As our 2019 #Gift2Giving Season comes to a close, we'd like to thank each an every local non-profit organization for their commitment to serving the communities of SE Wisconsin each and every day. Your dedication is appreciated and noticed. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Journal Entry & Contributing Employee: Linnet Henningfeld, Deposit Operations Specialist

At a time when the agriculture industry is struggling I choose to donate my #Gift2Giving donation to the Waterford FFA chapter.  They were awarded a service grant of $900.00 and are using the funds to address hunger inequality in the community.  They are the future and helping to educate them on the industry and them giving back into the community is an inspiration for my #Gift2Giving donation.  Visit Waterford FFA on Facebook for more information about the poultry project they are starting with the funds. Its a wonderful story and I'm so proud of their efforts! 

Journal Entry: Teri Eulgen, Retail Manager
Additional Contributing Employee(s): Teri Eulgen, Retail Manager; Caitlyn Eulgen, Universal Banker; Kacie Rose, Universal Banker; Alyssa Hegemann, Universal Banker; Nick Borth, Market President; Kathy Grant, Universal Banker; Jim Muraski, AVP IT Officer

As a member of the St. Thomas Parish family I know first-hand the efforts the members and staff put out to help those in need. They help a broad spectrum of people outside of our area by going on mission trips across America, serving food at shelters in Milwaukee, and meal prepping for Love Inc. to name a few.  But did you know they seek to help those who are going through hard times in our own immediate area by providing food, financial assistance whenever possible, and networking with other organizations to make sure all needs are met?

The St. Thomas Food Pantry is run by a dedicated group of volunteers who help serve our small area throughout the year, but especially during Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  They receive the majority of their donations primarily through other organizations and clubs along with parish members.  They are passionate about what they do, and it shows.

Many people in Waterford may not even know St. Thomas has this service and I felt it was important to not only help them to help others this holiday season, but to get the word out!  In a small community, like Waterford, it is very important to always watch out for your neighbors and help them any way that you can.  I know that this group does exactly that.
 
When looking for non-profits that make a difference in Waterford this group definitely came to mind.  Many co-workers joined together to make a bigger impact (which sure helps at this time of the year as the need is at its highest).  The level of appreciation is amazing.  Betty, one of the volunteers, is STILL telling everyone about it.  She STILL can’t believe it! 

Journal Entry: Jayne Ojala, Retail Manager
Additional Contributing Employee(s): Jayne Ojala, Retail Manager; Kelly Huston, Market President; Jeanne Vanderwerff, Universal Banker; Cheryl Vanderwerff, Universal Banker; Robert Pieroni, Market President; Joey Wade, Universal Banker; Donna Daniels, Universal Banker

This year our Paddock Lake Team #Gift2Giving donation went to the Sharing Center in Trevor. The Sharing Center is a gem in Western Kenosha County.  They help people of all ages and families that need help immediately with food and clothing. They also help with other resources such as transportation, domestic violence, employment resources, veteran’s services and much more to get people back on their feet again! One never knows what will happen in life and you too may someday be on that side of the fence and in need.  

To learn more about The Sharing Center or find out how you can help, visit them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesharingcenterSEWI/

Last year, when CSB wrapped up the #Gift2Giving campaign, our Marketing Team had the opportunity to present the campaign to the Community State Bank Board of Directors. Shortly after the meeting Brian Pollard, one of our CSB Board Members, reached out to get a few more details regarding the program and how it works. This year, Brian and his staff at Fairwyn took on the program whole heartedly and in turn donated funds to nine additional organizations. Below is a list of those organizations that were affected by the Fairwyn #Gift2Giving Campaign dollars. Thank you to all of you that continue to make this program a success each year. Thank you for giving back to those who are in need! It's extremely motivating to see that this program not only affects the staff at Community State Bank, but others in the community as well. Awesome news! 

​Journal Entry: Shelly Petrick, Universal Banker
Additional Contributing Employee(s): Shelly Petrick, Universal Banker; Ellie Heigl, Marketing Communications Coordinator; Jenny Braun, Harvest Club Director; Katie Stolp, Retail Operations Officer; Bryn Nielsen, Universal Banker; Janet Vandaalwyk, Investment Assistant; Sarah Povkovich, Document Imaging Specialist; Kim Terpstra, Mortgage Loan Officer; Karen Jorgensen, AVP Loan Operations; Justin Kasten, Branch Development Manager; Jeff Reidenbach, Facilities Manager; Jackie Kolbeck, Business Banking Loan Coordinator Supervisor; Michael Castagnino, Business Banking Loan Coordinator; Susan Bork, Business Banking Loan Coordinator; Marion Myers (CSB Donation, Personal Donation & Blanket Donation), Universal Banker; Sherri Gorecki (Personal Donation), Universal Banker; Dianne Funk (Blanket Donation), VP & Cashier;  Anonymous Business Donation
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Marleighs Ministries offers hope and encouragement to families dealing with premature births, NICU stays and infant loss. I have listened to several stories from my friends, family members and even co-workers as they or someone they knew struggled with these devastating experiences. I knew I wanted to give #Gift2Giving donation back to an organization that would show these families love during their difficult times. Since so many people have been affected, I also wanted to invite others to join in on my donation. I never knew the experience would be such an emotional one. I was in shock to see that 15 CSB employees reached out to me to also contribute their donations in addition to so many others that wanted to personally give of their own belongings. We had two staff members give of their own personal donations, another two staff members donated handmade blankets and we had an anonymous donation from a local business. Thank you to everyone that was a part of this story! It was an emotional ride that I will never forget. 

