Member News Archives | Greater Green Bay Chamber

Green Bay Botanical Garden CLasses & Event Schedule June – august 2026

Woodland Wonders

Presented by Selner Tree & Shrub Care

Now–April 30, 2027
Free/Garden Member | Included with Daily Admission

Step into immersive woodland garden spaces that bring the stories of trees to life. Wander through thoughtfully designed landscapes that shift with the seasons — each offering a different perspective on how trees shape the world around us.

From familiar forest scenes to more imaginative interpretations, every path invites you to slow down, look closer, and discover something new.

Learn more at GBBG.org/WoodlandWonders.

Daily, Self-Guided Activities

Available May 1–October 31

(excluding special events)
Free/Garden Member

Daily Admission/General Public

Stop & Learn Signs

Anytime

Seek out educational signs placed throughout the Garden to dig deeper into nature.

Scavenger Hunts

Anytime

Hunt for clues and dive deeper into Washed Ashore, presented by Dar Stumpf and Clyde Reed.

Fort Building

Anytime

Create your own fort-tastic structures with materials from our trees.

Discovery Boxes

Anytime

Search for boxes placed throughout the Garden containing games and activities for kids.

S.E.E.D Packs

Anytime

Search, Explore, Experience, and Discover the Garden! Packs include short lessons, games, and observation activities.

Weekly Drop-In Activities

Tuesdays

Story Time

June 9–October 27

10–10:30 am

Nature–themed stories and activities.

Discovery Cart

June 9–August 25

11:30 am–12 pm

Science activities focused on trees and everything they do for us.

Getaway Wednesdays
Presented by BMO

June 3–August 26

Buy One, Get One Admission

9 am–8pm

Visit a Garden Ambassador

10–11 am
Volunteers are in the Garden to share their knowledge and answer your questions!

Discovery Cart

11:30 am–12 pm

Science activities focused on trees and everything they do for us.

Fridays
Bloom & Boogie

June 12–August 28

10–10:30 am

Get out and get moving with your little ones! Sing, dance, and move to your favorite nursery rhymes – all while enjoying the beauty of the Garden.

Programs & Events

June

Tuesday, June 2

Guided Tree Walk

9:30–10:30 am

Michael P. & Glenn Spevacek
Free/Garden Member
$5/General Public

Tuesdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Plein Air Tuesdays with the Art Garage

4–6 pmFree/Garden Member
Daily Admission/General Public

Tuesday, June 9

Amazing Insects of Wisconsin

1:30–3 pm
Rob Zimmer

Rob Zimmer Outdoors
$15/Garden Member

$18/General Public

Daily, June 10–12, 15–19, 22–26, 29, 30

Green Bay Area Public Schools Summer Food Program

11–11:15 am
Included with Daily Admission
Free/Children 18 and under

$5.50/Adult

Wednesday, June 10
Woodburned Botanical Notebook

6–8 pm
Jennifer Frisch
Coneflower Creations
$49/Garden Member

$58/General Public

Friday, June 12

Music in Bloom presented by Employment Resource Group
That’s So Shania

7–9 pm

Ticket prices vary.

Monday, June 15

Camp: The Lorax Life
9:30 am–3:30 pm

Ages 6–8

Garden Education Team

$45/Garden Member

$55/General Public

Wednesday, June 17

Camp: The Lorax Life
9:30 am–3:30 pm

Ages 9–11

Garden Education Team

$45/Garden Member

$55/General Public

Thursday, June 18

Seeds to Snacks

4:30–6 pm

All Seeds to Snacks:

Free/Garden Member

Daily Admission/General Public

Sunset Sessions presented by Sanimax
American Honey (Trio)

6–8 pm

All Sunset Sessions:

Free/Garden Member

General Public:

$17/Adult

$15/Senior (62+) & Military

$7/Youth (3-17)

Free/Children 2 & under

Sunday, June 21

Father’s Day

9 am–8 pm

Free admission for dads.

