Rooted In Wheaton: The Rikimoto Family’s Commitment to Community Generosity 

In the heart of Wheaton, Minnesota, the Rikimoto family exemplifies the power of generosity and community service. Ed and Chere Rikimoto have dedicated their lives to investing in their hometown, ensuring that future generations have access to the same opportunities that shaped their own lives. Their story is one of vision, dedication, and the ripple effect of giving back. 

Both raised in Wheaton, Ed and Chere chose to stay and start their family there and now have grandchildren who proudly call Wheaton home. They understand that a thriving community requires more than just tax revenue—it takes collaboration, leadership, and philanthropy. 

Through a partnership with West Central Initiative, friends and neighbors gathered to create the Wheaton Dumont Area Community Fund which helps with local fundraising while providing tax benefits to donors. This collective work has helped to fund educational needs, an outdoor community swimming pool, and upgrades to parks and theaters, and there is more to do! 

A Family Tradition of Service 

Chere’s passion for caring for others began early. At just sixteen, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant, later pursued a career in nursing, and retired after thirty-four years as the Administrator at the Traverse Care Center. Ed, too, has been deeply involved in civic life, serving on the Wheaton City Council for twenty-six years. Their commitment to service has been passed down to their children—Amanda, Chelsie, and Eric—who, alongside their spouses, are engaged in youth activities and community projects. 

“Watching our parents be so engaged in the community, it was just natural for us to follow suit and to instill that sense of civic responsibility in our kids who are involved in service projects around town,” Amanda said.  Whether it’s maintaining the baseball field, teaching Vacation Bible School, or volunteering for the ambulance service, everyone steps up to help. 

Chere’s dedication to service extended further when she was invited by Marcie Conroy, a fellow Wheaton resident and former board member of West Central Initiative, to join the organization’s Board of Directors. Recognizing the opportunity to make an even broader impact, Chere accepted and served on the board from 2004 to 2010.  

“The West Central Initiative board was made up of community members representing nine counties so there were many different perspectives to tackle the issues of the time,” Chere said. “There were many programs along with a robust loan program for start-up businesses, which still exists today.” 

The Ripple Effect of Generosity 

In 2024, West Central Initiative launched a Start a Ripple campaign to raise awareness and funding to tackle community needs. True to form, the Rikimotos stepped up. Their decision to contribute was rooted in their deep understanding of the importance of financial support for nonprofit organizations. 

When asked why their family decided to make a gift to West Central Initiative, Chere shared, “We realize that it takes financial support from many resources to maintain the programs and services of a nonprofit organization. West Central Initiative has become more visible in our community, and we appreciate the partnership and work being done. Seeing our charitable contributions in action is important.”

The Rikimoto family’s unwavering commitment to Wheaton and the broader region is a testament to the power of community spirit. Their story reminds us all that generosity isn’t just about giving—it’s about creating a lasting impact, inspiring others to do the same, and ensuring that communities continue to thrive for generations to come. Visit our Regional Giving page to find out how you can make a difference in your community.