By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
At 7 years old, Joseph Kienbaum already has lofty ambitions, including making the world a better place — a philosophy best represented by his ongoing philanthropic efforts within Whitewater.
After raising funds to benefit the arts and bring iPads into the hands of a few children in need in 2013 and 2014, respectively, Joseph this year turned his attention toward one of the newest members of the Whitewater Police Department — Boomer, the dog at the helm of the new K-9 unit.
Joseph, who was diagnosed with autism, sees the world in a unique and special way, his mother, Barb, said.
“He’s just an amazing little man,” Barb said of her son. “I just want to share him with the whole world. He’s blessed my own family so much.”
Joseph’s laser-focused attention toward serving others could perhaps be best represented by last year’s iPad effort. After raising $1,085 to bring the electronic gizmos into the hands of some of his peers, he qualified for an iPad of his own through a special grant program that was initiated by the Whitewater Breakfast Kiwanis Club.
Reflecting on the experience of a year ago, Barb said her son had difficulty comprehending why he would receive something — particularly when he did not ask for it.
In the end, Joseph did receive the iPad, but only after he gave another one in return.
Joseph first learned of giving and the labor-intensive act of fundraising through a sibling. In his three years of seeking out needs within the greater Whitewater area, Joseph has worked with Motivating Kids to Give, an organization aimed at instilling a love of philanthropy in the youngest members of society.
For Joseph, the desire to give and fundraise appears effortless and joyous — a fact Deborah Blackwell of Whitewater-based Studio 84 readily recognizes. Her nonprofit group was the first benefactor of Joseph’s kindness.
In what has now become an annual tradition, Joseph early this year began brainstorming with Barb and his father, Scott, on possible beneficiaries for this year’s Motivating Kids to Give fundraiser, which is tied to a run-walk event that was held May 17.
In what became a moment of happenstance, Joseph met Boomer during a 4-H Club meeting. Boomer’s handler, Officer Joseph Matteson, visited Joseph’s 4-H group early this year.
“He really just fell in love with Boomer,” Barb said of the encounter. “We knew this would be a great way to raise money.”
In the end, Joseph managed to raise $500 this year to bring a number of supplies into the hands —uh, paws — of Boomer.
While most of Whitewater’s police operations are funded through tax dollars, Police Chief Lisa Otterbacher said the K9 unit subsists largely on fundraising.
Reflecting on Joseph’s recent act of kindness, Otterbacher said the maneuver benefits not only her department, but the entire community.
“This gives me, as a person, a great feeling of comfort, in terms of where our country is going,” she said. “A group such as (Motivating Kids to Give) cares so much about the communities they serve. They’re willing to be a voice.”
Speaking of Joseph himself, Otterbacher said he is a young man marked by character and compassion.
“Obviously we’re very pleased and honored he chose to raise funds for Boomer this year,” she said. “It’s obvious he cares about people.”
For Barb, Joseph’s compassion and view of the world came full circle this past weekend. The family made a decision to put down a dog who had grown frail from an illness.
Barb admitted she dreaded sharing the news with the youngest member of the Kienbaum family. But Joseph was understanding and said he was happy the family pet would be up in heaven, frolicking gleefully and free of all pain.
“He brought us so much peace,” Barb said. “He just looks at things very differently.”
