New Sign Tracks Progress
New Glarus Cares Community Foundation has installed a new sign at the entrance of the village to showcase the progress made in raising funds for the purchase of the greenspace at Candy Cane Park. The sign, built and painted by board member Katy Lounsbury and her family, features a penguin climbing a mountain to track donations.
So far the community has raised over $41,000, which is nearly 55% of the total amount needed to purchase the land. Only in Wisconsin Giving, the charitable arm of New Glarus Brewing Company, is matching every donation from the community dollar-for-dollar to pay the balance of the purchase price of the land.
Katy Lounsbury, the board member who spearheaded the sign's creation, said, "We wanted to find a way to visually show the community's progress in raising funds for Candy Cane Park, and the penguin climbing the mountain seemed like a fun way to do it. We are thrilled with the response so far and hope this motivates even more people to donate."
The sign was installed on the land at the intersection of Highway 69 and 39, with the permission of property owners Jake Fleming and Sara Kekula. Katy and her husband Jud and son Linden helped build and paint the sign while Jud and board member Matt Belknap helped install the sign.
According to Lounsbury, the greenspace at Candy Cane Park is a vital asset to the community, and the purchase will ensure that it remains protected for future generations. "The park is an important part of our town, and we want to make sure it's preserved for many more years to come. We are grateful for the support we've received so far and hope that people will continue to donate to this important cause."
The sign has already garnered attention from locals and visitors alike, with many stopping to take photos and share them on social media. With the community's continued support, the goal of $75,000 is within reach, and the greenspace at Candy Cane Park can be secured for the future.
If you would like to donate to this cause you may mail checks made out to "New Glarus Cares" to Bank of New Glarus, c/o New Glarus Cares, 1101 Highway 69, Suite 11, New Glarus, WI 53574 or you can also donate online at https://www.newglaruscares.com.
