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In recent years Dairyland has cultivated an important relationship with the Stoughton Area Senior Center (SASC). The SASC—located just a few miles down the road from Dairyland’s headquarters—provides a variety of programs, services, and opportunities for community members over 55 years of age. Like many other service organizations, the SASC relies on volunteers to meet the needs of the community they serve, and offer a variety of volunteer opportunities for both individuals and groups. Dairyland employees have participated in two of these opportunities: weekly meal delivery and seasonal yard maintenance. 

As part of Dairyland’s Live Engaged initiative, employees are encouraged—and paid—to participate in volunteer opportunities during work hours. Employees are given up to two hours per month to use when their schedules allow it.

For the past two years, Ken Schuh, Dairyland’s Operations Manager, has used his volunteer time to pull together a team each spring and fall to perform yard maintenance and clean up for senior citizens and people with disabilities in the Stoughton area.

“Our partnership with the Stoughton Area Senior Center provides a safe, simple and tangible way for employees to meet the needs of others, expecting nothing in return,” said Ken. “It’s introducing employees to an opportunity for Living Engaged right now and may grease the skids for doing so in different and fresh ways in the future.”

Sandy and her father volunteering during Live Engaged Volunteer Day 2021

Another member of Dairyland’s team, Sandy Paton, has been volunteering with her father through the SASC for the last three years, providing Meals on Wheels deliveries.

“We are delivering healthy meals to senior citizens who are unable to leave their homes due to illness or who don’t have other resources for purchasing food,” Sandy noted. “I’ve heard from the coordinator at the Senior Center that for some people, this is their only meal of the day.” 

Both services are vital to individuals in the area who are lacking resources that many take for granted.

“It’s local, simple, and practical. If not me, who? I have awareness and the ability to do this work, where others may not. I’m simply being a good steward of what I’ve been given,” said Ken on his involvement with the SASC and inclusion of other Dairyland employees. 

It’s very important to me to give back to Stoughton. Without volunteers, many services that members of the community depend on wouldn’t be so readily available.
— Sandy Paton, Dairyland Executive Assistant

Strengthen your community is one of the four pillars of Dairyland’s Live Engaged initiative, and both Ken and Sandy are exemplars of this principle. 

Live Engaged consistently reminds us how important and impactful it is to give our time, talents, and resources to local organizations who, in turn, change the lives of others in the community. Camp Daniel is one example of a non-profit organization making a positive impact in their community. Located near our manufacturing facility in northern Wisconsin, Camp Daniel provides a safe summer camp experience for people with disabilities, adapting to meet each of their individual needs. Through their summer camping program and activities, they offer each camper a safe and fun camping experience, while also meeting the unique physical, social, and emotional needs of each individual.

The Camp Daniel grounds were purchased in 1996 on Little Newton Lake in Athelstane, Wisconsin. Since then, the campus has been constructed largely through volunteer time and labor. This allows Camp Daniel to stretch their monetary donations as far as possible and still complete projects at a steady pace. 

While looking for volunteer opportunities for the manufacturing team, Dairyland became aware of Camp Daniel’s need for hard working volunteers. Joe Mutchler, Dairyland’s Manufacturing Floor Lead and engagement coordinator, arranged for several volunteer opportunities, allowing the production and supply chain teams to take turns contributing without disrupting production.

Dairyland volunteer teams have been trusted to use their experience and expertise to contribute to various large scale construction projects in an initiative to complete the Camp Daniel campus for the safest and most accessible camp experience. The partnership has been something our team has enjoyed, and they’ve even started to look for additional ways to support Camp Daniel – including donating earnings from the sale of copper scraps they had been collecting for more than three years.

Not only were needs met and progress made, but we gained insight into an organization within the local community that in turn serves another part of the community – people with disabilities. And so it goes, helping people that are themselves engaged in helping others.
– Jeff Hucek, Dairyland Production Specialist

Full-time Camp Daniel staff members, Evan and Anissa Hartwig, commented, “Camp Daniel is so thankful for the individuals at Dairyland Electrical for taking the time to volunteer with our small non-profit. Their hard work and good attitudes were recognized and so appreciated. Through your kindness and generosity we can change the lives of people with disabilities.”

As our partnership extends into the future, the work being done at Camp Daniel will continue to meet a valuable need. Through each interaction with campers, staff at Camp Daniel will continue to deliver a valuable message: that each camper has inherent value.

