Quadracci family donates $1.2 million to Children’s Wisconsin in response to Herma Heart Center challenge gift

The Quadracci family has stepped forward with a $1.2 million donation to support the $8 million challenge gift from the Herma family to Children’s Wisconsin. The $16 million campaign, announced in April, benefits the Herma Heart Institute and will support ongoing research and clinical innovation focused on eradicating congenital heart defects and revolutionizing programs designed to improve the quality of life for heart patients and their families.

The gift is being made through the family’s Windhover Foundation, which was established by the late Harry Quadracci, founder of Quad/Graphics, and his wife Betty. The foundation continues today under the guidance of their children, Richard, Kathryn, Joel and Elizabeth.

“With three daughters of our own, my wife and I recognize the amazing resource Children’s Wisconsin is to our community. The fact that Milwaukee, Wisconsin, can boast having one of the leading pediatric hospitals in the country is something we cannot take for granted,” said Joel Quadracci, chairman, president and CEO of Quad, and current member of Children’s Wisconsin’s Board of Directors. “Every dollar donated to the hospital makes a direct impact on our community. I look forward to seeing the advancements the hospital makes through this effort inspired by the Herma family.”

Through December 30, 2017, the Herma family will match gifts to Children’s Wisconsin designated to heart care up to $8 million. John and Susan Herma became involved with the heart program at Children’s Wisconsin in the 1980s when they lost their daughter, Leigh, to a complex heart disease. Inspired by the compassionate care they received and the desire to improve outcomes for other families in that same situation, the Hermas began to donate to the hospital’s heart program.

“We are so thankful for the Quadracci family’s support,” said Meg Brzyski Nelson, president of Children’s Wisconsin Foundation. “Their generous gift demonstrates the progress we have made in meeting the Herma’s challenge and how our community can make a difference to kids and families. We are optimistic we will meet the total challenge, but additional support is needed.”