Don and Terri Recieve Golden Deeds Award

A family decision to remain in Fond du Lac and contribute to the well-being of its citizens was key in the decision to name Don and Terri Jones recipients of the Exchange Club of Fond du Lac's 1999 Golden Deeds awards.

They were surprised when named as recipients at a special banquet this week at Pier 15 supper club.

Gary Smet, co-chair with Paul Michler of the Echange Club's Golden Deeds Award Committee, said the Jones' were not chosen to receive the Golden Deeds Award becuase they have been financially successful, but because of the choices they have made.

"They chose to live in Fond du Lac; they chose to be involved in their community; they chose to volunteer their time and efforts to worthy causes; they chose to financially contribute to numerous charities and organizations; and they chose to provide leadership in our city," Smet said.

Don Jones, after beginning a broadcasting career during college, founded Pubilc Service Broadcasters and acquired radio station WTIM. Amoung PSC's acquisitions was KFIZ Broadcasting Company in Fond du Lac in 1973. PSC eventually included 14 radio stations in five states. In 1978, Don Jones was awarded the cable television franchise for Fond du Lac and Star Cablevision was born.

Over the past 25 years, Don Jones has been involved in numerouse civic activities. He is president of the Library of Congress Millennium Foundation and the Earning by Learning Foundation. He also has been president, director or trustee of the YMCA, Marion College, the National Association of Broadcasters, St. Joseph Parish, Fond du Lac Rotary, Kiwanis, Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce and World Beef Expo.

He has been involved in many activities of the Library of Congress. He has been appointed by the governor to numerous state committees and also serves as a graduate school finals judge for University of Texas at Austin, Northwestern University and Harvard University.

The Jones Family Foundation issued a challenge grant of $600,00 toward construction of the $3 million Family Ice Center in Fond du Lac. The family also has provided financial support to YMCA expansions, Fond du Lac Area Catholic Education System and St. Mary's Springs.

He also designed and built a fiber optic video network on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Recently, he donated 100 acres of land as the site for a new Fond du Lac high school.

Terri Jones has volunteered her time with many organizations. She is a member of the Board of Trustees at Marian College, has been involved with the St. Agnes Hospital Foundation, FACES, St. Mary's Springs Foundation, ASTOP, Friends Aware of Violent Relationships, Service League, Samaritan Free Health Clinic and House Raffle, Bethany House, Hospice Hope, and the Fond du Lac Arts Center.

She is especially involved in the Arts Center, where she serves as chair of the capital fund-raising campaign to remodel the facility.

Terri Jones also has dedicated many volunteer hours to Hospice Hope. She has worked with 53 terminally-ill patients and their families since joining the hospice program.

Volunteers must take part in 20 hours of training before helping their first family. "Choosing to help people as they endeavor to end their lives with dignity and respect is something very few of us have the stamina and fortitude to do," Smet said. "This takes a very special and giving person like Terri."

The Jones' have four children (Diann, Carol, Mary and Joe).

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