About the donald t. fickes foundation

Donald was truly special. Besides sharing his love and compassion with his family and friends, he was uniquely kind to everyone he came across.  No one could escape the infectious Donald Fickes smile.  He positively impacted all of us, and with that, we are left with a great hole in our hearts.

Those closest to Donald, saw a young man who grew with excitement as he started to build his life.  He honed his skills in a successful trade, forging the beginnings of a great career, all while maintaining a social life that included what seemed like an endless collection of friends.  It was his family, especially his 3 nieces that brought Donald the most joy.   When Uncle Donald entered the room, the music stopped and a spotlight was

focused on him.

Donald was blessed with natural confidence; a confidence that would allow him to connect with anyone he came in contact with. It was a confidence that allowed him to journey through life with a constant smile that he wanted to share with the world. Donald’s purpose in life was to make others smile.

Donald was also cursed.  Unfortunately, like millions of Americans, we saw him suffer for over a decade from the horrible disease of opioid addiction.  An addiction that robbed him of all of the gifts he was bestowed with.  His addiction stole his gifts, consumed his hopes and swallowed him from us.

Donald never stopped fighting.  For years he battled, trying countless treatment centers and facilities; and as time went on, it only got more difficult for him to navigate the treatment system.  We saw friends and acquaintances tragically lose their lives to this disease, and were so fearful he would be next.  As a family, we did all we could to support him and wage the war along his side, but ultimately despite the years of fighting, we were helpless.  We were left with a so much agony as we simply couldn’t understand… why he couldn't just "stop...."

On August 28th, 2021, Donald lost his battle with opioid addiction.

Unfortunately, Donald's story isn't unique.  It parallels the same agonizing curse that afflicts millions of sons, daughters, brothers and sisters throughout the country.   According to the CDC, his death was one of the 107,622 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2021; an increase of nearly 15% from the year before.   Each and every one of these victims left behind loved ones who are left to wonder WHY, and is there more they could’ve done?

Till the end, Donald was full of hope and had a profound sense of willingness to help others. It’s in that spirit that we started the Donald T. Fickes Foundation to keep his memory alive, and continue that fight that was so close to his heart.  The Donald T. Fickes Foundation (509(2)(a)) strives to provide individuals and their families, whose lives have been shattered by opioid dependency, with the support to recover, rebuild, thrive and triumph over addiction.    

Over the past three years, your generosity has helped us raise over $58,000 in proceeds to support individuals battling addiction. These funds have provided scholarships for treatment, helping ensure that those seeking help aren’t turned away simply because they can’t afford care. Your donations also support individuals already in treatment by covering daily necessities, so they can focus fully on their recovery journey without worrying about basic needs.

We want to keep the momentum going and continue making a real difference in the lives of those seeking recovery.

The 4th Annual Golf Outing is scheduled for October 20, 2025.  We hope the outpour of generosity and support continues.

Helping with this financial burden of treatment makes a definitive positive impact in one's recovery. 

Donations to the foundation are tax-deductible EIN# 88-1040679.