Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee recently announced the winners of its 21st Annual Commitment to Justice Awards. The recipients of the awards will be honored at an event in September at the InterContinental Milwaukee Hotel.
Les Weil, founder of the Project Ripple Effect and the Zink the Zebra Foundation will receive the Lifelong Commitment to Justice Award for improving the quality of life in the Milwaukee Community since 1994.  Weil has supported and served as a resource for milwaukee organizations and fundraising efforts for more than a decade. He currently chairs the $6 million Capital Campaign for Journey House and the Development Committee for the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center. Karyn Rotker, senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin Foundation and Edward Fallone, counsel at Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan LLP will each receive the presidents award for their volunteer efforts with Community Shares organizations. Adam Helt-Baldwin, construction manager at Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity has earned the Future of Change Award for his efforts to combine the Habitat for Humanity cause with WE Energies and Focus on Energy to make the Milwaukee housing community greener and more cost-effective. Nadine Retzlaff, owner of the Health and Energy Center of Wisconsin will receive the A. David Schwartz Business Humanitarian Award for the role her business has played in providing low and no-cost alternative therapies to her patients. 
Tickets to the event in September are $45 in advance and $50 at the door and can be purchased at www.communitysharesmke.org

WMSE 91.7FM receives city and state grants to support Radio Summer Camp Music Festival
Community-powered radio station mixes Milwaukee’s best with national acts July 15-18
Local community radio station WMSE 91.7 recently received matching grants from the Milwaukee Arts Board and the Wisconsin Arts board for the station’s second annual Radio Summer Camp Music Festival. The grants, totaling more than $16,000 will provide funds for talent acquisition, festival production and other artistic needs for the festival.
The Summer camp is a four day music festival and educational opportunity that will be held July 15 through July 18 at ten different Milwaukee venues.
“It feels really, really good knowing that both our city and state governments find value in what the station is working so hard to do,” said Tom Crawford, WMSE station manager. “
According to Crawford, the festival’s goal is to create and develop an event that recognizes the city’s artistic community while also providing an atmosphere to learn.
The four day event will also host the Backyard BBQ in Cathedral Square Park in downtown Milwaukee on Sunday, July 18.
A full list of club venues and concerts is available at www.wmseradio.wordpress.com
Festival passes are available for $25 and can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently awarded nearly $2 million in grants to Wisconsin homeless assistance programs that offer housing and support services to homeless individuals and families. These grants build on the department’s earlier commitment of more than $20 million made last December.
“This funding is an important part of the Obama Administration’s new strategy to end homelessness in all its forms,” said Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  “We know that these programs are critical in moving people beyond a life on the streets and placing them on a path toward dignity and self sufficiency.”
The grants are awarded competitively to local programs, and help support housing, job training, health care, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment and child care for clients in the programs.
Southeastern Wisconsin programs that received grant money include:

• Catherine Marian Housing, Inc. of Racine, $58,000
• Heartland Housing, Inc. of Milwaukee, $457,800
• Mercy Housing Lakefront of Milwaukee, $62,000
• Milwaukee County Heartland Housing S+C of Milwaukee, $433,440
• Women's Resource Center of Racine, $57,865

The Parenting Network is seeking volunteers to help lead parent education and support groups throughout Milwaukee County.
“We are seeing an increased need in the community for specialized parenting groups,” said Jan Buchler, executive director of The Parenting Network. “With volunteers who have the time, skill and commitment to helping families, we can meet this need.”
The Network is looking for individuals who could lead a weekly educational program for fathers, a parent education program for incarcerated fathers and a support group for divorced parents.
Volunteers will receive full training on group dynamics, child development and active listening skills in order to effectively facilitate the parenting groups. Volunteers should be prepared to commit at least two hours a week for a full year.
Trainign will be held at The Parenting Network facility, 7516 W. Burleigh St., on Tuesday, Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Thursday, Aug. 19 and Friday, Aug. 20 from 9a.m. to 3 p.m. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Those interested in volunteering should contact Ruth Miller at rmiller@theparentingnetwork.com

Bradley Foundation gives for MS research
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation recently awarded $40,000 in grant money to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter to fund MS research in the state.
“We are honored to have the support of the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation and other Wisconsin philanthropists to complete our Research Challenge Match campaign,” said Colleen Kalt, president and CEO of the National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter.
The grant is part of the Wisconsin Chapter’s recent Research Challenge Match fundraising campaign, which generated $450,000 in five months to benefit seven MS research projects based in Wisconsin. The grant was matched by two local philanthropists who privately donated $150,000 toward the campaign.
“Advances in MS research have positively impacted the lives of more than 10,000 people diagnosed with MS in Wisconsin,” Kalt said. “The gift from the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation helps further our mission to mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.”


