This past August, some of the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund’s biggest supporters gathered for what has become one of the state’s largest fundraising events.
The 18th Annual KWW/CF Golf Classic and Silent Auction was another major success, with dozens of foursomes teeing it up on a pristine day at Geneva National Resort and Club in Lake Geneva.
Golfers at the 18th Annual KWW/CF Charity Golf Classic and Silent Auction shown here getting ready for a great day of golf in Lake Geneva, WI.
“Literally thousands of individuals and corporate sponsors have donated to the event over the years, and it’s raised well over $2 million,” ESI Executive Director, and KWW/CF Chief Spokesperson Tim Bruer said. “This is one of the most successful homegrown golf fundraisers in the state.”
The outing, which started in Spring Green on a much smaller level, has since grown so large that Bruer had to move the event to a larger venue. This past year marked the third year that the KWW/CF Charity Golf Classic was held at the premier Geneva National Resort in Lake Geneva, WI.
“It has grown from less than a dozen foursomes to over 50 with literally hundreds of other supporters who donate to our highly successful silent auction. Everyone who attends has so much enthusiasm,” he said.
Madison-based Ideal Builders were early supporters of the golf outing, taking part in the event during its inaugural year. The company has been along for the ride every year since.
Ideal Builders President and CEO Dave Martin said he’s made an effort to raise awareness of the event on his own time, making sure that it is at capacity each year.
“It’s a terrific time and is a class event,” Martin said. “The people there all care so much and are givers.”
This year’s outing once again raised thousands of dollars to support Wisconsin’s at-risk population with life-saving assistance during the bitter cold of winter and the sweltering heat of summer. Donations raised go directly to help those most vulnerable including Veterans, working families with young children and the elderly many of whom struggle with fixed and limited incomes.
“The golf outing is the main event that we sponsor,” Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Keebler said. “Our company has participated in it for a long time, and a lot of our employees go to it. I participate in it every year, and we work with a couple of our business partners who have also become supporters of it, too.”
MGE, along with KS Energy Services, was a presenting sponsor of this year’s golf outing. It’s the continuous support from community-based companies that has led to the outing’s constant success, Bruer said.
“The grassroots involvement and support has really been a key to all of this,” he said. “Unlike other golf charities that often have ‘national flags,’ ours is homegrown and Wisconsin-based. It has really seen unprecedented support that has resulted in making a difference for those most in need.
“Hundreds of military veterans and at-risk households are able to stay safely in their home and keep their heat and power on as a direct result of the overwhelming generosity and support of the many donors who attend our annual golf outing. Without these corporations, businesses, individuals, volunteers and others working together, those most in need in Wisconsin would face the winter cold alone.”
The 19th Annual Charity Golf Classic and Silent Auction will be held once again at the Geneva National Resort in Lake Geneva, WI on August 4, 2020. To learn more about the event or to find out how you can make a difference, call 1-800-891-WARM or visit www.kwwf.org.
A few of the many dedicated volunteers that make the annual KWW/CF golf outing possible with their dedication, hard work, and commitment to the cause.
Brian Brugger of WPS Military and Veterans Health, who is also a KWW/CF Golf Campaign Committee member, stops to pose for a picture with his foursome during golfer registration at the 18th Annual outing.
Golfers enjoyed beautiful weather while golfing to keep the heat and power on for those most in need this past August.
The 19th Annual Charity Golf Classic and Silent Auction will be held once again at the Geneva National Resort in Lake Geneva, WI on August 4, 2020. To learn more about the event or to find out how you can make a difference, call 1-800-891-WARM or visit www.kwwf.org.