Our Dairyland team started Live Engaged Volunteer Day with the goal of cultivating a network of people, striving to make a difference in their communities. We know that we are stronger when we work together, and collectively we can make the world a better place.

We also know the following to be true:

We began to wonder what could be possible if an entire industry (and beyond) showed up for their communities. This fall provided a strong glimpse of exactly that.

The Week in Review

During the week of October 4-9, an army of volunteers showed up across North America to use their time and abilities for good. On Monday, a group prepared pallets of fresh food that would subsequently serve 600 families in the coming days. On Tuesday, a team of 19 individuals cleaned up trash along Lake Superior. Wednesday saw heaping tubs of non-perishable and monetary donations for the homeless given by exhibitors and attendees of the AMPP Eastern Area Conference. Thursday brought folks together to pound nails and build homes, and on Friday friends pitched in to equip a nonprofit camp for people with disabilities. These are only a few of the examples flowing in from the week of generosity.

 

 

“I loved going through this week knowing there were people all over who were showing up to volunteer – and how many more would benefit because of it. Seeing the stories and photos flow in filled me with joy and hope. There’s something powerful and almost indescribable that happens when we give ourselves to elevate others – especially knowing we aren’t alone.”

– Kailey

 

 

“I haven’t felt that fulfilled in a very long time and I wish I could spend a portion of every week doing something like this.”

– Logan

“The Habitat build was great. It was fun having a bit larger crew there. We had a perfect weather day and clear progress was seen as we started the day with open pits/basements and left with first floor joists in place. Very fun.”

– Ken

 

To All Who Participated, Thank You!

We appreciate that you took time out of your busy lives to give back to others and strengthen your local community. If you missed Volunteer Day 2021, we hope you will consider joining us next year. But don’t wait. Meeting the needs of our community requires a year-round effort – here are some ideas to get you started.

How you Live Engaged might look different than the next person, but your actions are rooted in the same thing: a desire to make a positive impact in our world through 4 areas.

INVEST IN YOURSELF | SHOW UP FOR YOUR CIRCLE | Strengthen Your Community | TRANSFORM THE WORLD

Your community needs you. They might need your volunteer time, your special talents, your coaching abilities, or even your financial resources. You can Live Engaged by making small yet significant contributions that impact your community.

As we Live Engaged, we extend what we have outward to benefit others around us. Our communities are often wonderful places where we experience a sense of home, comfort, safety, and connection, but the same isn’t true for everyone around us. People struggle, setbacks happen, inequality persists, and needs arise that people cannot meet on their own.

Your contribution could be showing up regularly to volunteer with organizations that:

You can stock shelves, donate blood, organize donations, serve meals, build homes, clean parks, or mentor youth. All you have to do is make a choice.

You might also have a particular talent, area of expertise, or passion that pairs well with a local need. Perhaps your love of sports and teambuilding compels you to coach a local team, investing in the sportsmanship of young players. Maybe your design or coding experience are desperately needed by a nearby nonprofit without resources to create a new website. Consider what you do or know well and look around to see who could flourish if you shared it with them.

Finally, your contribution might be financial – writing a check or making a physical donation. There are creative ways to do this beyond a lump sum or monthly gift. You could:

The possibilities are endless, and the needs of your community are numerous. Use your freedom to choose how you support others in your neighborhood, city, or country. As you do, you will help make your community stronger.

How do you strengthen your community?

At Dairyland Dani is known for her lively presence and excellent service to our customers through her role as a Customer Account Coordinator. Last month she championed an initiative to serve people experiencing homelessness in Madison, WI. Read about it – and her quest to be a good neighbor – here.

Tell us a little something about yourself:

I am just your average 30-something-year-old mom, farm wife, Christian, and lover of the outdoors.  I enjoy the simple, small things that life has to offer.

How do you Live Engaged?

I live engaged by searching for opportunities to make my friends and neighbors better. Whether that be a smile as I walk past, offering to help with a chore, or inviting a friend to the table to catch up.  Sometimes the simple things make a big impact.

This has been such a difficult season; what have you learned about showing up and living engaged in the midst of it?

There’s a big need right now to show up for others.  Many of our friends are suffering from depression due to isolation.  Our neighbors are struggling to pay their bills and put food on their tables. Frontline workers are scared and exhausted.  I have learned that kindness is free and if you are fortunate enough to have extra to offer your neighbor, it can mean that they get to eat another meal or stay in their home for another month.  One day, we may need a favor from a friend and I believe that generosity will come back to us.