Tuesday, June 23

Abstract Beading

2–5 pm

Kasey Hock

Mama + Maker
$55/Garden Member

$66/General Public

Thursday, June 25

Seeds to Snacks

4:30–6 pm

Sunset Sessions presented by Sanimax
ComedyCity (Improv)

6–8 pm

July

Saturday, July 4

Independence Day

9 am–6 pm

Free admission for military personnel and veterans.

Daily, July 6–10, 13–17, 20–24, 27–31

Green Bay Area Public Schools Summer Food Program

11–11:15 am
Included with Daily Admission
Free/Children 18 and under

$5.50/Adult

Tuesday, July 7

Guided Tree Walk

9:30–10:30 am

Michael P. & Glenn Spevacek
Free/Garden Member
$5/General Public

Tuesday, July 7

Plein Air Watercolor

2–5 pm
Kasey Hock

Mama + Maker
$62/Garden Member
$74/General Public

Tuesdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28
Plein Air Tuesdays with the Art Garage

4–6 pmFree/Garden Member
Daily Admission/General Public

Thursday, July 9

Gong & Guided Meditation

5:30–6:45 pm

Brenda Brayko
Celestial Sound

$15/Garden Member
$18/General Public

Monday, July 13–Friday, July 17

Camp: Tree-Tastic Adventures
9:30 am–12:30 pm daily

Ages 9–11

Garden Education Team

$85/Garden Member

$105/General Public

Mondays, July 13, 20, 27, 3, 10

Hatha Yoga

5:30–6:30 pm

Tree Janzen

Tree’s Yoga

$45/Garden Member
$50/General Public

One Day: $12

Friday, July 17

Music in Bloom presented by Employment Resource Group
Feels Like the 1^st Time (Foreigner Tribute)

7–9 pm

Ticket prices vary.

Tuesday, July 21

Members-Only Tour: Woodland Wonders Walk

5–6:30 pm

Lindsay Hendricks

Horticulture Manager

Free/Garden Member

Advance registration required.

Wednesday, July 22

Intro to Foraging in an Urban Environment

6–8 pm
Melissa Maurer-Ford,

Horticulturist
$15/Garden Member
$18/General Public

Thursday, July 23

Seeds to Snacks

4:30–6 pm

Sunset Sessions presented by Sanimax
Sweet Acoustics (Acoustic/Electric Rock)

6–8 pm

Tuesday, July 28

Lammas (Harvest) High Tea
6–8 pm

Northeast Wisconsin Unit of the Herb Society
$33/Garden Member

$39/General Public

Thursday, July 30

Seeds to Snacks

4:30–6 pm

Sunset Sessions presented by Sanimax
Big Mouth & The Power Tool Horns (Classic Funk/Rock/R&B)

6–8 pm

August

Monday, August 3

Camp: Forest Friends
9:30 am–3:30 pm

Ages 6–8

Garden Education Team

$45/Garden Member

$55/General Public

Tuesday, August 4

Guided Tree Walk

9:30–10:30 am

Michael P. & Glenn Spevacek
Free/Garden Member
$5/General Public

Tuesdays, August 4, 11, 18, 25
Plein Air Tuesdays with the Art Garage

4–6 pmFree/Garden Member
Daily Admission/General Public

Wednesday, August 5

Camp: Forest Friends
9:30 am–3:30 pm

Ages 9–11

Garden Education Team

$45/Garden Member

$55/General Public

Thursday, August 6

Gong & Guided Meditation

5:30–6:45 pm

Brenda Brayko
Celestial Sound

$15/Garden Member
$18/General Public

Friday, August 7

Music in Bloom presented by Employment Resource Group
Rock of ABBA

7–9 pm

Ticket prices vary.

