United Way of Dane County

No matter the day or event, Katie and Jay Sekelsky have a range of affiliations: parent, volunteer fundraiser, philanthropist, business leader, alumni and caring community member. Because of their involvement in all of those roles and the lasting change they’ve created in Dane County, the Sekelskys will now also be known as Tocqueville Society Honorees. On October 8th, we celebrated Jay and Katie at our annual Tocqueville Society Membership Dinner.  

“We believe that our lives have been enriched, by the giving of our time and treasure over the years,” Jay explained that evening. “We think giving, is both a privilege and a responsibility, and we are grateful to be able to do so.” 

Katie and Jay have been United Way of Dane County advocates since beginning their professional careers, in neonatal care and wealth management, respectively. They joined the Tocqueville Society in 2001 at the invitation of Londa and Walter Dewey, and have since endowed their support through our United Way Foundation and the Tocqueville Legacy Circle. Their volunteer roles and contributions have advanced United Way’s mission, creating family and community well-being for generations. “Jay and Katie Sekelsky have made a long term positive impact in our community,” reflects Londa Dewey, CEO of The QTI Group. “They effectively and loyally contribute time, talent and generous resources to a wide variety of community organizations, humbly and often without fanfare.” 

Their volunteer involvement is lengthy. Katie was an original member of United Way’s Women’s Initiative in 2004 and has volunteered for Days of Caring projects. Jay has chaired the Board of Directors and Foundation Board of Trustees. He has served on the Basic Needs Community Solutions Team, Housing Delegation, Board Revenue Committee among other roles. Jay and Katie’s philanthropy includes other community-wide gifts for annual and capital campaigns, endowments and volunteer service.  

As initial donors to United Way’s Affordable Housing Fund, the Sekelskys’ shared how they are acknowledging their Tocqueville recognition. “In the past, recipients of the Tocqueville award have given a gift to attendees or to United Way in some way.  In keeping with the theme of our talk – Impact, Gratitude and Hope – we recently made a new investment in the Affordable Housing Fund.  We hope it may inspire others to do so.  We would be very pleased if that were to happen.” 

Their generosity uplifts many in Dane County —from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (their shared alma mater) to nonprofit organizations in healthcare, housing and family stability. When Katie and Jay invest in a cause, others take notice! They’ve inspired donors to participate in capital campaigns, endowment funds and current impact. United Way has benefitted from their thought leadership, volunteer support and financial investments —public endorsement, behind the scenes giving, current support and planned gift commitments.  

Thank you, Katie and Jay, for a wonderful evening, your long history with United Way and your hopeful investments for our community’s future!