Volunteer: Mike & Mary Altschaefl
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is the No. 4 pediatric hospital in the nation, and the only health system in Wisconsin that is 100 percent dedicated to children. To maintain that level of success, the organization relies heavily on committed volunteers and benefactors.
Mike and Mary Altschaefl are two such volunteers who have generously donated their time and talents to the organization for more than 15 years.
Mike currently serves as president of Still Water Partners Inc. and president of Waterford-based E-S Plastic Products LLC.
Mike served on the board of Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin from 2000 to 2006. At the time, the organization was the state’s largest privately held nonprofit welfare agency. Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin later acquired Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin in order to better serve the health and social services needs of children and families throughout the state.
When that happened, Mike became a member of the Children’s Hospital board of directors and Mary was introduced to the organization as well.
The two are known for their willingness to help wherever needed, and regularly support hospital expansions, upgrades and advocacy programs.
“We were drawn to the cause because we’ve been incredibly fortunate. We’ve been blessed with four children, and supporting a cause that gives so much back to children in our community was a natural fit for us,” Mike said.
Mary has been instrumental in the success and continued growth of the organization’s second-longest standing fundraiser, the Sugar Plum Luncheon. Held each year in November, the event brings in more than $100,000 in charitable contributions each year.
“It’s a wonderful event, and it raises so much awareness for the great work that the staff at the hospital and at the Children’s Hospital Foundation do,” Mary said.
Because of the dedication and commitment Mary has to the organization and the number of hours she has put in volunteering, she has her own workspace in the foundation offices.
The pair also gives back by hosting small fundraising events in their home, and by doing what they can to bring awareness to the cause.
“It’s really about the people, and the great work this organization does for the community,” Mike said. “We’re very compelled to give back when and where we can.”
