our mission
The Burke Foundation seeks to make a difference in the lives of youth by investing in creative, well-conceived and cost-effective educational opportunities that enhance and improve:
The Burke Foundation has historically supported innovative opportunities and programs that improved urban education, youth and leadership development by focusing on the well-being of youth and future leaders, and addressing long-term viability in the changing community.
- The character, quality and access to education
- The personal, social and intellectual development of children and youth
- The educational and social quality of community life.
The Burke Foundation has historically supported innovative opportunities and programs that improved urban education, youth and leadership development by focusing on the well-being of youth and future leaders, and addressing long-term viability in the changing community.
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER, DICK BURKE
Born in Chicago in 1934, Dick Burke attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, earning a bachelor’s degree from the College of Business Administration in 1956. After college Burke worked for a handful of companies before landing a job with Milwaukee-based appliance distributor Roth Distributing in 1960. With a knack for finance, Burke eventually became the company’s treasurer and a shareholder. In 1976, with $100,000 in seed money from Roth and a hunch that a high-quality American-made frame could fill the gap between Schwinn and the imported Japanese frame market, Burke started Trek Bicycle in a rented red pole barn in Waterloo, Wisconsin. With a payroll of five, Trek began handcrafting high-end steel touring frames. Under Burke’s leadership, Trek grew from those humble beginnings into what is today the United States’ largest bicycle manufacturer. In 1998 Burke stepped down as CEO of Trek, turning day-to-day operations over to his son John. He remained active in the family business until the time of his death, serving as chairman of the board.
A gifted and accomplished businessman, it’s Burke’s philanthropy and sense of social responsibility, not his business acumen, that will serve as his true legacy. Burke has contributed tens of millions of dollars to community organizations in the greater Milwaukee area.
A gifted and accomplished businessman, it’s Burke’s philanthropy and sense of social responsibility, not his business acumen, that will serve as his true legacy. Burke has contributed tens of millions of dollars to community organizations in the greater Milwaukee area.
