A Gift That Grows, Supporting Youth Service and Leadership
For generations, the Wide Awake 4-H Club has been a cornerstone of the Baldwin, Wisc. community, fostering leadership, service and agricultural education. The club’s mission extends beyond teaching valuable skills – it’s about making a difference in the lives of its members and the community they call home.
“Part of our mission is to educate the community and our members about agriculture,” shares Lilly Peterson, president of the Wide Awake 4-H Club. “Overall, today’s youth isn’t as involved in agriculture as they used to be, so getting more younger kids in our club helps get the word out and involved in our community.”
The club’s efforts reach across Baldwin, from assisting at the American Legion’s events to engaging with residents at local nursing homes. Whether it’s helping at dinners or cleaning up the cemetery, their presence is felt in every corner of the community.
Lance Kamm, an English teacher at Baldwin-Woodville High School and longtime 4-H advocate, reflects on the club’s impact: “For me, the help they provide our American Legion is incredible. They do so much throughout the year in the Baldwin community.”
This year, as the club continues to grow and welcome younger members, their potential to make a difference has expanded – and they recently received a gift to help them achieve even more.
Pictured above (from L to R): Glenn Wachtler, Compeer team member; Lance Kamm, Compeer Financial’s Wisconsin winner of the 2024 Giving Tuesday contest; MaKayla Weyer, Wide Awake 4-H Club member; Stella Kamm Wide Awake 4-H Club treasurer; Lilly Peterson Wide Awake 4-H Club president
Thanks to a $2,500 gift as part of Compeer Financial’s Giving Tuesday contest, the Wide Awake 4-H Club is poised to take on new projects and create meaningful opportunities for its members and the community. Lance Kamm was the Wisconsin winner of Compeer’s contest and chose to uplift the 4-H Club. His daughters are members of the club today.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to see what our 4-Hers come up with in to use this money in a worthwhile way,” Kamm says. “We are grateful to Compeer for thinking of 4-H Clubs and giving us this opportunity.”
For members like Lilly Peterson, who is nearing her final year in 4-H, the gift represents an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. “This year, our club has been getting more young members, which is good to see. It’s important to keep them involved and excited about what we do.”
With their commitment to service and agriculture education, the Baldwin Wide Awake 4-H Club is ready to put the donation to work, ensuring their mission continues to shine brightly in the years to come.
Baldwin Wide Awake 4-H Club was a recipient of a $2,500 donation from Compeer Financial after its Giving Tuesday 2024 contest, which gave winners the opportunity to designate a gift to their favorite local organization. Three winners were chosen – one from each state in Compeer’s service area. Check out the heartwarming stories from the other two winners:
- ILLINOIS: Maggie St. Peters chose to give her $2,500 gift to the Tri-Valley FFA Chapter
- MINNESOTA: Kyle Miller designated his donation to the Zion Lutheran Food Pantry
Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders, Giving Back to R…
Tri-Valley FFA empowers students in rural Illinois with leadership skills and ag education. Learn how a $2,500 Giving Tuesday donation supports their mission.
Feeding Hope in Rural Communities, One Meal …
Zion Lutheran Food Pantry is helping neighbors in need with meals and a food pantry. This Giving Tuesday, their impact grew even more with the help of Compeer.
Donations Uplift Rural Communities on Giving…
Compeer Financial supports food pantry, FFA chapter and 4-H club in rural communities across three states after Giving Tuesday contest winners are announced.