Thanks to our 2015 Golf Classic Sponsors and Donors!

GOLD SPONSORS ($2,500):

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SILVER SPONSORS ($1000):

Mel & David Johnson

Law Office of Eugene E. Detert

Mike & Ginny McBride

Ab Nicholas

Chuck & Eileen Stoner

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Hole Sponsors  ($100 per hole)

Advocacy Investment, LLC (1)
American Family Insurance (1)
Data Financial, Inc. (1)
Mel & David Johnson (1)
Joy Global, Inc. (2)
Law Office of Eugene E. Detert (1)
Mike & Ginny McBride (1)
Milwaukee Capital, Inc. (1)
Harry & Ellie Moseley (1)
Ab Nicholas (1)
Ruby Isle Auto (2)
Chuck & Eileen Stoner (1)
Twin Disc (2)
Bob Wolfgram Insurance Agency (1)
John Zacher (2)

Raffle Prize Donors

103.7 Kiss FM
Betty Brinn Children’s
Museum
Blue’s Egg
Bosley on Brady
Breadsmith
Charles Allis & Villa
Terrace Art Museums
Colectivo
Comedy Sportz
Discovery World
Doubletree by Hilton
Dr. McGillicuddy
Florentine Opera
Fred Astaire Dance
Company
Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens
German Fest
Glorioso’s Italian Market
Green Bay Packers
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Indulgence Chocolatiers
Greg Johnson
Joy Global
Klement’s Sausage
Lakefront Brewery
Marcus Center for the
Performing Arts
Marcus Theatre Corporation
Mike and Ginny McBride
Menards—Eau Claire, WI
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee County Zoo
Milwaukee Food Tours
Milwaukee Irish Festivals, Inc.
Milwaukee Repertory Theatre
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.
Moxie Fitness LLC
Next Act Theatre
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Ray’s Wine and Spirits
Schlitz Audobon Center
Maureen and Gary Shebesta
Skydive Milwaukee
Skylight Musical Theatre
Southwest Airlines
Sprecher Brewing Company
Trader Joe’s—Bayshore Town Center
Teresa Trostmiller
Wine for Ring Toss donated by Gathering Board Members
Woodman’s Markets

Christmas in July Thanks to Johnson Controls

You’re putting on sunscreen, heading to a local festival, or taking walks outside, so it must be that time of year—Christmas! For the Gathering’s guests at our South Side site, this is completely normal. Thanks to a partnership with Johnson Controls, we have celebrated Christmas in July at the Gathering for over 20 years.

On Saturday, July 26th, 212 guests enjoyed a special Christmas meal of beef roast, fresh potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, and ice cream sundaes with Christmas cookies for dessert. The meal was paid for by Johnson Controls, and prepared and served by JCI employees. To top it off, each guest received a gift bag supplied by JCI employees, and each child was given a treat bag full of wrapped presents and goodies donated by Maureen and Gary Shebesta. Holiday music and decorations added to the festive atmosphere.

Cooks prepare over 150 lbs. of potatoes

The Christmas in July meal requires a special amount of coordination and planning. Becky Lange, who has worked for JCI for 11 years in various accounting and finance roles, took over coordinating the annual Christmas in July meal four years ago. She explains how it all works.

“We have four chefs (two employees - Rick and Pam - and two of Rick’s daughters) that show up at 6:00 a.m. to start cooking 200 lbs of roast beef, 150 lbs of potatoes and a whole lot of green bean casserole! We aim to have at least 25 volunteers to get the room decorated, get cookies put out on trays, assemble goody bags, serve the delicious food, make ice cream sundaes, and do all of the clean up. We also have over 30 volunteers who donate their time and homemade cookies to hand out to the attendees.”

Volunteers decorate and plan before the meal

For Becky, seeing the guests smile and watching families get involved are two of the highlights of the project. For many, this opportunity to serve the community is rewarding. 

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“Personally, I think that we as a company can’t be successful if our communities aren’t successful. We as employees live in these communities and we should have a personal stake in seeing them flourish, which is what Johnson Controls promotes through our Community Involvement Program.”