Foundation helps Wildlife organization increase intern opportunities
The James E. Dutton Foundation of Random Lake recently presented the Oconomowoc-based Wildlife in Need Center (WINC) with a $7500 grant to support the expansion of the organization’s internship program.
The James Dutton Foundation provides financial aid to organizations that instigate programs benefiting wildlife and the natural environment, and the grant will allow WINC to expand its internship program by adding more animal care positions, and expanding educational and outreach opportunities at the center.
The current internship program consists of both full-time and part-time animal care as well as marketing interns who aid the WINC staff and volunteers in their daily work of rehabilitating Wisconsin wildlife. The new grant will allow WINC to launch an environmental education internship which will have interns assist in on-site programming.


Northwestern Mutual awards grants to two local organizations
Northwestern Mutual Foundation recently awarded two $10,000 grants to local organizations to honor two NML financial representatives and their volunteer involvement.
 The Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired received a $10,000 grant in recognition of in recognition of financial representative James Dobrinska, and the Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation received a $10,000 grant in recognition of financial representative Michael Hargarten.
The two representatives are participants in North Western Mutual’s 16th annual national Community Service Award program.
“I am honored to be a leader of the Badger Association as we embark on a new era after a recent merger that has allowed us to expand our mission of providing opportunities to children and adults with vision loss,” said Dobrinska.  “I am grateful for Northwestern Mutual’s support of the Association.”
Dobrinska and Hargarten are two of 25 recipients that will be recognized with the Community Service Award. Through the program more than $275,000 will be donated to nonprofit organizations this year.
“Rogers Memorial Hospital has provided hope, help and healing for those suffering from mental illness for 103 years,” said Hargarten. “The Endowment Fund assures that quality treatment will be available for the next 100 years. I am honored to serve this great organization and grateful to Northwestern Mutual for its generous gift.”
Both the award winners will be presented with the  Community Service Award during Northwestern Mutual’s Annual Meeting on Tuesday, July 27, at the company’s headquarters.

Brewers Melvin commits to raising funds for breast cancer foundation
Doug Melvin, executive vice president and general manager for the Milwaukee Brewers, and his wife Ellen have announced plans to once again raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Milwaukee.
The two will raffle off a framed autographed jersey of Prince Fielder during the game on Sunday, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. A framed autographed jersey of Rickie Weeks will be raffled off during the game on Friday, Aug. 27. Tickets are $5 each and will be available on the Field Level near Guest Relations
Last year, the Melvin’s raised more than $65,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Milwaukee.
On Sunday, Aug. 8 Melvin will host “The Pink Tie Guy” event at Bacchus restaurant, 925 E. Wells St. Tickets to the event are $1,000 per couple and include a cocktail reception attended by Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, a silent auction and a custom made pink tie.
Ellen Melvin lost her mother, Elsie Schultz, to breast cancer in 1991 and the Melvin’s fundraising efforts are done in her memory.
For more information or for tickets to the Pink Tie event contact Cecelia Gore at 414-902-4544.

Volunteer Board Member spotlight
Name: Megan E. Stroinski, CPA
Employer: RitzHolman CPAs
Title: senior accountant
Nonprofit Organization: Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin Heritage Tourism Program, Inc.
Websites: www.wrightinwisconsin.org www.wrightinmilwaukee.org
Mission of the Organization
“To promote, protect and preserve the heritage of Frank Lloyd Wright in his native state of Wisconsin.”
How did you become a board member?
“When I joined RitzHolman CPAs as a full-time employee, one of the firm’s partners informed me that the organization was in need of a treasurer and after learning more about the position and the organization’s mission, I was thrilled to lend a helping hand.”
How long have you been on the board?
“I have been on the board for slightly over two years.” 
How would you encourage others to get on a board?
“The first, and most important step in the process, is to identify a cause that you are passionate about.  Then, reach out to your network to see if anyone (coworkers, friends, family, etc.) can recommend or connect you to any organizations that fit those interests.” 
What is your role on the board?
“As treasurer, I prepare the organization’s annual budget, tax return and compile a financial report for all of our board meetings.  In addition, I also maintain the organization’s financial records and participate in assembling the financial disclosure within all grant requests.  I also serve on the board’s executive and finance committees.”
Why do you volunteer?
“Volunteering has always been an important part of my life because it allows me to give back to the community in which I work and live.  The added perk is that I can utilize my accounting skills to help an organization to understand its financial position.”
How can business people/the community help your organization?
“We are currently seeking monetary donations to help support the restoration of the Frank Lloyd Wright homes that are located on Burnham Street in Milwaukee.”   
Best Volunteering Memory
“A few years ago, while attending the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, I organized a group of coworkers to sort clothing and other donated items at a Salvation Army thrift store.  Many of the students involved had never volunteered before so it was invigorating to introduce them to such a rewarding experience.  We all formed several lasting friendships that day.”

