Waupun Correctional Raises Funds For BBBS

Pictured left to right:

Andrea Uherka, (WCI) Melanie Kuslits, (WCI) Laurie Hopp, (WCI) Chelsea Giles, (WCI) Diana Jahnke, (WCI) Tammy Young, (BBBS) Joscelyn Deanovich, (BBBS) Jennifer Smith, (BBBS) Lisa Warntjes (BBBS)

Waupun Correctional Institution (WCI) recognized National Crime Victim’s Rights Week April 2 – 8, with a theme of strength, resilience and justice.  Annually, they do a fundraiser and donate money to a local non-profit.  This year, with the theme in mind and reflecting their vision of the future, they decided to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County (BBBS). 

Big Brothers Big Sisters assists children with social, emotional and character development through one-to-one mentoring relationships with caring adults.  Children in the program come from a wide variety of backgrounds, many coming from single parent households, living at or below poverty level. 

WCI raised a total of $2000.  “I was completely blown away when the staff and I arrived at WCI to receive the money,” said Tammy Young, Executive Director of BBBS.  ‘It is simply amazing what happens when people work together.  Through a variety of fundraisers and a lot of teamwork, WCI made a BIG difference!”

Partnering with Jimmy John’s in Waupun, 891 subs were purchased primarily by inmates and staff.   In addition, WCI held a raffle with donated items from their in house wood shop and even raffled off the Deputy Warden’s parking stall.  Between all events, $2000 was raised for BBBS, a new record for WCI.

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches children ages 6 – 13 with a Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple or Big Family in a community or school based program.  Children can enroll in the program through a parent or guardian referral.  Volunteers need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license for the community-based program, 16 years old for the school-based program.  For more information about the program or to volunteer, call 920-922-8200 or visit www.bbbsfdl.org.