To learn more or make a personal donation to Marleighs Ministry, please visit: ​https://www.marleighsministry.org/

​Journal Entry: Sherri Gorecki, MyLIFE Coordinator & Universal Banker
Additional Contributing Employee(s): Sherri Gorecki, MyLIFE Coordinator & Universal Banker; Mary Jo McCarthy, Retail Manager; Michael Ploch, Market President; Michael Fohey; VP Mortgage Lending Manager; Ashley Olsen, Loan Specialist
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I've been reading about New Beginnings in the newspaper over the past year and their struggles to get a shelter open in Walworth County. When I heard the bank was giving us the opportunity to give through the #Gift2Giving program again, I knew right away that I wanted to nominate them for our joint Lake Geneva gift. Domestic violence survivors need to know that they are not alone and they shouldn't have to look any further than their local community for all the help they need. There is a need in Walworth County for this type of service.  I really wanted New Beginnings to know that the local community supports them and their efforts.  I felt our contribution would be helpful in assisting them reach their goal of building a domestic violence center in Walworth County to help serve the needs of our community.

“It’s hard to believe that so much hurt and hardship is going on among our neighbors and friends in Walworth County. We are all so happy to be making this donation to New Beginnings as they continue to help those truly in need!” - Mary Jo McCarthy

“The reason I picked New Beginnings is because they have a goal for 2020 to build a domestic violence center in Walworth County. This organization is truly amazing, what a great way to help the community!” - Ashley Olsen

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​Journal Entry: Kris Mertins-Elliott, Enterprise Risk Management Officer
Additional Contributing Employee(s): Noah Campbell, Credit Analyst; Christina Rowntree, Universal Banker; Nicole Kurhajec, Retail Manager; Molly Krause, AVP Cash Management; Bill Fliess, Credit Analyst; Melody Kowalczyk, Universal Banker; Colin Hennessey, VP Business Banker; Jody Vollmer, Retail Manager; Sherri Gorecki, Universal Banker

There are many deserving organizations that exist simply due to the kindness and generosity of others. For this year’s Community State Bank #Gift2Giving Employee Gift Program, I chose Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin. I believe that serving in the military, regardless of the branch of service, is one of the most noble and selfless professions one can engage in. However, in modern times, serving for the United States military does not always come with the level of respect and support one might assume.

Many of our US Veterans have fallen on hard times for numerous reasons, whether it be due to financial, medical and/or mental health and substance abuse issues.  There are men and women of all ages who, in the line of duty, have suffered physical injuries, and who endure emotional scars, now struggling with their disabilities to try to make a living and have a normal, happy life. Some are lucky enough to have family who have helped support them and get them on their feet. Others aren’t so lucky. Some may have no job, no home and no family to lean on. Some have families of their own but cannot provide them with the basic necessities that we take for granted such as food, clothing and shelter.

Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin (VOW) is non-profit organization that is committed to helping those Veterans who are homeless and at-risk. They offer food, clothing, shelter and other basic needs, as well as services, support groups and programs.  One of their most notable programs being the James A. Peterson Veteran Village.

From the VOW: 
“Our program is much more than just a shelter for homeless veterans. We bring them into a welcoming, warm environment with all the amenities they need, including a full-sized kitchen, recreation area, showers, bathrooms, and a laundry room. In addition, they have their own unique tiny home, which has a bed, small storage areas, a microwave, Keurig machine, refrigerator, and a television. A large part of the program is working closely with each resident to bring all the tools necessary for success and well-being. These tools include group therapy for PTSD and AODA, assistance with work search, Veterans benefit search, financial advice and guidance, and housing placement. We also offer alternative classes from cooking to yoga to art therapy. We want each Veteran to have a well-rounded experience so they may grow and adapt.”

Last month, shortly after CSB announced that we would be continuing our #Gift2Giving program for 2019, a story was published in a local newspaper stating that several Racine County nonprofits will be affected from reduced or cut funding in the 2020 Racine County budget. One of those non-profits is the VOW, as they were cut out of the 2020 proposed budget.

I decided to send a plea to my fellow coworkers, hoping to find some who had not dedicated their gifts yet. I was fortunate to find 8 others who had not and one who is contributing their own personal funds.

We all have family members and friends who have served our military and this donation is just one small way for us to say “thank you” by supporting their brothers and sisters who aren’t as fortunate as they have been.

To make a personal donation donation and/or volunteering information, please visit their website at: vetsoutreachwi.us
“Be a Hero to a Hero!”

