Heather Sayles was born on February 23, 1950 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Her parents, Ted Renner and Elizabeth Worley Renner were florists and owners of Renner’s Floral Shop in downtown La Crosse. Heather attended Hogan Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, and Central High School where she graduated in 1968. She then went to college at UWL as an art major. After college, she took a job at American Photo, where she met and eventually married Sam Sayles in 1976. In 2000, the family business was sold and with that came retirement.

Heather has always been very active in the community, volunteering for numerous causes and organizations. This volunteerism began by serving on many committees at Harry Spence, Longfellow, Central, and Aquinas schools. She was also on the membership and education committee at First Congregational Church. She volunteered on Mother’s Clubs at both Social Services and the YMCA, and took therapy puppies on visits to area nursing homes. In addition, Heather has worked as a Volunteer Coordinator for the Pump House Regional Center for the Arts, was a member of the Chileda Women’s Board, a past member of the St. Francis Women’s Auxiliary, and currently participates in the Downtown Sculpture Project.

Heather’s involvement with the Boys and Girls Club began in 1996, when she became a member of the Board of Directors. Heather has been instrumental in the success of two of the Club’s biggest fundraisers, the Benefit Auction, and Horse Show, serving as chairperson for both of those events. Heather has also been on the Executive, Fundraising, and Wall of Fame Committees.



Heather and Sam have three daughters, Stacy Erin, and Jamey.