If you or someone you know would like to be featured in the BizTimes Board Member Spotlight please send suggestions to alysha.schertz@biztimes.com

Daniels becomes chair of GMF board
John Daniels Jr., chairman of Quarles and Brady LLP has been appointed chair of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation board of directors.
“John’s leadership is a great asset to the Foundation,” said Douglas Jansson, president of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. “His commitment to the community, in his professional and personal life, exemplifies the important work the Foundation is engaged in to improve the community.”
Daniels was named the 2009 Lawyer of the Year by the Milwaukee Bar Association, received the 2008 Leadership Award from the National Bar Association and was identified nationally as one of the “100 Managing Partners You Need to Know” by Lawdragon.com. He also serves as vice chairman of the Greater Milwaukee Committee and serves on the boards of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Ralph Evinrude Foundation, Zilber Neighborhood Initiative, Aurora
Health Care and Marshall & Ilsley Corporation.

BizTimes Milwaukee has launched its 2010 Nonprofit Directory. Submissions for the directory were collected since the beginning of 2010, and the list is now available for viewing and for purchase in a print format. The directory includes vital information about 501(c)3 organizations based in or serving Milwaukee, Waukesha, Walworth, Racine, Kenosha, Washington, Ozaukee or Sheboygan counties. The directory is intended to connect the region's nonprofit organizations with the business community. Submissions can still be made online and an electronic version of the directory is available for viewing online at www.biztimes.com/nonprofit.

• Monday, July 19 St. Francis Foundation will host its Annual Golf Outing at Tuckaway Country Club. Participation in the outing will benefit the children educated at the Child Development Center of St. Joseph and the senior residents who call Villa St. Francis their home. Those interested can choose to play in the outing, provide raffle or auction items, or make cash donations. For questions or for further information call the St. Francis Foundation office at 414-645-5337, ext 270
• Saturday, July 24 Horny Goat Brewing Company has teamed up with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to raise money for cystic fibrosis research. The two will host the Tailgoat Fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis. The tailgate event will highlight Horny Goat Beer and Usinger Brats before Milwaukee Brewers take on the Washington Nationals at 6 p.m. Tickets to the event are $45 and include a ticket to the game, beer, brats, raffle prizes and a free shuttle to and from the game. To purchase your ticket to this event click here.
• Monday, July 28 Wegener CPAs and Consultants LLP will host a Health Care Tax Credit & HIRE Act Seminar for nonprofits from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Wegener offices, 6737 West Washington Street, Milwaukee. The seminar will discuss what the new small business health care tax means for nonprofit and other tax-exempt organizations. Attendees will learn which employers are eligible for the credit, what the maximum credit allowed is, how the credit is calculated and how the credit is claimed. Kim Ruef, partner with Wegner CPAs & Consultants will discuss these tax breaks. The seminar is free to attend. For more information and to register click here.
• Saturday, Aug. 28 The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin will host its Walk & Run for Wishes along Milwaukee’s Lakefront. The 5k walk, run and wheelchair raise will raise funds to help support the wishes of Wisconsin children. Vince Condella, chief meteorologist of WITI-TV FOX6 will serve as honorary chair. Guests will be able to enjoy live entertainment from The Screamin’ Cucumbers, face painting and a kids’ dash, all at the north end of the Henry W. Maier Festival Grounds. Interested participants can register at www.walkforwishes.com or by calling 800.236.WISH.
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To view additional calendar items or to submit your own events please visit the BizTimes.com calendar

• Association of Fundraising Professionals
• Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee
• Donors Forum of Wisconsin
• Greater Milwaukee Foundation
• Leave a Legacy Wisconsin
• Marquette Funding Information Center
• MRA-The Management Association
• Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee
• Nonprofit Center Workshop Calendar
• Non Profit Jobs
• Partnership for Philanthropic Planning
• UWM Helen Bader Institute for Non Profit Management
• UWM School of Continuing Education nonprofit workshops
• Volunteer Center of Greater Milwaukee