How Banquet Dollars Become Youth Outdoor Opportunities

Your Support at Work in Wisconsin Communities

“Every Dollar Makes Wings, Water, Wildlife, and Youth Programs Stronger.”

Every year, local Wings Over Wisconsin chapters host fundraising banquets that bring together conservation supporters, volunteers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts from across Wisconsin. While these banquets are filled with fellowship, raffles, auctions, and fun, their purpose goes far beyond a single evening.

The funds raised at chapter banquets directly support local conservation projects, youth education, outdoor accessibility, and free community events that introduce children and families to Wisconsin’s outdoor traditions.

From kids fishing days to wildlife education programs, these events are possible because of the generous support shown at chapter banquets throughout the year.

Turning Banquet Dollars into Community Events

On May 16th, the Denmark Chapter hosted a free Kids Fishing Event in Eaton that welcomed families from across Northeast Wisconsin. Children enjoyed free fishing, bait, loaner fishing poles, concessions, door prizes, and the “Touch of the Wild” wildlife trailer.

Events like this are funded through the hard work and support generated by local chapter banquets and volunteers who believe in giving children the opportunity to experience the outdoors.

The Wingettes Chapter in Mayville will continue that mission on June 6th with its free Pond Opening Kids Fishing Event on Degner Avenue. The event will feature youth fishing, prizes, refreshments, outdoor activities, and appearances from Larry Smith Outdoors and the OHEC wildlife trailer.

That same day, the Ozaukee Chapter will host a Novice Learn to Fish Day at Puckett’s Pond in Harrington Beach State Park. Families can attend free of charge, with equipment, lunch, and outdoor instruction all provided.

The Coulee Region Chapter will also host a Kids Fishing and Outdoor Activities Day on June 13th, helping introduce children to fishing, conservation, and outdoor recreation in a fun and welcoming environment.

More Than Fishing Events

Banquet fundraising also helps Wings Over Wisconsin support accessibility and outdoor education opportunities across the state.

During the MOHEE Expo on May 6th and 7th, the Mayville and Eden chapters donated track chairs to help children with mobility needs experience the outdoors more comfortably and independently.

Several chapters also helped fund bussing services so more children could attend the educational event and experience hands-on outdoor learning.

These are the kinds of programs made possible through banquet participation, donations, volunteers, and community support.

Every banquet ticket purchased, raffle entered, donation made, and volunteer hour given helps create opportunities for children and families to build confidence, discover the outdoors, and make lifelong memories.

That’s the true impact of Wings Over Wisconsin chapter banquets — turning community support into conservation, education, and outdoor experiences for the next generation.

Help Us Create the Next Outdoor Memory

When you support Wings Over Wisconsin, you are doing more than making a donation — you are helping a child catch their first fish, giving families a reason to spend time outdoors together, and creating opportunities for the next generation to learn about conservation and wildlife.

The youth fishing events, outdoor education programs, accessibility equipment, and community activities highlighted here are only possible because of generous supporters, banquet attendees, volunteers, and donors like you.

Whether you attend a chapter banquet, sponsor an event, volunteer your time, or make a donation, your support stays active in local communities and helps ensure these experiences continue for years to come.

Join us in building future conservationists and keeping Wisconsin’s outdoor traditions strong for generations to come.