WAUPUN — Local youth outreach program REACH Waupun received significant community support this week at the Homan Auto fundraiser event.
The event was held at The Rock Golf Club on Thursday, September 10. The event included a social hour, full meal and desserts, presentations, live auction, and music.
Following the meal, REACH director Jayne Harmsen thanked everyone for attending and briefly spoke about what REACH is all about.
Harmsen then introduced Alyssa Crossley and her son, Carter. Carter went through two cancer treatments in the last two years. He was first diagnosed with brain cancer two years ago, and while in remission for that he was diagnosed with leukemia. He is a strong kid and is now recovering, and will be “in the clear” in the next few months. While on the stage he said he really enjoys being in the REACH program.
Both of Crossley’s sons, Carter and Levi, participate in the REACH program doing activities with their mentors.
This was followed by Mark Homan, who introduced former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver, the headline speaker of the event. Driver spoke about his life and how he became a professional NFL player, and shared some of his life lessons.
Driver also participated in the live auction by signing several pieces of memorabilia for auction winners, including the grand prize of getting to wear his Superbowl ring along with receiving a signed ball, helmet, and metal poster. The winner was Tammy Rens after Leanne Huizenga donated her win back to the fundraiser.
Other auction items included a one year premium membership to The Rock Golf Club, two signed Brewers jerseys, vacation tickets, and more.
The banquet included a meal from Chef Chance, which included home-style cooking and a vast array of desserts. After the auction, the floor was cleared for live entertainment by Aaron Nichols.
“Thank you to all who sponsored and attended our REACH Waupun Event last evening—a lot of laughs, smiles, and sharing,” Homan Auto posted to Facebook Friday evening. “With the help of our friend Donald Driver and a lot of very generous people, you helped REACH Waupun raise approximately $140,000 to continue to help our great community!”
The event was attended by over 200 people, notably including Mayor of Waupun Rohn Bishop, Alderman Dan Siebers, and City Attorney Dan VandeZande.