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Johnson Controls serving line

Christmas in July is just one example of how a dedicated partnership can inspire creative opportunities. Through monthly dinner volunteering, board service, fundraising, Christmas in July and more, Johnson Controls and its employees truly are committed to being “People in community, feeding the hungry.”

Johnson Controls emphasizes community relations and community involvement, and we at The Gathering benefit immensely from this emphasis. Thank you for everything from jingles and cookies to decorations and dinner prep, and to all, a Merry Christmas (in July)!

The whole Johnson Controls Christmas in July crew

Jeanette: Compliments and Smiles

Have you ever met an accountant-turned-nanny studying to become a teacher who spends her “free time” volunteering? We have! And we are thankful to have met her. Jeanette is a full time student at Cardinal Stritch studying to earn a dual certificate in regular and special education. She spent most of her life working as an accountant but felt it was not the right fit for her.

After an inspiring opportunity to nanny for a family with five children, Jeanette realized she belonged in education. Not just education in the strictest sense, Jeanette also wanted to continue her education in the community. 

“As a teacher, I need to know the community I’m working in. For years, I wanted to volunteer but could not because of my hectic work schedule. Working 2-3 jobs, it was hard to find time.”  

But now, she has. For the past three months, Jeanette has been volunteering at the Gathering’s breakfast program 3-4 times a week. You can see her regularly in the serving line. She’s the one with a big “J” hand-sewn onto her specialized Gathering apron. 

“I think names are important. That’s why I sewed the “J” on my apron. I wanted people to know that they can call me J and I want to know their names, too.”

Like many dedicated Gathering volunteers, Jeanette believes that respect and dignity are of the utmost importance.  

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“Little compliments and smiles go a long way.”

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Her favorite part of the meal is sitting down and visiting with guests and volunteers once the rush is over, swapping stories and socializing. She has even been able to help guests out in unique ways, including tutoring, providing community resources, donating clothes to St. James’ Red Door Clothing and even hemming a pair of pants that didn’t quite fit one of the guests.

Jeanette does not volunteer just to give back; she also gains a lot from her experience at the breakfast program. 

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“Sometimes you can really feel alone, but when I go to the Gathering, I feel like a part of something. It’s not about status or socioeconomic means; it’s just about everyone being there. No one’s background really matters. It’s bigger than me. It’s about making the community go in a positive direction.”

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It’s the little things that Jeanette and all the Gathering’s guests and volunteers do to move our community in a positive direction. Whether its swapping stories, hemming pants or just being present, Jeanette and so many others help the Gathering create a comforting and dignified community.

2014 Gathering Golf Classic Recap

We raised $20,138.73! Our most successful Golf Classic to date!

At 1:30 on the dot, the sun came out from behind the rain clouds and shined down on the 75 golfers as they headed to their assigned tees. The Gathering’s 8th annual Golf Classic was held at Elkhorn’s Evergreen Golf Course on Monday, June 23. Over the years this special event has generated $112,787 for the Gathering’s work. The dollars raised this year were the most ever, thanks to the generosity of our major sponsors. Dollars were also raised from registration fees, wine ring toss, and a raffle offering everything from a Kindle Fire to a Brewers’ Tailgate. Sponsors and raffle donors are listed on the next page.

After the event, Cathy Stagmer, Manager-Global Community Relations for Joy Global (a Gold Sponsor since 2008) stated, “I’m glad the event was the success you hoped it would be. Our golfers had a great time. One of the members of our foursome was new to the company and new to the Gathering. He was very impressed with you as an organization and passionate about the work you do to serve our community. We look forward to joining you on the greens again next year!”