Thursday, August 13

Seeds to Snacks

4:30–6 pm

Sunset Sessions presented by Sanimax

New Generation (Polka)

6–8 pm

Thursday, August 20

Amazing Dragonflies of Wisconsin

1:30–3 pm
Rob Zimmer

Rob Zimmer Outdoors
$15/Garden Member $18/General Public

Seeds to Snacks

4:30–6 pm

Sunset Sessions presented by Sanimax
The Whiskey Belles (Country/Folk/Americana)

6–8 pm

Tuesday, August 25

Tai Chi

10–11 am

Eric Peter, Tai Chi Instructor
$19/Garden Member
$23/General Public
(First class on May 18)
One Day: $12

Wednesday, August 26

Papermaking Retreat

9:30 am–4 pm
Hilary Rath

Paper Play by HJ
$70/Garden Member
$79/General Public

About Green Bay Botanical Garden
For 30 years, Green Bay Botanical Garden has connected people with plants by providing year-round educational and recreational experiences for everyone in an environment that engages, inspires, and refreshes. First opened in 1996 and now featuring 47 acres of display gardens and natural areas, the Garden touches the lives of more than 200,000 visitors annually on average from northeast Wisconsin and beyond. For more information about other happenings, visit GBBG.org or call 920.490.9457.

Goodwill NCW’s Project SEARCH Site in Oshkosh Graduates 2026 Interns

Eight interns graduated on May 29, 2026, from Goodwill North Central Wisconsin’s Project SEARCH site at Ascension Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh, a nine-month program that prepares people with disabilities to enter the workforce.

Nationally, 69% of those who participated in Project SEARCH in 2023-24 secured employment after completing the program (Source). Overall, since the start of the program at the Ascension site, nearly 75% of the interns who have completed the program have obtained employment.

“This program shows how a partnership with a shared vision can lead to a future full of opportunities for these students”, said Shana Herzfeldt, Director of Mission Operations at Goodwill NCW. “It is extremely rewarding and inspiring to see their remarkable progress and achievements. The skills and experiences they gain during their internship will serve as a strong foundation for their future.”

Project SEARCH Ascension Graduation 2026

Goodwill NCW operates the Oshkosh site in partnership with the Oshkosh Area School District, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Ascension Mercy Hospital, TMG Wisconsin (IRIS) and Lakeland Care Inc.

The Ascension Project SEARCH Site has supported young adults enrolled with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in the Oshkosh and surrounding areas, primarily recruiting from the Oshkosh Area School District.” While participating in Project SEARCH, the interns rotate through various departments within the hospital to gain hands-on skills that will help them in their future employment. The hospital setting provides a variety of job experiences. For example, interns may support the cancer center, work in environmental services, the cafeteria or in other areas of the hospital.

Providing hands-on experience and transferrable job skills, the internship ends with a graduation ceremony. Goodwill NCW continues to support by helping interns through individualized job searches to obtain competitive placements at the host business or in the community.

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Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (Goodwill NCW) is a nonprofit organization with a mission of Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment. We provide pathways to those who are disadvantaged who have a goal of building job skills that lead to sustained employment and improved financial stability. We see people for who they are and believe in the power of work, within our retail stores and workplaces throughout our community. We are proud of the life-changing impact we make in our communities and to our planet with the help of our donors and shoppers. Learn more at goodwillncw.org

COrnerstone Community Center Aims to Increase Recreation Access While GEnerating Millions for the Greater Green Bay Economy

When national tournaments come to Cornerstone Community Center (CCC), the impact goes far beyond the rink. Families fill local hotels. Teams dine in area restaurants. Visitors shop, explore and experience the Greater Green Bay area. Each national tournament hosted at Cornerstone generates an estimated $5 million in economic
impact for the region, and that multiplies with every additional event.

Through its Grow the ‘Stone campaign, CCC is advancing a $23 million project that will add a fourth sheet of ice and increase seating capacity by 3,000. The ongoing expansion is expected to create far-reaching benefits for both the local economy and the families who rely on the facility for practice, league games, private lessons or personal recreation.

“Cornerstone will be able to host larger national competitions and attract more teams than ever before,” said CCC Manager Don Chilson. “This strengthens the economic vitality of Northeast Wisconsin while continuing our mission of affordable, accessible recreation.”

Since 2019, our community has raised $20 million toward this $23 million project, and construction is underway. Now, we’re inviting business leaders and community champions to help us close the gap. Investing in Grow the ‘Stone isn’t just about hockey or skating. It’s about jobs, tourism, youth development and regional pride.

