Page 10 - WLIS-Fall-Magazine-2023

It’s About HELPING OTHERS

Toy Raffle Brings

Fun to Siblings

Chapter 72 Kaukauna, Wisconsin

oman’s Life Chapter 72
Kaukauna, Wisconsin, has

W supported the Paul Van Han-
del Memorial Foundation for several years,
helping with fundraisers and using their

access to Matching Funds from Woman’s
Life. The Foundation helps parents of spe-
cial-needs children afford quality daycare,
which empowers parents to re-enter and

remain in the workforce. “Our chapter has
a close relationship with the Foundation
because three of our members are affiliat-

ed with it, and one member is on the board
of directors,” says President Sherry Garcia.
the wagOn was a huge
Chapter 72 members were looking for a new way
to support the Paul Van Handel Memorial Founda- attraCtiOn at the fundraiser.
tion at the Foundation’s Night to Remember event peOple had tO walk arOund the
in April by doing something that would include the wagOn tO see everything.
siblings of the children with special needs. “Families Sue Meyer
often include children who are not special needs,”
says Garcia, “and we wanted to offer something for
them as well.” Chances to win were $1 for 1 ticket, $5 for 6 tickets,
The members’ idea was to create something to and $20 for 36 tickets. Most people were happy to take
raffle off that would include multiple types of toys in- the $20 offer, and the money raised was matched by
cluding dolls and stuffed animals, games for all ages, Woman’s Life. In the end, they donated $1,055 includ-
pool and sandbox toys, and more. “Some members ing $500 in Matching Funds from Woman’s Life.
shopped for bargains, some donated money so more Chapter 72 was chartered in 1909, and it’s been a
toys could be purchased, and some brought toys in,” family affair, with current members following in the
recalls Treasurer Sue Meyer. The result was an im- footsteps of parents and even grandparents. Current
pressive $250–$300 worth of toys to be raffled. President Sherry Garcia’s grandmother, Florence
The toys were arranged in a collapsible wagon, stacked Lambie, was a former president, and member Kathy
in tiers like a castle with toys hanging on all sides and Grapentin and her mother have both held the position
a toy garden wagon tied on the back. “The wagon was of president. Today, a tight-knit group of members
a huge attraction at the fundraiser,” Meyer remembers. regularly participates in up to 10 fundraisers and vol-
“People had to walk around the wagon to see everything.” unteer service projects each year.

8 WOMANSLIFE.ORG FALL 2023