Reindeer sing, flashlights glow and kazoos hum through the halls in Appleton and Madison as students prepare for their holiday program. The performance shines a spotlight on just how wild things get at the North Pole this time of year! Thanks to a grant from the Appleton Community Foundation (ACF) and donations from local families, teachers were able to purchase supplies to make the show really sparkle.
Having music programs at the elementary level helps promote creativity, teamwork and confidence while creating joyful memories for students, families and educators, Lac qui Parle Valley Schools music teacher Nichole Markworth said. They also emphasize the value of the arts in education, highlighting the importance of inclusion and diversity through shared experiences.
“Through program preparation, students are introduced to performing for an audience, speaking in front of others and of course, singing and playing various instruments!” Nichole said.
And there’s even more entertainment in store: For the last decade, Appleton-Milan Elementary Students have enjoyed a winter trip to The Grand Theater in Madison to see a movie on the big screen. The local community foundation supports this holiday field trip with grant funding.
“Many of our students do not get to experience going to the movies,” said Robyn Rademacher, building leader at Appleton-Milan Elementary. “A comment I’ve heard many times is, ‘The TV is so big!’ Also, the cheers when the lights go out is always something that brings a smile to our staff.”
ACF was one of the original affiliate partners of Southwest Initiative Foundation, and is part of a network of 31 community foundations that support passionate people with the resources to make positive change. A team of local advisory board members is in charge of fundraising, recommending grants, telling stories of good work happening locally and promoting their town.
Arts, culture and humanities funding has always been a priority for ACF.
“The first grant Appleton Community Foundation ever awarded was to our local elementary school to attend a theater production. We are happy to support the students as they get to participate in these enriching and fun activities and look forward to another 20 years of advocating for this great community asset,” said Christina Massee, a board member of the local foundation.
ACF has given more than $700,000 in the past 22 years to countless organizations in and around Appleton. This year, the advisory board rebranded and created a new website to further its goal of inspiring leadership, hope, generosity and the spirit of unity.
“We’re happy to support organizations and causes that better the lives of those who live and work in Appleton,” Christina said.
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