“The added rink is more than increasing our capacity,” explained Chilson. “It means creating more opportunities for kids and families, giving athletes a place to grow and helping our region continue to thrive through sports tourism and community investment.”

Join us in building an even stronger Northeast Wisconsin. Check out more about the Grow the ‘Stone campaign at www.cornerstoneicecenter.org/about/grow-the-stone/35785.

Cornerstone Community Center (CCC) was built in 2000 as the new home of Green Bay Area Youth Hockey, St. Norbert Green Knight Hockey and the Cornerstone Skating Club. The CCC is privately owned by the Nonprofit Group, Cornerstone Community Center Inc., and an affiliate of Green Bay Area Youth Hockey. The CCC offers programs for Youth Hockey, adult leagues and instruction. Hockey and skating skill classes and programs are
available throughout the year

Counting STars Inc. Hosting Rock the Stars Benefit

Counting Stars Inc. is excited to invite you to their upcoming Rock the Stars Fundraiser ✨🎸 benefiting Counting Stars and the children and families we serve throughout our community.

This event is more than just a fundraiser to us, it’s a chance to bring people together, celebrate community, and continue building support for local families.

Rock the Stars will be a fun, relaxed evening filled with great music, food, drinks, raffles, and community connection. We’re especially excited to feature live music from Dani Maus and create an atmosphere where people can come together to enjoy themselves while supporting a meaningful cause. It’s also a great opportunity to tour our space, learn more about what we do at Counting Stars, and connect with other local business owners, leaders, and community members.

Counting Stars is currently looking for raffle basket donations, gift cards, services, or other items from local businesses and community partners. Your donation not only helps support our fundraiser, but also gives us the opportunity to highlight and promote your business throughout the event and in our event promotions leading up to it.

Launch Wisconsin Business Plan Contest Open for Statewide Entries Through June 15th, 2026

Launch Wisconsin, formerly the Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest, is accepting entries online for the 2026 competition until 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2026.

The Wisconsin Technology Council produces the contest to encourage entrepreneurs statewide in the startup stages of tech-based businesses. It links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert advice and mentoring, management talent and possible sources of capital.

Over time, the contest has led to valuable exposure for each year’s top business plans while spurring company and job growth in Wisconsin. In 2025, finalists shared about $180,000 in cash and service prizes. The contest’s major sponsors include the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.

For their initial entries, contestants will submit an executive summary online at launchwisconsin.biz. Contestants will also find business plan templates, startup information, networking contacts and technical resources from a mix of state and national resources on the website.

Contestants who advance to subsequent contest rounds will expand their plan in stages. Judges will score the entries and provide feedback on submissions.

To get started, contestants must create a simple account at launchwisconsin.biz All entries are submitted through the website. Contestants use their account to gain access to mentors throughout the process, as well as review the judges’ comments and feedback.

“WEDC has been the primary supporter of the contest since its inception and continues to underwrite the contest because of its success in nurturing Wisconsin’s earliest stage companies,” said Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Shayna Hetzel, Vice President – Entrepreneurship & Innovation. “This year’s updated categories reflect exciting areas of opportunity for Wisconsin, and we look forward to meeting the innovators building our state’s next great companies.”

Since its inception in 2004, almost 5,000 entries have been received and about $3 million in cash and services (such as legal, accounting, office space and marketing) have been awarded.Contest categories are consumer tech, deep tech, health tech and enterprise tech.

Wisconsin residents 18 years old and older are eligible, as are teams from Wisconsin-based businesses, schools and organizations. (At least one member of a school team must be 18.) Businesses or teams from outside the state are also eligible to compete if they demonstrate intent to base or expand their business in Wisconsin. Entrepreneurs may also enter multiple ideas, though each idea must be separate and distinct.