The view from the hole-in-one tee at Evergreen Golf Club in Elkhorn, WI

Holz Chevrolet supplied the car for our hole-in-one, but, alas it was not won. Other winners included Cameron Brady – longest drive; John Gardipee – longest putt; Dan Kiernan – closest to the pin; Muldoon (Tom)/Wiesneth/Rogaczewski/Rogaczewski foursome - highest score (last place); Morrison/Brady/Wickett/Sievert foursome - lowest score (1st place). Thanks to The Gathering’s Board of Directors who drive this event and to Gathering staff for their support work. Mark your calendars for next year – Monday, June 22! We would love to have you join us.

The talented golf foursome from Joy Global, one of the event's gold sponsors

Mike takes a swing

Special Thanks to our 2014 Gathering Golf Classic Sponsors and Raffle Donors

Double Gold Sponsors:

CHUCK & EILEEN STONER

Gold Sponsors:

ZACHER TRUCKING SERVICES

Silver Sponsors:

Law Office of Eugene E. Detert, Mel & David Johnson, Mike & Ginny McBride, Milwaukee Capital, Inc., Ab Nicholas

Hole Sponsors:

Advocacy Investment LLC (1)

Anytime Fitness Sussex (2)

BE Repaired Auto and Truck (1)

Data Financial, Inc. (1)

Steve & Ricka Long (1)

Harry & Ellie Moseley (1)

Nordco, Inc. (2)

Ruby Isle Auto (1)

Weber & Rick, S.C. (1)

Wixon, Inc. (1)

Raffle and Prize Donors:

Anodyne Coffee Roasting Mike & Sue Carnahan

Charles Allis Villa Terrace Art Museum Colectivo Discovery World Doubletree by Hilton Florentine Opera

Fred Astaire Dance Company Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens German Fest Green Bay Packers

Mel & David Johnson

Joy Global

Klement’s Sausage

Lakefront Brewery

Jim Leurquin

Lowe’s – Franklin Store

Lucille’s Rockin’ Pianos

Mike & Ginny McBride

Menards

Milwaukee Admirals

Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee County Parks

Milwaukee Irish Festivals

Milwaukee Public Museum

Milwaukee Repertory Theatre

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Milwaukee World Festival

Next Act Theatre

Polish Fest

Present Music

PRP Wine International

Sazerac

Ginny Schrag

Six Flags Great America

Skydive Milwaukee

Sprecher Brewing Company

Transfer Pizzeria

Teresa Trostmiller

Wisconsin Athletic Club

Wisconsin Hospitality Group

Check out all of our golfers from the event! Thanks to everyone who came out and golfed - we had a great time.

Not pictured: Joe, Som, Michael and Bill

Camron, Mike, Chris and Shane - golfers extraordinaire

Greg, Ben, Mike and Tom - Showing off their golfing prowess

Ray, Jim, Lisa and Deb - go for the hole-in-one

George, Kyle, Carl, Bob - golfing up a storm

Bob, Patrick and Bill - golf their way to the top

Jim, Jason, Darin and Rolf - golf as great as their style

David, Bob, Hap and Dan - a committed foursome

Janice, George, Mike and Ginny - gettin' it on the green

Gunnar, Tucker, Jim and Candace - show off their serious golf skills

Clark, Kathy, John and Terri - So good, they're practically pro

John, Dick, Dick and Joe - a talented golf foursome

Jeff, Cindy, Mike and Mike - Got great swings

Wayne, Jim, Jeff and Kyle - formidable golfing opponents

Scott, Dave, Greg and Mark - They know how to drive a ball

Gene, Brian, Dennis and Brandon - Golfing in style

Mike, Jon and Everett - Taking care of the course

Scott, Hank, Brian and Randy from Zacher Truck Service

FUEL Milwaukee Adopts the Gathering

In February, FUEL Milwaukee adopted the Gathering as part of their Adopt-A-Nonprofit program. FUEL Milwaukee is a community engagement network that seeks to connect young professionals to organizations serving Milwaukee.

Every year, FUEL’s Creative Council selects a number of nonprofits to partner with through their Adopt-A-Nonprofit program. Through this program, the Council works to promote each non-profit through various events including a launch event (200+participants), social events and volunteering/fundraising efforts. The benefits include publicity, education about the nonprofit, and a large volunteer base of professionals with all types of networks. So far, this partnership has been very rewarding for the Gathering—bringing in new volunteers, raising awareness and helping us spread our mission!

