New Books for Kids this Holiday Season as Madison Reading Project Again Launches Community Book Drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MORE INFORMATION:
Rowan Childs, Rowan@madisonreadingproject.com, (608) 347-79790
Ann Christianson, Ann@madisonreadingproject.com, (608) 345-0792

New Books for Kids this Holiday Season as Madison Reading Project Again Launches Community Book Drive

DANE COUNTY – For the fourth year in a row, Madison Reading Project is launching its annual Community Book Drive, promising to fill the homes of area children with new books this holiday season. 

The goal: Raise $100,000 and provide 15,000 new books before winter break; more than 12,000 children will receive the books via Empty Stocking Club distributions, community partners, schools, and social workers. In addition to kicking off their fundraiser, the nonprofit is also celebrating a proclamation from the City of Madison this month. November is officially Madison Reading Project and Family Literacy Month in Madison. The proclamation also thanks the nonprofit for its work and collaboration with many partners to bring literacy resources, engagement, and free books to all children. 

Madison Reading Project staff and volunteers will place book collection bins at public locations such as shopping malls, and has 40 different groups already hosting individual new book drives to help reach the goal. Anyone can sign up to run a drive, shop online for the book wishlist, or at local bookstores.

Financial donations can be made online or by mailing a physical check.

“We believe it is important for children to have access to new books that reflect their unique identities as well as open their eyes to others’ lived experiences,” says Rowan Childs, executive director. “By supporting our Community Book Drive you will help get thousands of new, high-quality books to kids, many of whom have few books in their homes.”

Madison Reading Project is again partnering with the Empty Stocking Club, Boys and Girls Club, and Reach Dane, along with other community programs, to widen its reach. 

“We’re confident we will reach our donation goals,” Childs adds. “Everyone deserves that new book feeling, especially children, and books in the home are so very important.”

Anyone can help by donating funds or by buying books from local bookstores, such as Lake City Books, Mystery To Me, Leopold’s Books Bar Caffe or Books 4 School. The booklists make it easy to select a choice at any price point. Visit: 

www.madisonreadingproject.com to get involved. A business, club, friend group or neighborhood can also organize a book drive, in person or virtually. 

“We want to shine a light on our amazing community and encourage people to not only help us collect books bought locally, but also support local businesses when they visit our bins,” says Ann Christianson, Book Drive coordinator. “To make it convenient, you can purchase from our wishlist via our website or through local bookstores.”

Madison Reading Project’s book drive works with the Wisconsin State Journal’s annual Empty Stocking Club holiday toy distribution event. Open to all families regardless of their financial situation, every child receives a new book in addition to a brand-new, high-quality toy at the giving event. 

For public donation locations, the link to make a financial contribution, and complete information about the Community Book Drive visit www.madisonreadingproject.com/communitybookdrive

The drive ends Dec. 8th to ensure books get to kids in a timely manner before schools close. The fundraiser is open until the end of the year. 

Madison Reading Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect our community with free books and literacy enrichment programs that ignite a love for reading. 

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One Community Bank Matches Donations for Firefly Coffeehouse Week of Giving Back to the Community!

November 2, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Ameilia Abraham
One Community Bank
608-838-3141
aabraham@onecommunity.bank

OCB Matches Donations for Firefly Coffeehouse Week of Giving Back to the Community!

One Community Bank is proud to continue investing in our communities. OCB is delighted to match donations for Firefly Coffeehouse Week of Giving Back to the Community and donate a total of $6,000 across six local organizations. The organizations include Friends of Oregon School District, Oregon Area Council on Aging Seniors Helping Seniors Fund, 14 South Artists, Oregon Straw Hat Players, The Friends of the Oregon Public Library, and the Oregon Food Pantry. Each organization will receive $1,000 from One Community Bank.

“At One Community Bank we believe in serving our clients, supporting our colleagues, and investing in our communities. This feel-good donation allows us to fulfill that mission. We are proud to support Firefly Coffeehouse in their mission of supporting the Oregon community and are delighted to support each of the local organizations selected by Jeanne and Uri Carpenter, Owners of Firefly” said Steve Peotter, President and CEO of One Community Bank.

In honor of being voted the 2023 Gold Medal Winner for Best Coffeeshop in Madison by Madison Magazine, Firefly Coffeehouse celebrated by supporting local organizations in a Giving Back Week. During the week of September 19-23, they donated 20 percent of all daily sales to six local organizations and One Community Bank matched $1,000 of daily donations. With the support of the community a total of $12,400 will be donated.

“Thank you, One Community Bank, for matching donations during our Week of Giving Back! And thank you to everyone for your support. I am thrilled to be able to give back to the Oregon community as they have supported my business throughout the years,” beamed Jeanne Carpenter, Owner of Firefly Coffeehouse.

One Community Bank is proud to support Firefly Coffeehouse and the six donation recipient organizations.

Sales from Tuesday, September 19, were donated to Friends of Oregon School District. They provide grants to students to attend leadership conferences, music camps, sports camps, driver’s ed and college prep classes.

