From The Community, To The Schools,
For The Future.
Giving Tuesday is December 1, 2020
In this time of uncertainty, there's a fundamental truth that gives us hope - that together we can do extraordinary things. 

Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference. Throughout the year there are many different ways you can support OPEF as we continue to fund innovative and unique learning opportunities that benefit students throughout the district. 

  1. Help with OPEF Fundraising Events
  2. Join an OPEF Committee
  3. Serve on the OPEF Board
  4. Sponsor an OPEF Event
  5. Designate your giving to a specific learning area
Join us on #GivingTuesday, Dec. 1, 2020 as we rally to raise and provide funds for innovative educational opportunities and experiences that will positively impact OASD students and the community by:
·        Encouraging leadership
·        Fostering excellence, and
·        Nurturing a sense of belonging through our public schools
Invitation to Shine
OPEF Virtual Fundraiser Opportunity!
Shop November 4 - November 30
Last Spring, our Board of Directors made the very difficult decision to cancel the OPEF 2020 Annual Ball which serves as our primary fundraiser for the year. In conjunction with Grace & Heart, we will be hosting our first virtual fundraiser from November 4- November 30, 2020. Grace & Heart is .925 sterling silver, nickel free, hand-crafted jewelry that has a lifetime guarantee. ALL proceeds from this event will be donated directly to OPEF to help us continue to support the learning needs of OASD students. Click the button below to shop for a great cause and get some holiday shopping done at the same time. All orders ship directly to you. Shine On!
OPEF Board Member Spotlight
Vicky Voelz joined the OPEF Board of Directors in September 2019. Vicky had learned about the OPEF mission and how great it was working with everyone involved with OPEF through her co-worker, Leigh Jordan, former board member and ball committee chairperson.  

Vicky works as a Customer Service Manager at Bank Five Nine and also works part-time at the Hilton Garden Inn in Oconomowoc. She has four daughters, Alexa, Kyla, Isabella and Annika and a dog named Shadow. All four of her daughters attended Oconomowoc schools from 4K through graduation from OHS. When Vicky is not working or volunteering at community events, she loves spending time with her family. She also enjoys music, trivia and reading in her free time. 

Having four children graduate from the district, Vicky said she was always so impressed with how their teachers were able to inspire learning through enthusiasm and dedication. Vicky said she joined OPEF because she wanted to be part of helping that continue. She enjoys seeing how happy students are when taking part in activities made possible through OPEF grants. 

Vicky encourages everyone in the community to support OPEF in whatever way possible because the future of our community relies on the strength of our youth. Public education plays such an integral role in building knowledge, strengthening both the physical and mental health of students and preparing them for a wide range of opportunities beyond high school. Vicky said it is a great feeling to support the educators who make this happen! 

Please contact us at [email protected] to learn more about how you can get involved!  


President's Message

I think fall is my favorite season, or maybe what I hope fall will be…warm breezy days followed by crisp cool nights. I always hope fall will last for several months, but here in Wisconsin, we know it can seem like we were shortchanged! One thing that may have been mainstay on your fall calendar was our annual ball. It’s our primary fundraiser which takes nearly a year to plan and prepare for. Although this year, we’re not able to gather for this event, the needs we support haven’t gone away. As you can see, this fall we’re promoting Giving Tuesday, which is December 1st. The hope on Giving Tuesday is to inspire charitable giving around the world. If you’ve supported OPEF in the past by attending the ball, donating auction items, placing bids for our silent and live auction items or sponsoring the event, please consider a similar financial donation again this year so we can continue to provide our students with innovative learning opportunities. So, mark your calendars for Giving Tuesday on December 1st and visit www.opef.info to make your donation. Thank you!


Barb Woodruff
OPEF Board President
2020-2021 OPEF Board of Directors
2020-2021 OPEF Board of Directors:
Barb Woodruff, President; Maura Rich, Treasurer; Chris Skumatz, Secretary; Laura Baird, Tom Bartos, Matt Carrico, Rachel Lloyd, Allison Mueller, Lori Naylor, Kerry Rich, Kristin Schreindl, Vicky Voelz and we would like to welcome new board members Megan Larson, Michele Smith and Jennifer Leinen. Katie Westerman, formerly OPEF Board Vice-President and Grants Chair currently serves as Marketing and Communications Coordinator.




Pictured Bottom Row (L-R): Laura Baird, Kerry Rich and Kristin Schreindl
Top Row (L-R): Chris Skumatz, Secretary, Barb Woodruff, President, A.J. Mueller, Jen Leinen and Vicky Voelz
P.O. Box 444
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 53066
Phone: 262-560-2178