You recently championed the “Keep Madison Warm” project – could you tell us more about that? What spurred the idea and what was the response?

Keep Madison Warm was a drive to collect items for the homeless population in Madison, Wisconsin.  A social-media friend has done this for a couple years in Nashville after her daughter wanted to help a homeless man she saw sitting at an intersection.  After feeling the weight of the current divide, I wanted a way to get people together to help others in need.  Her idea inspired me to start something similar in our community.  We ended up having a truck load of donations to provide to those struggling most in our community.

What would you say to someone struggling to know how to engage or feeling afraid to launch an idea like this?

You will lose nothing even if it fails completely, but even if you are only able to help one person, it could change the world for that individual.  Be brave in your pursuit to extend a helping hand.

What gives you hope?

Above all, my faith in God. But for here on earth, our humanity has a funny way of showing up when people need it most.  It does not ask what political party you align with, what football team you root for on Sundays, or if you have a college education.  People help people who need it, and I think that act of unconditional love for your neighbor is a beautiful thing and gives me hope that unity is achievable.

How do you Live Engaged? Share with us at LiveEngaged@dairyland.com.

Katie Lundgren-Smith shares about the unique way she is able to merge her professional expertise and commitment to service as she lives engaged locally.

As a marketing coordinator at Dairyland, I spend a lot of my time helping to shape and tell the company’s story – not just in terms of our products or applications but also our Mission, Vision and Values and how we apply these themes through our Live Engaged initiative. I generally work behind the scenes, but you have probably seen evidence of my work in our bimonthly newsletters, tradeshow materials, presentations, etc. We are a small team with very individualized skill sets. Collectively that makes us stronger as we recognize and appreciate the unique viewpoints and contributions that we bring to the table which enable Dairyland’s success.

When I started at Dairyland I was really excited to dive into the Live Engaged initiative and figure out what exactly that would look like for me. It’s so great to work for a company that offers paid volunteer and personal development time (components of the initiative). The idea is so simple, that when a person is given the time to pursue their interests and passions, they are overall happier and bring the best version of themselves to their job. While I loved the idea of paid volunteer time, I wasn’t immediately sure where and how to start. Fortunately for me, the perfect opportunity quickly presented itself.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

Over the past two years, I have donated time to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County (Wisconsin), helping them design invitations and materials for their largest annual fundraising event – their Dream BIG Gala. I have been a graphic designer for a decade now, and it’s a skill set that I still enjoy putting to use. I love the problem-solving aspect of design — being given a basic idea or a list of “must have” information and figuring out how to communicate it in a way that captures attention and generates interest. When BBBS reached out to me last year to see if I could help design their Gala materials, it was a no-brainer for me; I said yes immediately.

Big Brothers Big Sisters believes that all children have the ability to thrive and succeed in life and works to pair at-risk youth with volunteers in the community, developing positive relationships and mentorship experiences. Like most other non-profits, BBBS doesn’t spend money on graphic design work. Instead they put the money that they raise back into the community, to help as many children as possible.

This year, like so many other organizations, BBBS has been impacted by COVID-19 and the cancellation of in-person events. Knowing that the funds raised during their annual Gala event make up more than 25% of their annual budget, they chose not to cancel their event, but instead turned it into a virtual party. Their BIG House Party takes place on September 19th, and all funds raised through this on-line event will help further their mission of “igniting power and potential in of the youth in our community”. There is an added focus this year on reducing isolation in this current environment, making sure that their “Littles” and their families have access to food, supplies and other basic needs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a great organization and I am incredibly happy to offer my design skills to help support the work they do. I am grateful to work for a company that allows me the time to not only invest in myself, but to also pay it forward with volunteer projects like this.

We couldn’t have known.

Back in 2019 a member of the Dairyland team and blood donation champion suggested that we host a blood drive. Multiple dates were tossed around, but we finally landed on Spring 2020 once our building expansion project was complete. We clicked “Register” and marked April 29th in our calendars. Little did we know just how important that timing would be. Who could have predicted that our chosen date would fall in the midst of a global pandemic?

As the date drew nearer, we noticed the trend – hundreds of mobile drives were being cancelled by host sites as blood shortage rates increased. With a space well-equipped for the needs, a team eager to serve with every precaution, and the American Red Cross’ blessing, we were determined to persevere as long as it remained safe to do so.

