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.

Collaborative Relationship Between Wisconsin County Veterans Service Officers and KWW/CF and Heat for Heroes Continues to Grow

County Veterans Service Officers and Heat for Heroes bridge for Veterans struggling to meet their basic survival needs

Booths such as the one pictured above staffed by Noel Ayala of Heat for Heroes, help get information on vital assistance out to those Veterans in need.

Faced with the possibility of living in homelessness, a military veteran and family in Douglas County recently became one of the thousands of America’s heroes that Heat for Heroes has supported with life-changing assistance.

Having used up all savings and taking a leave of absence from work to care for their spouse, who was suffering from a rare illness, and children, the veteran was unable to afford utility and rent payments. But, with the intervention of Douglas County Veterans Service Officer Brian Erickson and Heat for Heroes, the family no longer had to worry, as a collaborative effort between multiple entities covered the expenses.

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.