A home run for school play.
Port Washington State Bank teamed up with baseball pro and Fredonia native Owen Miller to raise money for Northern Ozaukee School District's backyard renovations. The event titled "Fredonia's Backyard Bash" was held on Thursday, July 6 at PWSB's Fredonia branch. In exchange for free food and the chance to meet and talk with Owen, attendees donated to the school's renovation project, and PWSB matched all donations dollar-for-dollar, adding up to almost $5,000.
"We were thrilled to welcome Owen home and partner with him to fundraise in the community for a great cause," commented James Schowalter, President and COO. "Thanks to Owen’s help, we raised $2,344.01 in cash donations for Northern Ozaukee Schools. Port Washington State Bank originally donated $1,000 in match dollars, but when we saw Owen’s commitment to shaking every hand that night, we had to match the full amount raised, giving the school $4,688.02 to the backyard renovations," he added.
Shown above: PWSB branch manager BreAnna Porth (left) and personal banker Rebecca Pleugers (right) present the proceeds from the Fredonia Backyard Bash to David Karrels, superintendent of schools at Northern Ozaukee School District.
Northern Ozaukee School District projects are in full swing at Ozaukee Elementary School Playground. This space will now be known as the NOSD Backyard. The goal of this space is to bring creative play and learning to all ages as though it was their own home's backyard. Thanks to district funding and generous grant funding by the Bruce Krier Foundation, the district is targeting to complete the first phase of the renovation by the start of the 2023-24 school year. Phase one consists of new drainage, a cement pad for basketball and other playground games, a walking path, 2 natural climbers, swings, basketball hoops, gaga ball pits, landscaping, and more. In future phases, it is intended to include more areas for natural play. These areas are meant to, but not limited to, encourage creativity, reduce stress, improve social, emotional, and fine and gross motor skills, and promote inclusion. In addition, there will be areas for additional NOSD outdoor classrooms. With the addition of Riveredge Scientist in Resident, Rachel Race, students and staff are seeing the many benefits of outdoor learning, and this Backyard space will enhance this even more.
