharmacy manager
2019 — Larry Dux, director of patient care informatics and process improvement
2018 — Tammy Dassow, RN
