GAC Reports to the Community

Grand Event 2021 and the Revitalization of Grand Avenue Club

Grand Avenue Club's first Grand Event occurred in 1993. Held at our first Clubhouse on North 4th Street, it was a spaghetti and meatball dinner prepared and served by GAC colleagues to a small group of supporters. The program consisted of speeches and much heartfelt gratitude. GAC colleagues not only cooked and served, but washed dishes, swept, and mopped before we went home at 1 a.m.!

We raised at little more than $1,000 and came away from the experience satisfied and happy. Since that time, our base of sponsors and supporters has increased beyond what we ever imagined 28 years ago.

Grand Event 2021, like Grand Event 2020, was a "virtual" event, whereby we communicated with attendees via a video of colleagues talking about the impact of GAC on their lives. (You may view this video on our website, www.grandavenueclub.org. or the link below.)

As always, our members articulated beautifully how the GAC community has offered them unparalleled opportunities via friendship, running GAC, working for pay in the community, learning at nearby schools, and being involved in the visual arts, writing, and outings.

Our ambitious fund-raising goal was $160,000. We are proud to report that

Grand Event 2021 raised $187.259.39 via corporations and smaller businesses, foundations, individuals in Wisconsin as well as members, staff, family members, and dear friends in other states.

We are proud to have contributed to the robust financial health of our Clubhouse. The timing is good. Why? Because our post-pandemic Clubhouse selves are in the midst of a rejuvenation. Above you will find a photo of an historic occasion: the first Tuesday morning GAC face-to-face House Meeting in a very long time! While GAC House Meetings have gone on throughout the pandemic, they have been Zoom meetings.

Grand Event 2021 supporters, we thank you! Your support has enabled us to continue to be a "community that works" and to be both a treasure trove of opportunities for our members and a source of unparalleled satisfaction for both members and staff.

We hope it is not too early to ask you to Save the Date for Grand Event 2022, which will be a return to that Milwaukee landmark, The Pfister, where we will enjoy a reception, a sit down dinner, some wine, several wonderful member testimonials, and a silent auction!

This will happen on Thursday evening, June 16, 2022.

Save the Date and See You There!

Above: Jose Carmona, a student at MATC, can often be found in GAC's library and student study room in the Membership, Education & Employment Unit.

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Above: Brandon Kenny working in the Office Services Department at Foley & Lardner LLP, GAC's first Transitional Employment partner.

Above: Robert Fondren and Angela Burian work at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Tuesdays, through GAC's Group Placement Program.

Above: GAC colleagues enjoy each others' company outside the Work-Ordered-Day, often going to events together in the community such as sporting events, museums, and theatrical productions.

Above: GAC has three work units, (l-r) the Culinary Unit, Retail & Business Management Unit (which is responsible for running the Water St. Boutique), and the Membership, Education & Employment Unit. Working collegially, members and staff run these units during the work week.

Above: GAC has a dedicated Art Collective program consisting of weekly meetings, evening workshops. and 2 public art shows a year. Here are colleagues at the end of a recent Wednesday evening art workshop entitled, "Colors In Motion: A Kinetic Art Workshop."

Grand Event 2021

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WE ARE NOT ALONE--NOT NOW, NOT EVER!

The Colleagues of Grand Avenue Club

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