Sales from Wednesday, September 20, were donated to Oregon Area Council on Aging Seniors Helping Seniors Fund. They assist older adults with unexpected costs, such as emergency housing, medication, and emergency transportation.

Sales from Thursday, September 21, were donated to 14 South Artists and Oregon Straw Hat Players. 14 South Artists, Inc. is a community of artists and art supporters from south-central Wisconsin, working in a variety of mediums and promoting the visual arts. They also operate the Oregon Art Center Gallery in downtown Oregon. Oregon Straw Hat Players provide amateur theatre for the Oregon community, offering opportunities to participate in all production processes, striving for excellence while stressing enjoyment and entertainment.

Sales from Friday, September 22, were donated to The Friends of the Oregon Public Library for their Literacy Programs for Children. The Friends help foster a love of learning and literacy skills in children of all ages and help maintain reading skills during summer months. The Friends also sponsor a variety of opportunities for youth to learn and grow at the library all year long.

Sales from Saturday, September 23, were donated to the Oregon Area Food Pantry. The Oregon Area Food Pantry provides food and necessities to those in need residing within the Oregon School District. Their mission is to reduce the impact of poverty on area residents by compassionately and humbly providing information, education, and tangible and intangible resources.

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One Community Bank is one of the largest community banks in south central Wisconsin. The locally owned bank has 15 bank locations and $2.1 billion in assets. It provides both personal and business banking solutions, with an intense focus on serving clients, supporting colleagues, and investing in its communities. Five years in a row named one of Madison’s best places to work, One Community Bank serves the communities of Oregon, McFarland, Waunakee, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Middleton, Adams, Oxford, Grand Marsh, Hillsboro, La Farge, Readstown, Wonewoc, and Union Center. Member FDIC.

Pre-Ordering of Wisconsin Union’s House-Made Thanksgiving To Go Meals Opens Nov. 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 18, 2023

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu 
Phone: (608) 262-8862

READ RELEASE ONLINE: union.wisc.edu/about/news/thanksgiving-2023

PRE-ORDERING OF WISCONSIN UNION’S HOUSE-MADE THANKSGIVING TO GO MEALS OPENS NOV. 1

MADISON – The Wisconsin Union team’s annual Thanksgiving To Go will return in November with online ordering of group meals for six people and individual-sized meals beginning Nov. 1 at 9 a.m. CDT and ending on Nov.15 at 5 p.m. CDT or while supplies last.

Since 2004, the Wisconsin Union team has offered ready-to-reheat and serve, house-made Thanksgiving meals. This year’s meal options include:

• Group meals for six people for $175, which include a choice of a bourbon turkey or roasted turkey entree, sides of turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, herbed green beans, sage stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes, cranberry relish and fresh dinner rolls with butter, and a choice of pumpkin, pecan or fudge bottom pie
• Individual-sized meals for $18, which include the choice of a roasted turkey, baked gingersnap mustard-glazed ham or creamy butternut squash lasagna entree, a variety of house-made side dishes, including herbed green beans and cranberry relish, and a choice of pumpkin, pecan or fudge bottom pie

Customers can add additional sides of cranberry relish, turkey gravy or creamy butternut squash lasagna and whole pies to their orders.

All members of the public can submit orders. At the time of ordering, customers can select a pick-up time window for a time between 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. at Memorial Union on Nov. 22.

People can also give to support the donations of individual-sized meals to University of Wisconsin–Madison students experiencing food insecurity. Patrons do not need to purchase a meal to make a gift. The donating of meals is the continuation of a three-year-long partnership between the Wisconsin Union team and the UW–Madison Dean of Students Office. UW–Madison students in need of a free Thanksgiving To Go meal can complete the meal request form here beginning Nov. 1.

“We at the Wisconsin Union have almost 10 years of experience with creating house-made, convenient Thanksgiving meals that help people make the most of their time,” Wisconsin Union Deputy Director Susan Dibbell said.

According to a 2022 FinanceBuzz survey, more than 69% of Americans would consider getting or have purchased their Thanksgiving meal pre-cooked from a restaurant. The Wisconsin Union team was an early adopter of this growing trend, having begun offering Thanksgiving meals to go in 2004. This replaced a previously offered Thanksgiving buffet, which waned in popularity in its final years.

Purchases of Thanksgiving To Go meals and all purchases at Wisconsin Union dining options help the Union team provide thousands of events, activities, spaces and student leadership positions, some of which include academic stipends of up to 80% of students’ in-state tuition.

Customers interested in ordering Thanksgiving To Go as well as those who would like to donate to support students experiencing food insecurity can visit union.wisc.edu/thanksgiving.

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About the Wisconsin Union

The Wisconsin Union enhances the lives of members and visitors through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities. Formed in 1907, the Wisconsin Union is a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.

