$25,000 Milestone Hit

New Glarus Cares, the local community foundation formed to help raise funds to preserve the 2.2-acre greenspace adjacent to Candy Cane Park, announced on Monday that its group had reached a significant fundraising milestone, raising more than $25,000.

Helping achieve this first very important milestone was a meat and cheese raffle held Kleeman's Bar & Grill on Saturday, January 14th. The event raised $1,423.00 in total. "The generosity of Kleeman’s Bar & Grill, those who donated meat and cheese, and the many local residents who showed up in support of saving Candy Cane Hill helped us achieve our first significant fundraising milestone," said Shelly Johnson, President of New Glarus Cares. "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has already helped support our cause, but there is still much work left to do."

New Glarus Cares was organized late last year to raise funds to support the purchase the greenspace near Candy Cane Park, which was listed for sale by Shepherd of the Hills Church. New Glarus Cares is partnering with Only in Wisconsin Giving Foundation, the charitable arm of New Glarus Brewing Company, which has graciously agreed to provide matching funds. Johnson said, “While our total fundraising goals is $117,500, our first priority is to raise the $75,000 needed for our half of the $150,000 price tag for the purchase of the land. Any amounts over and above that will be utilized to help fund park equipment renovations and/or replacement at Candy Cane Park.”

If you would like to donate money to help preserve this land as greenspace for future generations to enjoy, you are encouraged to make a check out to “New Glarus Cares” and send it to Bank of New Glarus, 1101 Highway 69, Suite 11, New Glarus, WI 53574. You may also donate online at NEWGLARUSCARES.com.

If your business or organization would like to sponsor a fundraiser of your own as other New Glarus businesses have, please email New Glarus Cares at info@newglaruscares.com.