Community. Tradition. Future.
The Gemütlichkeit Foundation is the charitable arm of La Crosse Festivals, Inc., which conducts the annual Oktoberfest USA celebration in La Crosse, Wisconsin each fall.
About
We Can Work Together to Create a Better Future.
The Foundation’s mission is to encourage pride and enhance the quality of life for the entire community. Funds generated by the foundation’s activities are used to:
– Preserve and celebrate our diverse heritage
– Promote an environment that benefits future generations
– Provide grants and scholarships for our youth
The primary beneficiary of the Foundation is its scholarship fund, which awards a total of $14,000 annually to the winner of the Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest Scholarship Program and deserving area seniors.
100%
Local Awards
134K+
Total Scholarships
501(c)(3)
Certified Nonprofit
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Forks & Corks
Forks & Corks is an evening of delicious food and beverage pairings combined with silent and live auctions. Individuals, groups and businesses with a passion for supporting and funding scholarships for area young adults are welcome and encouraged to take part. The Foundation conducts a variety of fundraising and awareness activities during the year, with Forks & Corks as its signature event.
Save the date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Explore everything Forks & Corks has to offer from event details and ticket information to sponsorship opportunities that support scholarships for local students.
Graduating seniors are encouraged to learn more and apply with their school’s scholarship committee or guidance office prior to the end-of-March deadline.
$1,000 Awards:
| Aquinas High School | La Crosse Logan High School |
| Bangor High School | Melrose – Mindoro High School |
| De Soto High School | Onalaska High School |
| Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School | Onalaska Luther High School |
| Holmen High School | West Salem High School |
| La Crescent High School | Westby High School |
| La Crosse Central High School | Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest |
Gemütlichkeit Foundation Updates
The Gemütlichkeit Foundation
Foundation Directors
Mike Keil
Board Chair
Mary Mickelson
Director
Terry Cowgill
Chair Elect
Terry Zalewski
Director
Todd Ondell
Director
Tom Tiggelaar
Secretary
Brad Quarberg
Director
Chris Weiss
Director
Doug Kratt
Treasurer
Brian Rude
Past Board Chair