Last week, after months of planning and hoping, we hosted an event that not only met our expectations but exceeded them. 36 masked and committed donors—including 12 first-timers—entered through our doors at their designated appointment times. Each received a temperature check before completing intake and rolling up their sleeves. We had mom and daughter combos, students (including a medical student studying for finals), and many other community members contributing 40 total units of blood. Together, we saved 120 lives!

For the Dairyland team, and many others, blood donation is incredibly personal. The passion is fueled by the needs and suffering of family members, friends, or even total strangers. While we often feel powerless in the wake of it all, donating blood is one way we can actively respond and care for others. Here is what a few had to say:

“This may have been 1 person’s vision, but it took the village to carry it out! We get to impact more than just our local communities…we are making an impact across the country on many people that we very likely will never meet. Thank you for giving the gift of life!” – Linda

“I had a moment yesterday morning where I was filled with gratitude to be a part of an organization that cares so deeply for one another and our community. As I watched Mike [our President] appear, carrying toilet scrubbing materials, ready to do what was needed, I reminded myself of my good fortune to work for a company with leadership that is humble and ready to respond to global and community needs.” – Amy

“I very much enjoyed being able to help out in any way possible last Wednesday and cannot wait for future opportunities!” – Joe

“It was a fantastic joint effort by everyone. Hopefully we can do more of this kind of thing together. Work does not feel like work when it’s this fun.” – Mike 

“In a time when there is so much we can’t do, it’s great to be able to find something that is possible – and effective in caring for people who are vulnerable in a time of scarcity. It was a blast working alongside my team and interacting with all the generous donors who came through Dairyland’s doors!” – Kailey

Thank you to every individual who donated, brought treats, or volunteered to make this event possible! Thank you to the Red Cross staff who helped coordinate logistics and worked onsite; it was a pleasure to collaborate with you!

If you were not able to donate at our Dairyland event in April, or do not live in the area, consider looking for a nearby drive.

You can expect more stories of living engaged here on the blog and we would love to hear what other individuals, families, companies, and communities are doing! Send us a line at LiveEngaged@dairyland.com.

It’s hard to find something to say that has not yet been said repetitively and does not feel cliché. In recent weeks we have each, in our own ways with our unique sets of circumstances, watched the world try to adapt to pandemic on a scale we have never experienced before. It is new, unknown, scary. It is also immensely humanizing with the potential for unprecedented care and solidarity with others who walk through this alongside us (at safe physical distances, of course).   

COVID-19’s spread has been a reminder of what remains beyond our control – an uncomfortable, unsettling reality.  And yet, while there is so much we cannot do, we are not powerless. As a Dairyland team we are trying to be mindful of this and look for ways to responsibly resist the fear, anxiety, and scarcity that easily creep in. We have been inspired by many who choose to serve others – whether family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, or strangers. We hear stories of selflessness, generosity, and kindness that set a different tone and encourage us to keep pressing into our vision of making a safer world by living engaged.  

We have been offering our services in the communities we inhabit, sharing both examples and opportunities that help us connect when we feel overwhelmed. This week, several Dairyland employees stepped in to help deliver meals to area seniors through a Meals on Wheels program. With the increased precautions regarding the spread of COVID-19, many of the Senior Center’s regular volunteers could no longer help, leaving a shortage of drivers and volunteers to assist those who need it most. Sandy, Dairyland’s Executive Assistant and regular Meals on Wheels volunteer, mentioned this shortage to staff and the Dairyland family quickly mobilized to help fill the gap. “Now more than ever” she says, “services like Meals on Wheels are needed to serve the vulnerable in our communities.”  

Here’s what a few more members of our team had to say about their experiences: 

“This was my first time serving with Meals on Wheels and I loved it! It made me wish I could stay longer and chat with the wonderful, friendly people I met along the route. I’m grateful services like these continue – especially with such care – in times like these, ensuring there aren’t gaps for a key population in our town. I hope we were able to bring some joy and cheer today!”   

“It was eye-opening to see how some of our older generation is living.” 

“Dairyland makes it possible for its employees to volunteer during the work week; I’m especially thankful for that benefit right now because it allows me to give my time and effort when it’s most helpful to local community providers and responders. There’s a lot going on in our world right now and it feels good to do something about it.”  

“It was satisfying to deliver a healthy meal to someone who truly needs it.” 

“How easy, yet necessary, it is to serve in this way.”  

We appreciate Sandy’s example – in addition to many others – of living engaged when times are tough.  

Your stories encourage us, and we would love to learn from you! What creative ways have you responded to COVID-19? Send us a message at LiveEngaged@dairyland.com.  