Journal Entry: Natalie Strasser, Administrative Secretary
Additional Contributing Employee(s): Rachael Crane, AVP Retail Manager & Ag Banking; Barb Blazina, Universal Banker; Mandy Sekey, Universal Banker; Becky McClelland, Business Banker; Miranda Swirth, Universal Banker; Tracy Waldron, Universal Banker; Peter Schumacher, Chief Financial Officer; Natalie Strasser, Administrative Secretary

I chose to donate my $100 to VetsRoll.org this year. It’s a 4-day trip of a lifetime to Washington D.C. for US veterans and Rosie the Riveters, once a year, at no cost to the veterans and Rosies. It’s a visually striking caravan of 10 luxury Badger buses traveling halfway across the country, to give these deserving folks the opportunity not only to see war memorials around D.C., but to make many more memories along the way, sharing stories, sights, laughs, fun, meals, time, life.

​This is a trip that has touched many lives in numerous ways, and will touch many more to come.  I believe in the power and the blessing of this opportunity.
 
My journal entry is a call to veterans who feel they’re not deserving of a trip like this, or it’s ‘not for you’. 
To these folks I say, set your reasons aside.  If you are able to go, do it.
 
Take this trip for three reasons: 

1. You all wrote out the same blank check, payable in full with everything up to and including your life.
   You offered your life whether you were drafted or you volunteered, whether you were on the front line or in the back office, knowing that in order to protect and serve this country, you might have to fight for, or even die for a cause bigger than you. It was a gamble and a sacrifice. And honorable and brave. Go on the trip for that.
   
   
2. Go for the ones who can’t go.
   Go for the ones who didn’t come home from the war or go for those who came home, but lost their own battles here. Go for those who wanted to be on this trip, whose bodies gave out on them before they could attend. Go to honor the buddies you’ve lost, or likewise, the family. Take this trip to honor them all. Take this trip because unlike so many, you are ABLE. 
   
   
3. Go for the experience. 
   Feel your fingertips touching the Vietnam wall. Experience the solemnity of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the peace of Arlington. The Korean War memorial is so life-like, it’s eerie. Go see it all. Feel the love and gratitude from those young and old, loved ones and strangers, who appreciate the sacrifice you made all those years ago. It will show itself in unexpected places. You’ll see what I mean.

 
You have earned these 4 days.
Just take the trip.
 
Learn more at www.vetsroll.org. 

For this special donation Community State Bank has chosen to feature this story through a podcast. Click on the "play" button below to start listening! ​​

Journal Entry: Pam Hegemann, Human Resource Specialist
Additional Contributing Employee(s): Scott Huedepohl, Bank President & CEO; Sandy Lompa, Sr. Business Banking Loan Coordinator; Shanandoor Kanter, Cash Management / Loan Services; Pam Hegemann, Human Resource Specialist; Marilyn Sorensen, AVP Loan Document Manager; Deb Lois, Loan Document Specialist; Karen Badtke, Deposit Operations Specialist; Denise Engelhardt, IT Specialist; Ginny Bower, AVP Deposit Operations

We chose to give our #Gift2Giving Donation to Transitional Living Center (TLC) in Burlington.  TLC provides many services to families and individuals who are facing homelessness.  Homelessness is a complex problem.  As TLC’s mission states, they are able to provide temporary shelter and basic necessities, while assisting in gaining skills to become self-sufficient, employed and independent.  Whether it’s emergency shelter, counseling, mental health treatment, mentoring or parental education, TLC makes a difference in the lives of the families they assist.  TLC was founded in 1993.  They provide compassionate care to the homeless in Western Racine County.  Their staff works tirelessly to help their residents achieve independence and rise out of poverty.  We support their mission and are proud to play a small role in the vital services they provide in Racine County. "For it is in giving, that we receive."   St. Francis of Assisi

“Many people don’t think that the problem of homelessness exists right here in Western Racine County...but it does.  TLC helps women and children learn the skills they need to someday help others.  Great cause!” – Scott Huedepohl
 
“I love supporting a place that not only shelters the less fortunate and provides for them, but also teaches them skills to move forward and be successful members of the community.” – Sandy Lompa
 
“I am donating to TLC because they are able to help & support individuals who are in need of care and shelter.” – Shanandoor Kanter
 
“I gave to TLC because of what they do for those who are homeless. There is a very real need for the services that TLC provides. Not only do they assist people by giving them a place to live, they also teach/coach them by providing them with the tools to become an independent citizen in our community again. Great Job TLC!” – Deb Lois
 
“As a mother of 5 myself, my heart goes out to those struggling to provide food and shelter to their children and TLC is helping them do that.”            – Denise Engelhardt
 
“It is with great pleasure to give this donation to TLC, but money alone will not sustain the program. I want to also thank the dedicated staff, the Board of Directors and the volunteers who work every day with the clients toward their success.” – Marilyn Sorenson

Below is a short video that Community State Bank assisted Transitional Living Center with to explain the mission of the organization and the dramatic impact that they make on the communities of Western Racine County. For more information or to make a donation to Transitional Living Center please visit TLCBurlington.com.