loader image

About Us & History

“Leadership qualities continue to grow through education and responding to change.”

The inspiration behind the Bergenske Family Charitable Fund

How did this come to be? What inspired this thought. Our Founder, Gary Bergenske has been a champion for philanthropic and humanitarian efforts for years. Through his many involvements with charitable organizations, as a volunteer, and serving on many boards, he soon learned the benefits of giving back. “It’s not in how much you do it’s all about what you get back from others after you have helped them achieve their goals, become healthier, or find them giving back too” Gary Bergenske says. “That feeling of knowing you have helped others is the fuel that drives me to do more.”

During his term as Chairman of the board of Shriners he gave out many awards and recognized many individuals for their efforts. He found it to be an inspiration for the recipient and himself as well. During the year of 2018 he presented President Jimmy Carter a Humanitarian Award that proved to be an awesome event for both of them.

When his term as Chairman was over, he continued to give out an annual Humanitarian Award each year to recognize people who have gone above and beyond to help others at Shriners events with the support of many Shriners.  After a couple of years at the suggestion of some friends, in 2021 he additionally incorporated a scholarship to be given out in the name of the Humanitarian. Friends, businesses, organizations, and especially Shriners began to generously donate to this worthy cause of providing a scholarship each year to a student. In 2024 the program grew to be able to present 3 scholarships in the name of the Humanitarian, all this because of the support of many people. It was decided at this time, because of the growth, that this should become a 501(c)(3) Charitable organization to allow people to have their donation become tax deductible.

During the thought process of applying for the charitable organization designation, Bergenske decided it should involve his entire family, thus the name, Bergenske Family Charitable Fund, Inc. It is the hope this charitable fund will live on for many years and make a positive difference in the lives of many.

The Bergenske Family Charitable Fund, Inc. depends on our many donors to live into the future. With the help of many our mission of providing scholarships and educational needs will continue to make the world a better place. Your gifts of generous donations is greatly needed and sincerely appreciated.

Previous Humanitarian Awards

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Previous Humanitarian Awards

Presented by Gary Bergenske

Previous Scholarship Award Recipients

Previous Scholarship Award Recipients

2024

2023

2022

2021

Bergenske Family Charitable Fund Board

Online Giving

Online A One Time Donation

Every donation helps the Bergenske Family Charitable Fund in their effort to provide scholarships and educational needs to more students. There is no such thing as a donation that is too small. Every donation helps to make a tremendous difference in the education of children. You can make your donation online using the form below, by mailing it, or in person at one of our events. Your generosity is greatly needed and sincerely appreciated.

Online Monthly Donation

You can choose to make a monthly donation by having it automatically deducted from one of your accounts through one of your credit cards.  Monthly giving starts at only $9 per month and is the perfect way to show your continuous support in promoting our programs, Your generosity is greatly needed and sincerely appreciated.

GoFundMe

Hey there! The Bergenske Family Charitable Fund is raising money to provide scholarships for amazing students who excel academically and are passionate about community service. Every donation makes a huge difference in these students’ lives—please consider clicking the link below to donate or share it with others. Thank you so much!

Mail Your Donation

Your donation can be mailed to our office at-

   Bergenske Family Charitable Fund
   1101 W Kennedy Blvd
    Orlando, FL  32810

Other Ways to Donate

The Bergenske Family Charitable Fund offers various tax-deductible donation options, including sponsoring a student, real estate, securities, wills, trusts, life insurance, and charitable trusts. Donors can also support through product sales and fundraising events. For larger donations, consulting with an attorney and tax consultant is recommended.

GIVING BACK Brings Joy,

Gary Bergenske has been giving back for the past couple of decades, having served in numerous organizations and on boards that raise money for children in need of healthcare, medical related transportation, eyeglasses, dental work, and educational needs.  It’s become his passion to find ways to help others, especially children in need.

In 2021 he began raising money to provide scholarship money and has been successful in presenting these scholarships each year through the help of many donors. As these efforts continued to grow, he set up 501(c)(3) charity to make raising funds more attractive to its donors.  Bergenske says, “Giving back, it’s the right thing to do.”  Please join him in raising money for scholarships, to provide education for more children.

Contact Us

EST. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response to your inquiry. Emails sent during non- office hours will be responded to on the next business day.