Great Lakes Roofing Corporation Lends a Helping Hand to RMHC-Marshfield on Volunteer Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       
October 12, 2023

Contact: Tiff Brennan
(608) 402-6072
tiff@brandhouse.marketing

GLRC Lends a Helping Hand to RMHC-Marshfield on Volunteer Day

Marshfield, WI, September 15, 2023 – Great Lakes Roofing Corporation (GLRC), a leading provider of commercial and industrial roofing and 2022 recipient of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Torch Award for Ethics, eagerly participated in a volunteer day at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Marshfield (RMHC-Marshfield). 

“As a new supporter of our House, GLRC demonstrated its commitment to local communities and the well-being of families and their children through the generous donation of a new roof,” said Iilee Pederson, executive director of RMHC-Marshfield. “Furthermore, they have gone above and beyond by dedicating a day to volunteerism, helping us transform our House into a true home for families with hospitalized children.” 

GLRC previously donated time and materials to re-roof RMHC-Marshfield, and their Crew sought a similarly tangible contribution. 

GLRC volunteers completed various tasks including fall yard maintenance, washing windows, disinfecting toys, and dusting and disinfecting railings and switches. A company-wide supplies drive helped restock the House’s pantry. To cap it off, three large meals were cooked to support RMHC’s “Home for Dinner” initiative. By sharing of their time and talents, GLRC aims to create a comfortable and supportive space for families who are guests at the House.

“Our visit began with a tour to familiarize ourselves with the House’s layout and the multifunctional spaces utilized by the community. This made our team feel right at home within the RMHC facility, enabling us to confidently and efficiently tackle our tasks. As we concluded our visit, our volunteers kept expressing their enthusiasm, eagerly inquiring about future opportunities to return and participate in similar activities,” Kris Moran, marketing director at GLRC, shared their excitement, adding, “The resounding questions were: ‘When can we do this again?’ ‘Can I be on the list of people who get to come for the next visit?'” 

Pederson added, “Volunteers help make our Ronald McDonald House a home. They assist in relieving costs, allowing our charity to direct donations toward underwriting the costly expense of housing. This enables families to stay at Ronald McDonald House for free, regardless of the length of their stay. We are deeply grateful to GLRC for generously donating their time and talents to our House and families.”

GLRC and RMHC both celebrate their 40th anniversaries this year, marking four decades of commitment to their respective causes. Their partnership in the RMHC-Marshfield Volunteer Day showcases their shared dedication to giving back to their communities and supporting families in need. 

RMHC-Marshfield provides several opportunities for individuals and organizations to support their cause. Upcoming events include the Sweet Affaire Auction + Gala and the Adopt-A-Room Program. In addition, the charity accepts pop-tabs, wish list items, and gift cards to stores or gas stations. For more information on how to support Ronald McDonald House Charities-Marshfield, its upcoming events, and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the children and families it serves, please visit their website at https://rmhc-marshfield.org/. 

RMHC has 165 chapters across the U.S. The nonprofit seeks to support children’s access to medical care and ensure their families’ active involvement by providing secure and comfortable shelters near top children’s hospitals. GLRC, a member of the Roofing Alliance, has serviced the roofs of RMHC-Madison since 2017 and RMHC-Marshfield since 2022.

Headquartered in Germantown, Wis., Great Lakes Roofing Corporation is a national award-winning roofing company providing commercial/industrial building owners with the solutions they need to keep their products and people safe. GLRC is celebrating 40 years as a quality construction company that maintains its core values and family culture while providing clients with the safest and best services. GLRC’s mission is to be a client’s trusted partner and first choice in roofing solutions. Learn more at www.greatlakesroofing.net. 

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Tri-North Builders has record-breaking Tequila for Ta-Tas

Contact:
Anna Stern
astern@tri-north.com

Tri-North Builders has record-breaking Tequila for Ta-Tas

Madison, Wisconsin – Tri-North Builders had a record-breaking Tequila for Ta-Tas event in 2023. Founded by Tri-North nine years ago, Tequila for Ta-Tas is a fundraiser that supports the UW Carbone Cancer Center in the fight against metastatic breast cancer, with the ultimate goal of making it a survivable condition. This year, over $31,000 were raised, which is over double of what was raised last year. Since its inception, over $100,000 were raised through Tequila for Ta-Tas.

“We are incredibly amazed and humbled by the impact of this year’s Tequila for Ta-Ta’s event,” says Tri-North Vice President Anna Stern. “With over 85 guests in attendance, we are so grateful for the people and companies who have supported this grassroots event in 2023 and over the years. Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, and volunteers.”

As Tequila for Ta-Tas is an annual event, 2024 will mark its tenth anniversary. For this major milestone, Tri-North’s goal is to exceed the funds raised in 2023 for another record-breaking event. More details on next year’s Tequila for Ta-Tas will come summer 2024.

About Tri-North Builders:

Tri-North was founded in Madison, Wisconsin in 1981 as a general contracting firm. For over 40 years, Tri-North has continuously expanded its services, ranging from preconstruction and construction management to LEED consulting and self-performed work. With three nationwide offices, Tri-North has grown beyond what was imagined. Yet, it has remained privately owned and managed with Thomas Thayer (one of the original founding members) as the President and CEO. Tri-North is an employee-owned company, and many of its first employees are still with Tri-North today.