Companies or individuals that have not received angel or venture capital for their business plan in its current form are eligible to enter. Contestants that have yet to receive more than $100,000 in private equity funding through June 15, 2026, are eligible to enter. There is no fee to enter. As with past contests, the 2026 competition will take place in stages:

In Phase 1, which is open until 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2026, the contest will accept executive summaries on the website. Entries should be roughly 1,500 words and will be graded by the pool of judges. The top 50 executive summaries will advance to Phase 2.
In Phase 2, which runs from Friday, July 17, 2026 through 11:59 p.m. on August 14, 2026, the top executive summaries will submit a 5-minute pitch deck. A virtual mentored “boot camp” for contestants will be held during this phase. Judges will review the pitches and pick three finalists from each of the four categories to advance to the final live presentation round. Mentored practice sessions will be offered to the finalists in September.

The top 12, or “Diligent Dozen,” will square off with live presentations during the Tech Council conference in October 2026.

Past finalists have launched companies that have raised more than $320 million in angel, venture, grants, and venture debt over time – all while creating jobs and economic value for Wisconsin.

The 2025 grand prize winner was Phoenix Aid, an Oshkosh based company that has developed a patented nano-composite dressing for chronic wounds. Category winners in 2025 were Galasys (Advanced Manufacturing), Equability (Business Services), Strudel (Information Technology) and Phoenix Aid (Life Sciences).

To enter, become a judge or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit launchwisconsin.biz

Goodwill NCW’S PRoject SEARCH Celebrates Graduating ThedaCare Interns

On May 27, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) will celebrate seven interns graduating from its Project SEARCH program at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton.

Project SEARCH is a nine-month program preparing people with disabilities to enter the workforce. The national program has a local presence in Appleton, thanks to a partnership with Goodwill NCW, ThedaCare, Department of Workforce Development Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Cooperative Educational Service Agency Six (CESA 6), Lakeland Care and TMG Wisconsin.

Nationally, 69% of those who participated in Project SEARCH in 2023-24 secured employment after completing the program. (Source) Overall, since the start of the program with ThedaCare, nearly 80% of interns completing the program obtained employment.

“This program shows how a partnership with a shared vision can lead to a future full of opportunities for these students,” said Shana Herzfeldt, director of Mission Operations at Goodwill NCW. “It is extremely rewarding and inspiring to see their remarkable progress and achievements. The skills and experiences they gain during their internship will serve as a strong foundation for their future.”

This year’s program marks the sixth graduating class from ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton, said Dale Gisi, senior vice president of the ThedaCare Central Region.

“Many of our Project SEARCH interns remain with us after graduation, becoming part of the ThedaCare team,” Gisi said. “We recognize the exceptional contributions these young adults make within our organization as they support ThedaCare’s efforts to provide high-quality care to our patients and their families. They help enrich our mission to advance the health of our communities through excellence and discovery, inspiring each person to live their unique, best life. Congratulations to all of our Project SEARCH graduates.”

The ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton Project SEARCH program is a hybrid site, welcoming both students referred by local school districts and adults enrolled with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. While participating in Project SEARCH, the interns rotate through various departments within the hospital to gain hands-on skills that may help them in their future employment. The hospital setting provides a variety of job experiences. For example, interns may support the facilities team, work in environmental services, the cafeteria or in other areas of the hospital.

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About ThedaCare

For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including 10 hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. ThedaCare is part of Froedtert ThedaCare, Wisconsin’s most comprehensive health care system.

For more information, visit thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on social media.

New CoVantage Credit Union Location Opening Soon in Kaukauna

Despite a season of spring storms and heavy rain, construction of CoVantage Credit Union’s newest location at 101 E. Kelso Rd., Kaukauna, is progressing on schedule, with a soft opening planned for June 15, 2026.

The Kaukauna location will serve as a full-service branch, providing members with access to a complete range of financial products and services. The branch will be led by Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of the Kaukauna and De Pere locations, Beth Genske, who brings valuable experience and leadership to this new market.

“We’re excited to expand our presence in the Kaukauna community.” said Cheryl Fanning, Sr. Vice President and Chief Retail Officer of CoVantage Credit Union. “This branch represents our continued commitment to serving our members with convenience, innovation, and personalized service.”

Significant progress has been made in recent weeks. The marquee sign has been installed, signaling to the community that opening day is near. Additionally, Virtual Teller ATMs are in place and will become operational as final preparations are completed.

