Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley have declared Thursday, Feb. 22, “We Energies Foundation Day” across the city and the county in honor of a major milestone.
Over the past five years, the We Energies Foundation has donated $50 million to thousands of local nonprofits.
To recognize the achievement and the foundation’s positive impact on the community, one of those nonprofits, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee (BGCGM), invited Mayor Johnson, County Executive Crowley and members of the foundation to visit the Mary Ryan Boys & Girls Club in the Sherman Park Neighborhood.
“As a young professional, trying to make a mark and serve people in my neighborhood, I relied on the We Energies Foundation to help support some of the back-to-school efforts that we put on,” Mayor Johnson said. “Well before I had the opportunity to present a proclamation honoring the We Energies Foundation, me and my organization were recipients of some of the grants and support that this organization provides across the city of Milwaukee and elsewhere in the state of Wisconsin, too.”
“The We Energies Foundation has delivered incredible investments to Milwaukee County non-profits and organizations,” said County Executive Crowley. “From expanding educational opportunities to increasing health care access, I am grateful for everything they do in our community.”
The We Energies Foundation has been making a difference in the communities it serves for more than 40 years.
Support is focused on initiatives for community and neighborhood development, health and human services, arts and culture, education, and the environment. In many cases, donations are more than a one-time commitment. The foundation and its leaders strive to develop ongoing relationships with the nonprofits it supports.
“We are incredibly grateful to the We Energies Foundation for their support for our mission and the youth in Milwaukee,” said BGCGM President and CEO Kathy Thornton-Bias. “It takes a village to support a community, and We Energies is an enthusiastic partner in this endeavor, including serving as a presenting sponsor for our S’more Fun at Camp event in August. We are proud to celebrate We Energies Foundation Day!”
In honor of the mayor and county executive’s proclamations, the We Energies Foundation surprised BGCGM with a check for $15,000 — bringing its 2024 donation to the organization to $125,000. The unexpected gift brought a tear to Thornton-Bias’ eye.
“We are delighted to be recognized by our friends at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County,” said Beth Straka, president — We Energies Foundation. “Our goal has always been to create a brighter future in the communities we serve, and thanks to our partnerships with thousands of nonprofits statewide, we believe we’re doing just that — one donation at a time.”
To learn more about the We Energies Foundation, go to the We Energies website. Funding for the We Energies Foundation is made possible thanks to the generosity of WEC Energy Group shareholders and does not come from customer rates.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee (BGCGM) is one of the largest and longest youth-serving agencies in Milwaukee and the largest Boys & Girls Club in the country. Learn more at www.bgcmilwaukee.org.