Charlie Simpson first became involved with the Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs of Evansville, Indiana. He was active in a fundraising effort at a time when the Club was in serious financial difficulty. “That experience really taught me what Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs were all about”, says Charlie. He moved to La Crosse with his wife, Lanelle, and their five children in 1973. He was soon approached by Board member, Howard Birnbaum to become involved on the Executive Board of Directors. Charlie joined immediately and became very active from that time on.

Simpson retired in 1990 from his position as Director of Marketing for G. Heileman Brewing Co. He had worked his way “through the ranks” of the brewing industry, starting as a route salesman on Beale Street in Memphis. He then worked for Associated Brewing Company in Evansville, Indiana until the company was purchased by Heileman.

Since his retirement, his community involvement has increased. He is on the Advisory Board for the “Taste of La Crosse”, a member of the Coulee Crown Club, and an active supporter of the La Crosse Interstate Speedway. His greatest passion, however, is the numerous activities and events associated with the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs. Charlie has played a very active role soliciting donations from area businesses and individuals for the Annual Benefit Auction. He has served as the Director of Publicity for the Auction, utilizing his contacts and experience to help promote the event throughout the area.

There is one particular activity at the Club that is very special to Charlie, that being the Annual Christmas Party. He has established a special fund for the event to ensure that there are plenty of prizes and fun for the hundreds of children attending. The Club has honored him by naming the event the “Charlie Simpson Bring a Buddy Christmas Party”.

Charlie was President of the Executive Board of Directors in 1990-91, and has served as Chairman of the Wisconsin Area Council of the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of America in 1992, 1993, and 1994. He has received the National Presidents Award and Margin of Excellence Award for his involvement with the construction of the new Boys’ and Girls’ Club in 1983.

There is no doubt that Charlie has touched the lives of many children over the years. He is easily moved by his involvement with young people and is, perhaps, the biggest kid of all. He has summed up his feelings by saying, “I should pay to be here at the Club”. Truly, Charlie’s middle name is “caring”.



Charlie enjoys following the car racing circuit and traveling with his wife, Nell, to visit their five grandchildren.