One of the Gathering’s Creative Council partners, Corrie, explained the importance of the program. “The Adopt-a-Nonprofit is my favorite part of FUEL and the Creative Council. Without FUEL, I probably wouldn’t know about half of the needs of our city. The opportunity to learn about what great work is being done is one thing but to be able to be part of that great work is priceless. That’s the benefit of Adopt-a-Nonprofit, you connect to people, places and organizations you might not have on your own, to make a difference right here in the city of Milwaukee.”

Special thanks to Corrie and Kara, FUEL’s creative council members who elected to work with the Gathering, Tiffany, Tara and Gathering Board Members. These indiviudals have already put in a great deal of time, talent and energy towards the partnership. We look forward to more social and volunteer events with FUEL, and we hope to welcome more FUEL members into the Gathering family.

Learn more about FUEL Milwaukee and the adopt-a-nonprofit program.

2014 Volunteer Celebration

 by Ginny Schrag

Every year, the Gathering holds an event to celebrate our volunteers and honor those who have reached milestones in their service with us. This year’s celebration was held on the evening of March 27th at Evolution Gastro Pong (formerly Spin Milwaukee) in the Third Ward. This table tennis and dining venue offers space to nonprofits at no charge. Over 100 Gathering volunteers took advantage of the four available ping pong tables and the catered food and beverages.

Between 1,500 and 2,000 volunteers work with the Gathering each year, cooking, coordinating serving groups, preserving produce, serving meals, cleaning and painting, answering phones, guiding the agency through board service, conducting fundraisers, and so much more.

To our volunteers: without you there would be no Gathering. You build the community and maintain the hospitality so important to serving our guests with respect and dignity. Thank you!

The 2013 Volunteer Award Recipients are listed below. Special thanks to Lisa Yanzer for all of the event’s photographs pictured throughout this newsletter and on our website. 

Friend of the Gathering Awards – Outstanding Service

Hindu Temple of Wisconsin, Jim Leurquin, St. James Episcopal Church, Weekday On-Site Collaborations (Homeless Outreach Nursing Center, Legal Aid Society & Lucy Cooper, St. Ben’s Medical Clinic)

George and Craig

George Greene Award – Given for exceptional service by a guest turned volunteer:  Craig Burrow, Breakfast Program

Serving Groups - Milestones reached in 2013 for # of times served

• 15+       Faith Community Congregational Church, Mt. Calvary Lutheran School
• 25+       Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
• 35+       Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church
• 50+       St. Boniface Episcopal Church, YouthWorks
• 65+       University Lake School
• 75+       North Shore Presbyterian Church, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, St. John Vianney Firm Believers
• 85+       St. Rafael Catholic School, UWM Center for Community-Based Learning, Leadership and Research
• 150+   Emanuel United Church of Christ
• 275+    St. Anne’s Serving Team
• 325+    Marquette University High School

Produce Preservation - Milestones reached in 2013 for # of times served

• 10+     Char Radke, Jane Shero, Michelle Talhami
• 25+      Eileen Duffey

Individual Awards – Milestones reached in 2013 for # ofyears served:

• 3 Years:   Tom Sromek, Shayla Sromek, Shirley Bankier, Jennifer Thomas, Sue Hanser, Brian Genduso, Cindy Kaja, Rob Krecak, Robert MacDonald
• 5 Years:   Velma Foster, Kathy Sween, Noni Guddie, Judy Linsley, Dan Linsley, Camille Austin, Tricia Trexell, Marie Daniels, Sandra Hickman, Valecia Watson
• 10 Years:   Cheri Grambo
• 15 Years:   Gene Detert, Julie Mercer
• 20 Years:   Bob Nakamura, Pat Steppe
• 25 Years:   Marge Gundrum

Dan, Natalia and Miriam accept the award for St. Rafael Catholic School