Casual For A Cause
Our team at Great Midwest Bank loves casual Fridays. It’s not just because we love a good pair of blue jeans — we’re also supporting a local cause we care about.
Casual for a Cause was sparked by our mission to do more for the local Wisconsin community. At the start of every year, our branch locations nominate organizations that help people (and animals!) in the Milwaukee, Brookfield, Hartland, Madison and Chilton communities. We then create a calendar of twelve selected causes. Each Friday, our staff donates toward the month’s cause and eases into the weekend with jeans and sneakers.
Fridays are our time to raise funds and awareness for organizations that make our communities a better place. When you stop by on a Friday and we’re dressed casually, we encourage you to ask us what organization we’re supporting this month. We’re passionate about our causes and welcome donations. Anything helps!
In 2022, we raised $8,080 for 12 local charities including Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, YMCA of Dane County, Alzheimer’s Association, Inner Beauty Center, Camp Hometown Heroes, Best Buddies, Emma Loves Dogs, Habitat for Humanity, Shop with a Cop, Franciscan Peacemakers, Feeding America and Rawhide Youth Services.
2023 Charitable Organizations
Here are the organizations we’re proud to support in our 2023 Casual for a Cause efforts:
January: St. Jude Hospital
The West Allis branch chose St. Jude Hospital as our January cause. St. Jude is a research hospital committed to advancing pediatric disease prevention and treatment. A key part of their mission is to ensure every kid has access to the treatment they need.
February: WAGS
Our Madison branch collectively chose WAGS because they are animal lovers who are passionate about WAGS’ mission. WAGS (Wisconsin Academy for Graduate Service Dogs) is dedicated to connecting people who have physical disabilities with trained service dogs. GMB loan officer Aaron Meyer personally knows someone who received a service dog from WAGS. The dogs help individuals lead independent lives by assisting with daily tasks and providing companionship.
March: Alzheimer’s Association
The Brookfield loan building staff members chose to support the Alzheimer’s Association again in 2023. The Alzheimer’s Association conducts research, education and advocacy to aid in the fight against dementia-related illnesses. Most of us have been impacted by having a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, or know someone who has; that’s why this cause is particularly near to our hearts.
April: Street Angels
For April, our Greenfield branch selected Street Angels Milwaukee Outreach, an organization that helps homeless people in Milwaukee. They work to help people living on the streets feel more comfortable in the present and connect them with housing resources for the future. Street Angels provides meals, clothing, personal care items and more to local people.
May: Camp Hometown Heroes
Our whole GMB team is passionate about supporting Camp Hometown Heroes. In addition to supporting them in May for Casual for a Cause, we’ve also volunteered for them in the past. Camp Hometown Heroes runs a summer camp program for kids and siblings of fallen US service members. The camp offers tools for healing, providing children the opportunity to form connections with others who have been through similar losses. Equally important, Camp Hometown Heroes emphasizes fun — after all, it’s camp!
June: The Women’s Center
Our Brookfield branch and admin building chose The Women’s Center as the June cause this year. Based in Waukesha, The Women’s Center provides resources for kids and adults affected by abuse. The organization assesses the unique needs of everyone they work with, often providing assistance with basic needs like shelter, food and transportation. They also work to empower people with tools to live a safe and independent life.
July: Wildlife In Need Center
GMB’s Hartland branch nominated the Wildlife In Need Center this year. This organization focuses on wildlife rehabilitation for sick, injured, or orphaned animals, with the goal of safely returning these animals to their natural habitats. Wildlife In Need Center is also actively involved with educating the local community about wildlife conservation.
August: Habitat for Humanity
Our August cause is Habitat for Humanity, an organization we have regularly enjoyed volunteering for. At Great Midwest Bank we love helping local people with their homeownership goals — that must be why we get so excited about Habitat for Humanity’s efforts! Habitat for Humanity works with community members to build or renovate a home, with the goal of helping people secure quality and affordable housing.
September: Association for Handicapable People
This year our Chilton branch has chosen the Association for Handicapable People as the September Casual for a Cause charity. They are an organization local to the Chilton area that helps support the goals of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
October: HeartLove Place
Our Bayside branch selected HeartLove Place this year. HeartLove Place assists people who live in Milwaukee’s Harambee Neighborhood — ultimately serving to strengthen and empower the Milwaukee community. HeartLove Place offers self-help programs, baby supplies to families that need them, and other resources to the local community.
November: Make-A-Wish Wisconsin
In November, our Casual for a Cause organization is Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. Make-A-Wish asks children with serious illnesses to share their wish, then works to grant that wish for them. The organization strives to empower each sponsored kid with hope for the future as they navigate their illness.
December: Lucky Clover Rescue
For December, our Southridge branch has chosen to support Lucky Clover Rescue. Lucky Clover is an animal sanctuary for abused, neglected and otherwise in-need farm animals, with special focus on horses. Based in Waterford, Wisconsin, Lucky Clover works to care for and rehabilitate animals. The organization connects many animals they take in with caring new homes, and their sanctuary also houses some permanent residents.