What's Inside:

- Steve Peterman 2025 Pillar of the Community

- Ways to Give

- MTCF Approves 2025-2029 Strategic Plan

- Help Mequon Arby’s Win Big for MTCF!

- MTCF Recent Grant Presentations

- Spirit Lake Connector Trail Update/Donor Event

- Spring 2025 Grants Awarded

- MTCF 2025 Event Sponsorships 

Steve Peterman 2025 Pillar of the Community

Pictured L to R: Steve Peterman and MTCF President Lori Lorenz.

Photo Courtesy of Liz Doering Photography

Over 265 family, friends, and community leaders gathered on June 10, 2025, at River Club of Mequon for MTCF’s 13th annual Pillars of the Community Luncheon to recognize Steve Peterman for his tireless and selfless years of service. Steve’s many contributions to Mequon, Thiensville, and Ozaukee County can be felt through his involvement in the Mequon Architectural Review Board, COPE Services, and Advocates of Ozaukee. But Steve’s greatest impact on the community perhaps stems from his 35 years of active membership with the M-T Sunrise Rotary Club, which provided him a vehicle to truly transform Mequon and Thiensville through projects such as the Rotary Riverwalk, Mequon Thiensville Town Center Gateway, and Rotary Park. Steve, a charter member of the club, fully embodies Rotary’s motto: “service above self.” Please join us in congratulating Steve as the MTCF 2025 Pillar of the Community!

According to MTCF President Lori Lorenz, “I can’t imagine a more deserving individual to receive this award. From his humility to his leadership and commitment to service, Steve is a true unsung hero of Mequon-Thiensville. The impact he has had epitomizes what it means to be a Pillar of the Community.”

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and guests, MTCF President Lori Lorenz reported that the event netted $66,000, which will go towards MTCF's general fund to be used for future grants. MTCF would like to thank the many generous sponsors who helped make this event possible: Platinum/Presenting - Gentian Financial; Gold - Sommer's Automotive, and Lakeside Luxury Homes; Silver - Richmond Investment Services, and Spectrum Investment Advisors; and Bronze - Shaffer Development, and WE Wealth Management Group/RBC Wealth Management; and our many table and underwriting sponsors. 

To see pictures from the event and learn more about Steve, go to www.mtcfgives.org/potc

MTCF hosted a Strategic Planning Retreat earlier this year bringing together nearly 50 participants—including MTCF Board members, committee members, and community leaders to help shape MTCF’s future. Following intensive discussions and interviews, six key strategic initiatives were identified to guide the MTCF’s work going forward. The Executive Committee completed a final review of the plan in March, and it was unanimously approved by the Board in April 2025. The plan includes a framework for measuring progress and a tracking tool to ensure accountability.

To learn more about the plan and to follow MTCF’s progress, visit our dedicated webpage.

We’re thrilled to announce that the Mequon Arby’s has selected the Mequon-Thiensville Community Foundation (MTCF) as their local beneficiary in a nationwide AES Foundation fundraising competition—and we need your help to bring home the win!

AES Group, LLC, a proud franchisee of 229 Arby’s restaurants across 17 states, believes in more than just fast, friendly service; they live their motto: Attitude Equals Success! Through their charitable arm, the AES Foundation, they empower team members to nominate local nonprofits like MTCF that are making a difference in their own communities.

From June 30 to August 3, 100% of the donations collected at the Mequon Arby’s will go directly to MTCF, supporting our local parks, beautification efforts, safety and municipal services, and other community enrichment projects. Whether you’re craving a classic Roast Beef Sandwich, a fresh Market Fresh wrap, or a crisp side salad, please consider donating.  You can round up, donate $1, or donate $10—every contribution makes a difference in building a thriving, ever-improving Mequon-Thiensville.

Let’s rally together and show the nation the power of our community—stop by, donate, and help Mequon Arby’s help our community! 

MTLL - Storage Shed at Rotary Park $10,000 Grant:

Thiensville Village Park Sport Court $48,130 Grant:

Thiensville Village Park Splash Pad $44,013.59 Grant:

Spirit Lake Connector Trail

Sneak Peek Donor Walk Event held on May 15th

MTCF awarded $49,059 to Restoring Lands (formerly Ozaukee Washington Land Trust & River Revitalization Foundation) to help fund a connector trail between Spirit Lake Nature Preserve and Pukaite Woods at Rotary Park. Two rich natural areas featuring trails, wetlands, and native species will be forever linked into a 3.5-mile network of footpaths and boardwalks in the heart of Mequon. Donors who contributed to this project via a paddle raise at MTCF’s 2024 Pillar of the Community Luncheon, honoring Connie Pukaite, got a sneak peek at the trail progress on May 15th after the check presentation.  

“Restoring Lands is deeply grateful to Connie Pukaite and the Mequon-Thiensville Community Foundation for envisioning and providing seed funding for the new connector trail,” said Restoring Lands Executive Director Tom Stolp. “The new trail invites visitors to spend extended time in nature among forest, prairie, and wetland ecosystems, conveniently located in the middle of Mequon.” Completion of the project is slated for late August 2025.

MTCF will join Restoring Lands, the City of Mequon, and Wisconsin Wetlands Association for a celebration of wetlands and trail connections at Pukaite Woods and Spirit Lake Preserve in Mequon. This open-house style event will be held on Thursday, August 21st, at the City of Mequon Rotary Park Pavilion, 4100 Highland Rd, Mequon, WI 53092, from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Choose between two guided hikes: a shorter hike along the new connector trail and a longer hike that will follow the connector trail and also visit wetlands restored in recent years by Restoring Lands. Registrations appreciated.

The MTCF Board of Directors is pleased to announce the following grants that were awarded as part of their spring review cycle:

Mequon Nature Preserve - $5,160  for a Tag-A-Long trailer that attaches to utility vehicles

Mequon Thiensville Little League (MTLL) - $10,000 for a dugout

Village of Thiensville Historic Preservation Commission - $5,000 for historical marking plaques



Thiensville Mequon Pickleball at Rangeline (TMPA) - $10,000 towards 8 dedicated pickleball courts at Range Line Community Center

MTCF 2025 Event Sponsorships

May 10th, Mequon Redbud Festival

June 28th, Fun Before the 4th

July 17th, Downtown Thiensville Eats & Beats

August 13th, Mequon-Thiensville Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

September 6th, Taste of Mequon