David and Sacia Morris
She was a teacher; he a physician. They met at Carroll College in Waukesha, and are now approaching 60 years of marriage. Together those years have unfolded in a remarkable way for David and Sacia Morris and for our community —the place they have called home since 1957.
In keeping with their sacred and lifelong marriage vows, they have responded to the gospel message of service to others.
They raised their family here as David gained national recognition for his highly successful pioneering work in treating patients suffering from severe allergies. During those years, David and Sacia were also witness to a great many needs and felt called to respond in ways that benefitted the lives of many.
Eventually they established the David L. and Sacia B. Morris Family Foundation to assure that the giving spirit that motivates their lives continues well beyond today.
A small sampling reflects the breadth and depth of the causes they support.
When it was learned that WAFER, a local food distribution program, needed a large walk-in freezer so that it could receive and store more food, the Morrises responded.
When St. Clare Health Mission, the local free clinic went in search of funds to continue its critical outreach to the poor, the Morrises made a significant contribution in the form of a matching gift. This innovative approach assured a successful outcome.
Other organizations have been equally affected.
Offering scholarships at Viterbo University, supporting medical research at the University of Wisconsin Madison, providing beautiful artwork for the local medical facilities, chairing the United Fund for the Arts and Humanities campaign, generously supporting many other art organizations, the Great Rivers United Way and First Presbyterian Church, and the UW-La Crosse stadium project serve to illustrate the range of charitable causes the Morrises support.
In recognition of the impact they have made, David and Sacia received the highest honor conferred by the Upper Mississippi Valley Chapter of Fundraising Professionals—that of Outstanding Philanthropists. Also, from Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, the Morrises received Spheres of Influence, for their commitment to that organization. At UW-Madison, the ninth floor of the medical school is named Morris Institute for Respiratory Research in recognition of their support.
We have but one life to live, yet many opportunities to give. David and Sacia Morris have built their lives on the premise that our gifts are to be shared and they have done so in a kind and generous way.
The Morrises have four children: Mary, Kathy, Lisa, and Tim as well as 11 grandchildren.