This week, learn about what Dairyland’s Senior Applications Engineer Art Birx does in his free time.

It didn’t take long after starting his orchard – filled with young peach, pear, apple and plum trees – to notice one missing element, and a crucial one at that: bees. They were MIA, nowhere to be found.

Bee On Flower

Many of us think of bees as the flying nuisances that elicit our highest-pitched squeals or fastest duck-and-run tactics to avoid a painful sting. Though bees get little credit, however, they are significantly responsible for food reaching our tables and nourishing our bodies.

Bees are pollinators, which means they transfer pollen or seeds from one flower to another. This voyage enables fertilization and cross-pollination, making further flower, fruit, and crop growth possible. Almonds, avocados, carrots, broccoli and numerous fruit varieties are just a few of the foods whose success is largely connected to bees. These flying creatures also make honey, that gloriously sweet and sticky substance enjoyed by far more than just the infamous Pooh Bear.

Unfortunately, bee populations across the United States are decreasing at a rapid rate due to Colony Collapse Disorder which is correlated to climate change, pesticide and parasite presence, as well as habitat loss (NRDC). In Art’s North Carolina community specifically, it was discovered that large amounts of herbicide were being used to kill weeds along most roads – likely a key contribution to the decline in neighborhood bees.

So Art decided it was time to not only tend to his orchard but become a beekeeper too, expanding his collection as he is able. By doing so, he not only boosts the trees’ success, he also plays a small part in changing the ecosystem of his community. And it looks like the inhabitants of his hives will be thanking him shortly with early honey.

Bee Keeper Holding Tray

“I just notice what someone needs and do it,” says Art, whose noticing has led him to serve in numerous other capacities throughout the area. Though not one to self-promote, he has often reached out to a friend, neighbor, church or community member with offers to help. Some days that means mowing the lawn of a man whose wife just died from cancer or cooking meals for his church; other times it’s building a wheelchair-accessible ramp or providing Christmas to families who could not afford to provide a Christmas for their children.

“It all comes back to integrity,” a guiding principle which he defines as “doing the right thing when no one’s watching.” The language of Live Engaged might be relatively new to the company, but Art has tried to pursue this commitment all his life. He might have a plan if he ever wins the lottery (he would use it to support clean water initiatives), but he isn’t waiting for a big win or more money to make a difference in his immediate surroundings. “You can talk about the right path, but to walk the right path is totally different,” he says.

This post is part of an ongoing series, highlighting true stories of living engaged. If you would like to contribute, please reach out to us at LiveEngaged@dairyland.com.

Kristy, Dairyland’s Financial Controller, shares about the needs of local schools and how she chooses to be part of the solution.

As a working mom I realize there are many days that my daughter will spend more time at school with her teachers than with me. While that’s a sad thought, it’s a reality for many households and it makes me want to help ensure that their experiences at school are the best they can be. We all want the best for our kids, and our schools frequently need extra help; even small amounts make a big difference.

Kristy The Dairyland Cow
Kristy & the Dairyland cow volunteering for the school’s good behavior celebration day for kids

Did you know that teachers, out of their own pockets, buy Chapstick in the winter to keep our kids’ gentle lips from chapping? Or that they buy Kleenex for their tender little noses because those provided by the schools are like sandpaper? I didn’t until my daughter asked if we could send some to school to help restock the teacher’s supply. Our teachers do little things every day to care for our children that parents frequently don’t even realize, and that’s why I volunteer with the Cambridge K-12 Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

I’m the treasurer for the PTO in the city where I live and the school that my daughter attends. I help with financial matters, fundraising ideas, and participate with fundraisers. Our overall mission is to enhance educational and extracurricular experiences for all children in our district. We are a small nonprofit with no employees and a small, passionate core group of volunteers, so we try to be very intentional with our activities.

Our resources are used to provide financial support for activities the school otherwise wouldn’t be able to offer, such as roller skate rentals, a traveling STEAM museum for the elementary school, cross country ski sets for the middle school, and a clay pug mill for the high school. These costs are outside the school’s budget and wouldn’t be provided without the PTO support. We also help with special requests which allow students who need financial help the ability to participate in programs with their peers so they don’t get left out.

PTO Pizza Fundraiser
PTO Pizza Fundraiser

Beyond the financial resources we provide, we help connect the community to our schools. We engage community members to help with or attend fundraisers and to learn more about our schools and the community that supports it. We recruit students to learn about what it takes to help support the activities that provide some of the benefits they enjoy.

