‘Homeless’ Coach Collects Money for Waukesha Shelters

WAUKESHA – University of Wisconsin-Waukesha assistant men’s basketball coach, Dick Luther again this year will spend Christmas day outdoors. For the past 10 years, he has staged events to raise awareness of and funds for homeless people in Waukesha.From 7:00 a.m. December 25 until 7:00 a.m. December 26, Luther will camp at the new entrance to the UW-Waukesha Field House, 1500 N. University Dr., and ask for donations for the homeless. All collections will go to the Hebron House, Sister House, and Waukesha Salvation Army shelters.Luther taught school for 32 years, 30 in the Waukesha School district. About 10 years ago when he was at Whiterock School, he accidentally learned that some of his students were homeless. Aided by his son, Rod, he launched a campaign to raise funds to help them and has collected nearly $85,000 for the homeless since then.  This year he was named a “positive role model” by Horning Middle School 8th graders.He has held a variety of fund-raisers – from golf outings and carnivals to soup kitchens and food and clothing drives – but the most successful, he says, is his day “in a box.” “It is very tough,” he admits, but he has been moved to make the sacrifice. “One year it was 18 below when I went out,” he remembers.This year he’s asking for a minimum donation of 17 cents an hour or $4.00 – something that is not too painful for Christmas shoppers. You may mail a donation in advance to Coach Luther at N30 W23013 Pineview Circle, #7, Pewaukee, WI 53072, or stop by and visit him Christmas Day with some words of cheer and a donation.

For information, contact him at (262) 695-8069.