Kohl’s helps out in Joplin relief effort
Kohl’s Department Stores recently donated $150,000 to the American Red Cross to help respond to the recent tornadoes and severe weather which caused widespread destruction in Joplin, Mo and parts of other states in the Midwest region. Kohl’s is making a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross for emergency-assistance and relief efforts in Joplin and $50,000 for relief efforts in other affected states.
“We are deeply saddened by the devastation and heartache experienced by so many families in Joplin and throughout the Midwest as a result of the severe and destructive weather,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “It is our sincerest hope that our financial assistance and volunteer service will provide some help to our customers, associates and residents in the region as they work to rebuild their homes and communities.”
In addition to a financial contribution, Kohl’s is encouraging its associates to volunteer in support of cleanup efforts through its Associates in Action volunteer program. In recognition of volunteer hours, Kohl’s will donate corporate grants to the nonprofit organizations being supported by Kohl’s associates.
Junior Achievement opens new education center
Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Inc., recently partnered with Kohl’s Department Stores to open the JA Kohl’s Education Center at 11111 W. Liberty Drive in Milwaukee. The Center will provide a hands-on opportunity for Milwaukee area students to run the economy of a small city and live out their financial futures as they learn work readiness and financial literacy skills.
“We are thrilled to open our doors on this beautiful new facility and are excited that students now have the opportunity to experience JA BizTown and JA Finance Park at the JA Kohl’s Education Center,” said Tim Greinert, president of Junior Achievement of Wisconsin. “Financial literacy and work readiness are crucial life skills and, through this best-in-class programming, we’re able to engage students early on in meaningful and memorable ways to arm them with the skills they need as adults. We are thankful for our generous partners like Kohl’s, who share our commitment to providing excellent educational opportunities that will make a positive impact on Milwaukee-area students.”
The new facility will serve 3,000 students from fourth through tenth grade during the launch period this year and up to 20,000 students annually.
The Kohl’s Cares program donated $3 million over three years for the facility.
“Kohl’s has long been committed to supporting children’s educational initiatives in communities nationwide. Here in our hometown of Milwaukee, we are proud to support Junior Achievement and their goal of providing financial educational opportunities to young people who will be our community’s workforce, consumers and leaders tomorrow,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “Through the JA programs, kids can enjoy participating in the fun, interactive environment at the JA Kohl’s Education Center while learning real-world financial skills they need to succeed.”
UPAF celebrates Ride for the Arts this Sunday
The United Performing Arts Fund will host its annual UPAF Ride for the Arts on Sunday, June 5; the ride is UPAF’s largest fundraising event and is also one of the nation’s largest one day recreational bike rides.
The ride offers a 5, 12, 25, 25, 50 or 75 mile bike routes. A finish line party featuring live entertainment and performances from UPAF beneficiary groups, will be hosted at the Potawatomi Stage on the Summerfest Grounds.
The ride will start and finish at the Summerfest Grounds, 200 North Harbor Drive. For the first time this year, three of the bike routes will go over the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge.
Approximately 6,500 riders will be released between 7 to 9 a.m. Following the ride, families can participate in family activities including an instrument petting zoo, jugglers, clowns, jesters and face painters. Free hot dogs will be provided from the Gahn Meat Company, Inc. Pita hot dog buns will be available courtesy of Kanagroo Brands. Free treats from Levy’s will be available at the Mid-Gate of the Summerfest Grounds and Saz’s State House will be cooking and selling food at the Finish Line Party as well.
Route maps are available are www.upafride.org.
Aurora presents check for Japan Relief efforts
The Aurora Partnership Campaign recently presented a check for $3,568.02 to The Salvation Army Japan Relief Efforts on behalf of Aurora Caregivers. Pictured from left to right are Salvation Army Major, Sandra Line, Mark Huber, vice president of the Aurora Health Care Foundation and Ron Irwin, director of donor relations for Aurora Health Care.
AFP needs nominations for philanthropy awards
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Milwaukee Chapter is seeking nominations for the 2011 National Philanthropy Day Awards. Each year, the chapter recognizes a group of awardees who have had extraordinary impact on philanthropy in southeastern Wisconsin. The awards will be presented at the organization’s annual awards luncheon on Tuesday, November 15 at the Frontier Airlines Center. The nomination process is open to the public this year for the first time.
The nomination form, descriptions of award criteria, as well as a list of past award recipients is available on the chapter website, www.afpmilwaukee.org. Nominations will be accepted through Tuesday, May 31.
Lutheran Home seeks sponsors for Monarch Ball
The Lutheran Home Foundation is accepting corporate and individual sponsorships for its 12th annual Monarch Ball, which will take place at the Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee on Saturday, Sept. 10.
The theme for this year’s event is “A Royal Affair.”
Various levels of sponsorships are available for the Monarch Ball, which will generate proceeds to benefit the residents of the Lutheran Home who have outlived their resources. Donations will help the seniors facing chronic illnesses, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly half of the residents in the skilled nursing home are indigent.
Sponsorships must be confirmed by May 23 to ensure a company’s logo or name is listed on the Monarch Ball invitation.
For additional information, contact Lutheran Home Foundation executive director Heidi Mayer at (414) 258-6171, extension 302, or heidi.mayer@thelutheranhome.org. Additional information also is available at www.thelutheranhome.org.