Making pizzas 4x per year as a fundraiser is a wonderful way for people (mostly moms) to connect about experiences with our children while providing support and friendship. I’ve grown my circle of mom friends tremendously though this and we help each other in ways that are invaluable at times.

We’ve all heard that it takes a village to raise a child and that is so true. I appreciate the flexibility and volunteer opportunities Dairyland has provided me to be active with our children, schools, and my community.

I can see the impact of living engaged and the truth behind our logo when I look at how much opportunity and happiness can come from engaging with something you care about.

Kailey, Dairyland’s Organizational Development Liaison, shares about her experiences volunteering with refugees in the US and how they have impacted her.

They timidly enter through the community center’s front door, up the steps to be greeted by a smiling face offering a name tag, a safe place for their children to play, and a seat at the table.

These individuals, mostly women, are refugees – new to both the country and Madison more specifically. Most come from warm climates, making the bitter cold of Wisconsin feel especially miserable. Most have already spent years crowded in refugee camps waiting to be granted asylum. Most have personally witnessed violence, experienced trauma, and are well acquainted with the stress of fleeing home. Many had successful careers, are educated, and were contributing members of society in their home countries. All have fled their homes because of war, persecution, or disaster.

I’m here because I volunteer with Open Doors for Refugees (ODFR), an all-volunteer group that helps refugees make a home in Madison. Though ODFR provides a broader array of resources to refugee families, on Sundays our main priority is to build relationships, drink tea, and practice English conversation. It’s delightful.

The first week I sat at a table with two Iraqi women. Both have a basic understanding of English; my fluency in Arabic, their native tongue, is even more meager. Yet we sit in a circle, smile, make hand motions often, and go about the work of practicing introductions, colors, numbers, driving directions, and job-related phrases. We go about the work of welcome and connection.

I have been interested in and concerned about refugees – especially those who have become my proximate neighbors – for a while now, beginning in college when I learned about the expansive global community living only a few blocks away from my campus.

I began joining a weekly craft club for middle school-aged refugee girls then tutored a Burmese family for a year prior to graduation. I loved those weekly visits. We drank Pineapple Fanta, explored the local library, shared stories and meticulously rehearsed the words and phrases that would become staples in their new lives.

I thought about the feeling that arises when we experience the pangs of loneliness, the insecurity of newness or displacement, and the counteracting power of feeling seen, cared for, and invited in. Though I have never experienced the refugee reality, I have sometimes known relative glimpses of those feelings as well as the human touch that didn’t allow me to stay isolated. Doing my best to reciprocate with our new guests seems only natural.

Spending time with the refugees I have known has profoundly affected and enriched my life. Whether from Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Bangladesh, Iraq, the DRC, or Syria. As trust grows, we move from sharing about the activities of our days and what we love to eat to the stories of our childhoods, of home, of joy and disappointment.

Maybe I play the role of “volunteer” but before long we simply become co-learners. And that, for me, is a way I can Live Engaged.

Fishing With Vets Featured

“I’ve been addicted to fishing since I learned to walk,” writes Evan, Production Assembler at Dairyland’s Pound location. It’s a passion that began in his first years of life and only grew from there, continuing into the present as he shares it with others – including his kids. “I love fishing,” he says, “but even more so love sharing my experience and knowledge with others; I love getting people out to fish that normally wouldn’t go and see them catch a new fish or get a personal best.”

Evan also felt compelled from an early age to serve with the military and at 18 years old he enlisted with the Army National Guard. The next 5 years were spent on active status traveling to multiple bases across the United States before being deployed to Iraq for a year-long tour.

Today, Evan has found a way to combine these two worlds in a personal and meaningful way. After getting connected with the non-profit Fishing With Vets, an organization that exists to “provide veterans, both active and retired, with an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors,” Evan began handcrafting custom fishing rods and donating them. Each rod he designs and creates is given to a veteran on a memorable fishing weekend in their honor.

Fishing With Vets Team Photo

In addition to other volunteering, such as at Habitat for Humanity, Evan spends time crafting beautiful pieces like the one below.

  • Fishing Rod 1
  • Fishing Rod 2
  • Fishing Rod 3
  • Fishing Rod 4
  • Fishing Rod 5
  • Fishing Rod 6

“I picked up rod building as a hobby which paired my passion for fishing with my ability to build and design. It only made sense to give back to a great organization that I got to be part of last year.”

Thank you, Evan, for your service to us, our country, and others who have served.