Local Musicians Continue to Hit the Right Note at Annual Flannel Fest, Raising Funds and Awareness for Those Most in Need

Artist Trapper Schoepp rocking Flannel Fest 2019, Photo by Mike Rausch

Flannel Fest, held at two locations again this year, featured performances of different Americana bands that raised more than $16,000 for Wisconsin households with no place else to turn.

Music has always been a major part of Erik Kjelland’s life. So, it should come as no surprise that he’s been using his talent as a catalyst to raise thousands of dollars and awareness for the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund.

Six years ago, Kjelland, who spends much of his time singing, playing guitar and harmonica for his Madison-based band, The Mascot Theory, was having a conversation with a friend about organizing an event that would give back to the community. He and fellow musician Beth Kille, of the Beth Kille Band, hatched a plan to bring together some of the best musical talent in Wisconsin - and beyond - to help out those in need.

Flannel Fest was born.

Dedicated Caring Crafters Making a Difference for Veterans in Need, One Blanket at a Time

Caring Crafters’ support of Heat for Heroes keeps Wisconsin veterans warm

Hundreds of blankets were lovingly created and donated to give to households in need by the Caring Crafters this past year.

With yarn and a mission of giving back in a unique, handmade way, the Caring Crafters continue to show how small acts can make a huge difference in the surrounding community.

The group, comprised of more than 50 people, meets regularly in the Watertown area to handcraft items such as hats, scarves, mittens, blankets, and more for local charities.

Ideal Builders Continues to Lead Statewide Construction Industry Support for Keeping Those Most at Risk Safely in Their Homes

Ideal Builders isn’t only responsible for building commercial developments around Wisconsin. It’s also built a strong reputation on supporting the community that surrounds it.

The Madison-based company has offered unprecedented support in ensuring thousands of low-income and at-risk Wisconsin households can keep their heat on during the bitter cold winters and their power on during the blistering summer heat.

“Ideal Builders have been major supporters of the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund and the Heat for Heroes campaign,” KWW/CF Tim Bruer said. “We truly wouldn’t be where we are without supporters like them.”

Steamfitters Local 601 Vital to Keeping the Heat on for Vulnerable Wisconsin Heroes in Need

For decades, local Steamfitters, contractors and supply houses have come together to prevent life-threatening emergencies from occurring

For the past 23 years, the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund has relied on the countless partnerships it’s built throughout the state to reach thousands of at-risk households.

Whether it be community-based businesses donating funds to the cause or large-scale corporations raising awareness, the KWW/CF can always depend on the incredible relationships it’s built.

Among the KWW/CF’s longest bonds has been with area trade organizations and steamfitters, who are responsible for helping identify at-risk individuals in need of assistance.

Longtime Partnership Between Madison Gas and Electric and KWW/CF Has Been Critical to Driving Success

Local Madison Utility, its generous customers and shareholders work with KWW/CF to keep the heat and power on for those most in need

Nearly 25 years ago, Tim Bruer realized a need that was being unmet statewide, and worked to create a community organization to combat it. He just needed support to get it off the ground.

Through his many connections with the area’s utility companies through Energy Services, Inc. (ESI), Bruer formed partnerships to aid some of those most vulnerable during Wisconsin’s bitter-cold winters.

Kathy DeMets, Madison Gas and Electric Company Senior Director of Customer Service and longtime KWW/CF Campaign Committee member shown he