The branch is nearly fully staffed, with all positions filled except for a Student Teller Intern role. Individuals interested in gaining valuable financial services experience are encouraged to apply.

Planning is currently underway for an official Grand Opening Celebration in July, where community members will be invited to tour the facility, meet the team, and celebrate this exciting addition to Kaukauna.

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About CoVantage Credit Union

CoVantage Credit Union is a purpose-driven organization with a mission to welcome all regardless of wealth, providing outstanding value and exceptional service, work with members experiencing financial challenge, and remaining financially strong. Headquartered in Antigo, Wisconsin, the credit union has over $4 billion in assets and serves over 183,000 member-owners. Founded in 1953, the financial cooperative serves members in all 50 states with locations in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois. For more information visit covantagecu.org.

Rooted In Inc. Seeking Community and Business Leaders for Board of Directors

Rooted In Inc. is seeking experienced community and business leaders to join its governance-focused Board of Directors as the organization enters its fourth fiscal year on July 1.

Founded in 2023, Rooted In builds a “community table” where all people are nourished and uplifted. Through its Recover, Transform, Share, Educate model, Rooted In recovers high-quality surplus food, transforms it into scratch-cooked meals, shares meals through trusted community partners, and provides Food as Medicine and culinary education programming across Greater Green Bay.

We are seeking senior leaders who can provide strategic leadership, governance oversight, fundraising support, and strong community connections to help strengthen Rooted In’s long-term sustainability and impact.

Rooted In is currently recruiting for Treasurer, Secretary, and two At-Large Board positions. Ideal candidates may have experience in finance, nonprofit governance, fundraising, strategic planning, marketing, legal, public health, or organizational leadership.

To learn more, contact:
Selena Darrow
Founder & CEO, Rooted In Inc.
selena@rootedininc.org
920-676-7506

HSHS Hospitals in Green Bay and Oconto Falls Honored for Maximizing the Gift of Life

Two HSHS hospitals— HSHS St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls— were recognized by UW Organ and Tissue Donation for an ongoing commitment to saving and improving lives through organ and tissue donation. Both hospitals, along with the 23 other award recipients, were honored during a ceremony on April 29 in Madison.

Laurie Ripp, Hospital Development Specialist with UW Organ and Tissue Donation (left), presents the Bronze Award of Hope to HSHS St. Vincent Hospital ICU nursing manager Kelly Prochnow (middle) and registered nurse Caitlyn Poels (right).

HSHS St. Clare received the “Excellence in Tissue Donation” award, given to recognize effective partnerships between hospital and tissue bank staff in delivered, coordinated and compassionate care, as well as stellar communication to families about tissue donation. HSHS St. Vincent received a “Bronze Award of Hope,” given to hospitals that that achieve or exceed at least one of UW Organ and Tissue’s metrics to maximize organ donation.

“Hospitals are critical partners in organ donation, providing compassionate care to donor heroes and unwavering support to their families,” said Michael Anderson, executive director of UW Organ and Tissue Donation. “We applaud these hospitals and their dedicated care teams for honoring the generosity of donors and ensuring their gifts help save lives.”

These awards also honor and remember the generosity of donors and the hospital colleagues who are on the front lines of this important work.

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About Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS)

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is a nonprofit Catholic health care ministry founded in 1875. Dedicated to our Mission to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through high-quality Franciscan health care, HSHS clinicians provide exceptional care centered on the whole person. Based in Springfield, Illinois, HSHS employs nearly 11,000 colleagues who provide care in 13 acute-care, children’s and critical access hospitals and home health and hospice programs in Central and Southern Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin. HSHS is aligned with more than 1,000 primary and specialty physicians and advanced practitioners through its owned affiliates HSHS Medical Group and Prairie Cardiovascular and its partnership with Prevea Health. For more information about HSHS, visit hshs.org.

CoVantage Cares Foundation Surpasses $5 Million in Community Giving

The CoVantage Cares Foundation is proud to announce a significant milestone in its mission to strengthen communities, having now surpassed $5 million in total giving since the Foundation was established in 2015. Through this impact, the Foundation has approved nearly 600 grants, supporting nonprofit organizations across Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois, helping improve lives and create stronger, more resilient communities.

