For the second straight year, the Kenosha County Tavern League made a contribution to Westosha Head Start, a program targeted towards helping children in need.
The Tavern League presented the organization with a $1,500 donation at Dock Hoppers on June 5, and matched by district and state chapters, according to a press release.
“This donation will be matched by the Tavern League of Wisconsin Joint Districts 1 and 9 Foundation, and will also be matched by the Wisconsin Tavern League Foundation,” the release explained.
The presentation included State Rep. Samantha Kerkman along with local business owners.
Back from left, Ray Garreau, Jennifer Collison, Bill Glembocki.
Front from left: Judy Sobtka, State Rep. Samantha Kerkman, Westosha Head Start Director Julie Ouimet, Rich Karrasch, Brian Boeckenstedt.
According to President Jen Collison of the Kenosha County Tavern League, they chose Westosha Head Start, noting the organization is always seeking help.
“Our league donates to educational research and they don’t get enough money to meet kids needs,” Collison said.
Westosha Head Start, located in Wilmot, serves eligible children 3-5 and their families in Western Kenosha County.
The organization offers preschool education with a focus on social, cognitive and hands-on learning, to ensure a smooth transition into kindergarten.
“Our programming concentrates on the whole child,” stated Director Julie Ouimet of Westosha Head Start through a press release.
Additionally, services extend beyond the classroom, offering medical, dental, and mental health services along with family-oriented events, the release said.
Last year, courtesy of donations, the Tavern helped Head Start obtain backpacks, shoes, clothing and school supplies for teachers.
Also, funds helped improve Westosha Head Start’s playground, building a new shelter and sandbox during an Eagle Scout Troop 328 project and schedule two field trips.
“They were able to assist families with new snow boots and snow pants during the cold winter, and purchase two new learning tablets for the classrooms,” the release added.
“We were able to do so much this past year with the families, but this year may look a little different. We are very conscientious on how we spend our donated funds,” Family Advocate Ann Beam of Westosha Head Start stated in the press release.
The donated money comes from the various fundraisers the Kenosha County Tavern League holds.
The League’s most recent fundraiser is “Cash Raffle for Safe ride”, ending October 20th.
The League runs the Safe Ride initiative, a free service to help cut down on intoxicated driving.
“We consistently donate to various benefits in our area and want to create lasting partnerships that we can give to on a regular basis. Our community is important to us, and giving what we can promotes that relationship,” Collison said.
For more information on the “Cash Raffle for Safe Ride”, or other events coming up, please contact Local Folks at 262 539-3200.
Families interested in more information or filling out an application for the Westosha Head Start program are welcome to contact Julie Ouimet at 262 862-6168.