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P.O. Box 347, Elkhorn, WI 53121

Email: friends@friendsoww.org

oldworldfoundation.org

Supporting Old World Wisconsin With Stewardship And Integrity Since 1984,

Thanks to YOU!

In this issue:

  • YOU can enhance STEM-based programs at Old World Wisconsin
  • Our Chair's Challenge Announced - Join us for Sunset Soiree on August 23
  • Independence Days --Celebrate America's Birthday at OWW
  • Classifieds--New Wooden Shoes Needed

Announcing our 7th Annual Chair's Challenge -

Sunset Soiree Fundraiser to Benefit

Old World Wisconsin!

Each year since 2019, the Chair of the Old World Foundation Board of Trustees has chosen a project or program to highlight based on the needs of Old World Wisconsin. Our Chair then challenges our supporters to raise money to fund that project or program. Our Sunset Soiree is a night of celebration to thank those who donate $250 or more to the chosen project or program.


Over the past 7 years, we have raised over $245,880 from this fundraiser THANKS TO YOU!


Rosanne McGuire, Old World Foundation Board Chair

announces this year's "Chair's Challenge"

Sunset Soiree...an enchanted evening celebrating how hands-on learning ignites curiosity at Old World Wisconsin


Did you know that STEM-based learning began in the mid-1800s with the formation of agricultural sciences? STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) based learning offers numerous advantages, including enhanced critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the development of skills like creativity and collaboration.

This year, we are hoping to raise at least $40,000 to fund

new interactive, STEM-based programming across the site.

 

We would like to begin with enhancements to the activities in the Wagon Shop, but your gift may also provide enhancements to Catch Wheel Fever, the Yankee Farm, the 1900s Polish Immigrant Home, the Pomeranian area and more!



Our thanks to DeYounté Ramsey for creating this beautiful artwork that showcases this year's Chair's Challenge focusing on STEM-based hands-on learning at Old World Wisconsin.

A Statement from the Artist:


As a multimedia artist based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, my creative practice is rooted in storytelling, cultural memory, and the rich visual language of community and connection. As both a creator and a father of two, I’ve come to see the world anew through the eyes of my children—eyes filled with wonder, boundless curiosity, and an innate drive to explore. Their natural curiosity inspired the design for this year’s Sunset Soiree poster, which reflects the

spirit of STEM-based discovery through the lens of childhood play.

The poster captures a moment of wonder: children immersed in exploration beneath a Wisconsin sunset, echoing the educational experiences found at Old World Wisconsin. This also design celebrates the magic that happens when learning is playful, interactive, and rooted in curiosity.

-DeYounté Ramsey

Hands-on activities brings history to life at OWW and YOUR gift will ignite the curiosity that makes learning fun!

Double Your Donation!

Thanks to the generosity of several of our donors, all donations up to $18,000 will be matched 100%. This will make ALL gifts impactful AND if you donate $250 or more, you will be invited to join us for Sunset Soiree...a celebration of thanks on August 23.


While donations of any amount are appreciated, a donation of $250 or more will secure your invitation for 2 to an exclusive evening of live music, cocktails, mocktails, a variety of food, raffle run and a silent auction.


With a donation of $500 or more, you will be invited to the evening's festivities PLUS 2 tickets to Home For The Holidays in December.


A $1000 donation will give you the opportunity to bring 3 of your friends (4 people total) to Sunset Soiree on August 23 AND 2 tickets to Home For The Holidays in December!

If you are still not sure if you want to attend Sunset Soiree on the

evening of August 23, watch our short video:

Peter Irving will entertain you with live music...

https://peterirving.live/

With a deep interest in clever word play and syncopation, Peter explores various elements of folk music. From pure dance rhythms to deep metaphors and story, expect to think, move and maybe blow off a little steam.


He may even bring a few friends to play with him that night.

The fundraising celebration will take place in the Brewhouse, Tavern and Biergarten at Old World Wisconsin from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 23. The event will be held rain or shine, but in the case of severe weather, the event will be moved to Sunday, August 24.

Thank You to Our 2025 Sunset Soiree Sponsors:


Supporting Sponsors:

Creative Plastics Corp.

Corporate Sponsors:

Invitation Sponsor: Cork Pull Sponsor:

For more information about Sunset Soiree...visit our website at https://oldworldfoundation.org/sunset-soiree.html

Independence Days!

Make your plans now to attend Independence Days at Old World Wisconsin on July 4 & 5.


Sponsored by Old World Foundation thanks to our donors!


"Base ball", pie, and other red, white, and blue delights—come celebrate America’s birthday at Old World Wisconsin! Suit up in your best patriotic gear and head to the Crossroads Village for an unforgettable Independence Day Weekend full of food, games, music, performances and more. Join a spelling bee, churn your own butter, watch (or deck out your stroller and take part in) a children’s parade, and enter our famous pie-eating event for a little healthy—or should we say sweet—competition.


Visit the Old World Wisconsin Website for more information:

Classifieds

As you know, your support is crucial to enhance programs and complete projects at Old World Wisconsin. Donations of any size can be combined to make a large impact at OWW.


We have created a classified section here that will list lower cost items needed by various program areas at OWW. You will be able to donate to purchase specific items if you wish and smaller donation can be combined to enhance your impact.


Today, you can make an impact by donating to purchase wooden shoes to replace worn out or cracked wooden shoes at the 1880’s Pomeranian Immigrant Farm at Old World Wisconsin. These shoes are a key activity to the experience on the back porch of the house. Guests use the shoes to help with chores across the farm to experience what some European Farmers used as work shoes. In acquiring new shoes, they are looking to expand the range of sizes available for guests specifically in the children’s wooden shoe sizes. OWW needs 7-10 pairs of shoes and each pair costs between $30-$50 depending on the size. 


Below are the pictured items needed. If the item has already been funded, the donation will be used for another needed item in the same program.


Thank you for your consideration!

THANK YOU to the Old World Foundation Annual Sponsors:

Did you know that Old World Foundation can accept a wide variety of assets on behalf of Old World Wisconsin? These include stock, real estate, retirement accounts, and life insurance. These options may offer substantial tax benefits and flexibility. Talk with your financial advisor for advice on how to best achieve your philanthropic goals with your diverse assets.


Visit our website for more information: OWF Planned Giving Page

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P.O. Box 347

Elkhorn, WI 53121

262-594-2922

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