In addition to year-round grantmaking, the Foundation has also led Giving Tuesday campaigns benefiting 98 nonprofit partners, connecting communities, donors, and organizations through collective generosity. These campaigns have become a cornerstone of the Foundation’s work, amplifying impact and directing critical resources to nonprofit organizations doing essential work throughout the region.

Founded with the belief that caring for communities goes beyond financial services, the CoVantage Cares Foundation was created by CoVantage Credit Union leaders to provide meaningful support to organizations addressing critical local needs. Over the past decade, the Foundation’s reach has continued to grow, responding to changing community challenges while remaining deeply rooted in its mission of service.

“Reaching $5 million in giving is an incredible milestone and one we share with every nonprofit partner, donor, and supporter who has made this possible,” said Charlie Zanayed, President of the CoVantage Cares Foundation. “Each grant approved and every organization supported represents compassion in action and a commitment to improving quality of life in the communities we proudly serve.”

The CoVantage Cares Foundation focuses its funding on key areas where support can make the greatest impact. This includes addressing basic needs such as food, shelter, and safety, expanding access to financial education and literacy, and supporting community enhancement projects that strengthen neighborhoods and uplift individuals and families. Through these focus areas, the

Foundation helps nonprofit organizations meet immediate needs while also investing in long term community wellbeing.

“Whether times are uncertain or thriving, the need to care for one another never goes away,” said Stephanie Bartletti, Vice President of Mission and Engagement, “Surpassing this milestone reinforces what is possible when communities, nonprofit partners, and supporters come together with a shared purpose.”

Community members and businesses play a vital role in the Foundation’s continued impact. Individuals can support the CoVantage Cares Foundation through direct donations, participation in annual fundraising initiatives such as Giving Tuesday, and by spreading awareness of the Foundation’s mission. These efforts help ensure continued support for nonprofit organizations working on the front lines of community need.

“We sure are thankful for the generosity of our employees, member-owners, and community members,” added Zanayed. “CoVantage has a long history of generosity, and the Foundation was established to increase our impact to worthy nonprofits. And increase our impact we have, thank you for improving the lives of our neighbors.”

To learn more about the CoVantage Cares Foundation or explore ways to support its mission, visit covantagecu.org.

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About CoVantage Cares Foundation

CoVantage Cares Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to provide funds to non-profit organizations that provide assistance to individuals, especially those experiencing significant financial challenges, and to non-profit organizations working to enhance the quality of life of residents living in the communities served by CoVantage Credit Union. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has contributed more than $5 million in grant funds to provide food, shelter, and safety needs of area residents; and have improved the quality of life and long-term viability of our local communities.

About CoVantage Credit Union

CoVantage Credit Union is a purpose-driven organization with a mission to welcome all regardless of wealth, providing outstanding value and exceptional service, work with members experiencing financial challenge, and remaining financially strong. Headquartered in Antigo, Wisconsin, the credit union has over $4 billion in assets and serves over 180,000 members-owners. Founded in 1953, the financial cooperative serves members in all 50 states with locations in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois. For more information visit: www.covantagecu.org

Category: Member News

Green Bay Botanical Garden CLasses & Event Schedule June – august 2026

Goodwill NCW’s Project SEARCH Site in Oshkosh Graduates 2026 Interns

COrnerstone Community Center Aims to Increase Recreation Access While GEnerating Millions for the Greater Green Bay Economy

Counting STars Inc. Hosting Rock the Stars Benefit

Launch Wisconsin Business Plan Contest Open for Statewide Entries Through June 15th, 2026

Goodwill NCW’S PRoject SEARCH Celebrates Graduating ThedaCare Interns

New CoVantage Credit Union Location Opening Soon in Kaukauna

Rooted In Inc. Seeking Community and Business Leaders for Board of Directors

HSHS Hospitals in Green Bay and Oconto Falls Honored for Maximizing the Gift of Life

CoVantage Cares Foundation Surpasses $5 Million in Community Giving

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