Cornerstone and Mel’s Charities Spread Joy Throughout Ozaukee County
Pictured are: Natalie Rohn, Michele Conrad, Sonia DeBlaey, Becki Schimpf, Christie Gutknecht, of Cornerstone Community Bank; Tom “Mel” Stanton, Mel’s Charities executive director; Ross Rintelman, Mel’s Charities board member/ambassador; and Ed Trygstad, Mel’s Charities board president.
Cornerstone Community Bank in Grafton recently partnered with Mel’s Charities to deliver over 70 “Bags of Joy” to individuals and families who needed a pick-me-up during the holiday season. Each bag contained approximately $500 in gift cards from area businesses.
Tom “Mel” Stanton, executive director of Mel’s Charities, explained, “We purchased over $43,000 worth of gift cards from area businesses who have been long-time supporters of our mission. Putting money back into our local communities is a way of saying thank you. What a better way to end the year than spreading some joy?”
These businesses and local non-profit organizations provided names of people who could use some extra joy this holiday season. Each “Bag of Joy” contained a gift box containing a Mel’s Charities hat, a Cornerstone Community Bank piggy key chain and a home-made card created by the Mel’s PIGment for a Cause arts group, in addition to the gift cards from businesses ranging from grocery stores and gas stations to restaurants.
“We were excited to partner with Mel’s Charities on this project,” said Becki Schimpf, marketing coordinator at Cornerstone Community Bank. “As a community bank, we believe in giving back. To ‘be the light’ to others during the holidays means so much and is truly heartwarming. Our employees also welcomed the opportunity to be part of “Bags of Joy” and bringing an unexpected surprise to many.”
“Moving forward, we are going to give away “Bags of Joy” throughout the year,” added Stanton. “We realize people often need joy beyond the holiday season. We look forward to spreading happiness 12 months of the year where we can.”
